DigiFarm is an ag-tech start-up based in Hamar that develops artificial intelligence models and analyzes based on satellite image data for automatic detection of tillage and sown area, grain type and productivity, based on vegetation indices from satellites. This is both historical data and data from the growing season. DigiFarm licenses this data through APIs to corporate customers and authorities. As of today, the company has 55 customers in over 17 countries. This includes business customers such as e.g. Bayer Crop Science, FMC, KWS, Monsanto and Syngenta.
The rights important to secure competitive advantages
DigiFarm has rights registered internationally, as the international market is the biggest market for them. It is mainly the USA, Brazil, Europe and India.
- It was important for us to establish these rights, mainly to patent the methodology we use to develop our AI models based on satellite data, since ag-tech is a highly competitive industry, says Nils Helset, one of the founders of the company. - Our customers are mainly larger agribusinesses, and with protection and clear rights to our technology, it is easier for us to operate and build a competitive advantage in the industry.
DigiFarm has also received a patent in Norway for the unique methodology for delineating agricultural field boundaries using super-resolved SatEO data. They have initiated the process of applying via the PCT across various key geographic regions, including Brazil, the United States, Europe, Canada and India.
Secrecy and good internal processes central to the IP strategy
It was important for DigiFarm to develop an IP strategy when they established the company. Their technology is developed by the core team, founding team and shareholders, which reduces risk. - Over the past 2 years, we have developed good routines, structure and processes around knowledge management internally and externally, so that all pilot users, customers and internal employees have signed confidentiality clauses and NDAs, says Helset. In addition, DigiFarm has put in place internal processes to be able to limit what information and knowledge about their unique product benefits is allowed to be shared externally.
To date, the company has not experienced direct copying of its technology. However, they have heard of other companies in the same industry that have experienced this, and what complications this has caused for the company.
IP rights important to get external support
- We were quite early in seeking help and support from our network to be able to evaluate how important rights are for our company, says Helset. - It started with support from Innovation Norway, then we went through an application process for the EIC Accelerator (European Innovation Council) in 2021. There were clear requirements and expectations around IPR strategy and protection.
The process started with them preparing a Freedom to Operate analysis (FTO analysis) and creating routines around knowledge management. They received support from both Innovation Norway and the Research Council, initially in connection with the preparation of the FTO and the IPR strategy. Helset emphasizes that this assistance was very valuable for developing the strategy further internally.
– DigiFarm is one of Norway's leading ag-tech companies and operates in a segment that includes agriculture, artificial intelligence and satellite data, where technology develops extremely quickly and it is critical for companies to develop and retain their competitive advantage. The processes we developed to protect our technology and rights were critical to our success.
Nils Health
Nils Health
External assistance for the application process
The company received assistance from a patent office through its network in Startuplab. That included Tom Ekeberg from LIGL, who has supported them throughout the process from their first patent application to their third to date as of today. Their first application was accepted in March 2024.
Advice for other businesses
- Our experience is that it is important to have good control and an overview of the market and technology in the segment where the company operates, says Helset. - It is important for both investors and customers that the company has a plan and an overview of this so that they can reduce any risk associated with copying or infringement of existing rights. Our advice would be to start this process as early as possible in a start-up phase.
