In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand.
At a glance
Founder: Daniel Schweizer
Business: Agridroneco
Founded: 2020
HQ: Bay of Plenty
Can you tell us a bit about your business?
Agridroneco specialises in drone-based services for New Zealand farmers and growers. Our primary focus is on utilising large spray drones for crop spraying, weed control, and moss and mould prevention on rooftops. Additionally, we offer high-resolution farm contour maps that enable precise calculations of cropping areas based on terrain.
Our cutting-edge technology and expertise in the agricultural sector allow us to provide efficient and accurate solutions for optimising farming practices. With Agridroneco, you can trust in our commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity while minimising environmental impact.
What’s the backstory for your business idea?
While working on a sheep farm in South Otago, the laborious task of manually spraying weeds, especially on steep hillsides, prompted me to seek a better alternative. Coincidentally, Chinese drone manufacturers were introducing 10-litre capacity spray drones primarily for crop spraying, but I saw their potential for spot spraying weeds. Realising accurate weed spraying depended on precise mapping, the idea of farm mapping took root.
The fusion of drone-based weed spraying and accurate farm mapping became the driving force behind my venture. I envisioned a service that not only provided efficient weed control but also valuable insights into the land. Mapping weed distribution would optimise spraying efforts, minimising chemical use and promoting sustainability. Thus, Agridroneco was born, revolutionising weed control and farm mapping in New Zealand.
What programmes, learning or mentoring, or resources have been of assistance so far?
- I listen to a lot of what people such as Elon Musk, Peter Beck and others in the tech industry have to say.
- Books such as Rich Dad Poor Dad have also helped me to back myself into starting my own business rather than being an employee.
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