In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and innovators working on our next generation of new business startups, social enterprises and small businesses.
At a glance
Founders: Nick Butcher & Nelson Artificial Intelligence Institute
Business: CarbonCrop
Founded: 25 November 2020
HQ: Nelson
Can you tell us a bit about your business?
Pines are easy to register for the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), but if you’ve got native trees on your property, you’re probably leaving money on the table.
CarbonCrop changes that.
- We use technology to maximise your carbon credits, especially if you have natives.
- Our AI can remotely assess any area of any forest type with high precision, unlocking the carbon credits you’re missing out on.
- We don’t charge any upfront fees, so you won’t get stuck holding the bill.
- We’ll earn you more and we’ll take care of your compliance. Our AI monitors for the forest loss you need to report, and we’ll do all the paperwork.
- You’ve got a million and one things to do already. Let us take carbon off your plate – just like your accountant does with your taxes.
What’s the backstory for your business idea?
CarbonCrop came out of Nelson Artificial Intelligence Institute – a venture studio focused on applying AI to help understand and solve environmental problems. Nick and the AI team discovered native forests faced a problem entering into the ETS – measuring native forests was cost-prohibitive for registering for the ETS. Paying money up front to even know if you qualify was a huge hurdle and was the first thing they solved.
What programmes, learning or mentoring have been of assistance so far?
CarbonCrop has received a repayable grant from Callaghan Innovation in April 2021, as part of their tech incubator program, through WNT Ventures.
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