AirForestry has been awarded funding from the European Innovation Council, EIC, European Union’s flagship program for breakthrough innovation. The company has now also received a €6 million term sheet from the EIC. The support is accelerating the development of a technology that has never been seen before: harvesting trees from the air.

“This is an innovation that is central to the health of forests and forest ecosystems. With the support from the EIC to ADATHA, we can accelerate development and get the technology out faster,” says Olle Gelin, co-founder of AirForestry.

The EIC focuses on technologies with major potential that need a first push toward commercialization, which describes AirForestry well. No one has previously approached tree harvesting this way, which also means AirForestry defines a completely new category in robotics.

“We are the first in the world to approach trees in this way. That is why the support from the EIC is so valuable. It gives us the opportunity to test new technology, develop it and bring it closer to the market,” says Olle Gelin.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to receive funding for technology that has never been tested before and that needs a first push toward commercialization.”

The EIC-funded project centers on the drone’s harvesting tool. The goal is a robust, reliable and modular system that works on the boreal tree species of northern Europe: pine, spruce and birch.

“Thanks to the EIC support, we can focus on one of our biggest technical challenges: developing a robust and reliable harvesting system,” says Olle Gelin.

Because AirForestry already had its team in place, the project could start the moment the grant decision arrived.

“The EIC has been hugely important to us. The support has given us the time and opportunity to develop and demonstrate the technology before the next funding step.”

The road to the grant was not a short one. The EIC’s selection process is long and demanding, with thorough evaluation in several stages. Along the way, the EIC's in-depth review of the company led to a number of improvements that made AirForestry even stronger.

“Getting through the EIC’s comprehensive review is a seal of quality. It creates confidence and shows investors that the company and the technology are of high quality,” says Olle Gelin.

In addition to the grant, AirForestry has now received a €6 million term sheet from the EIC.

“The EIC has contributed both financially and in terms of quality. The support has allowed us to develop technology that is otherwise difficult to finance, while also creating a seal of quality for the company.”

Because the EIC is a well-known brand in the investment community, its backing is expected to make subsequent fundraising easier.

“The EIC is a well-known name among investors. Companies that receive its support usually have strong innovations, and it is valuable to be part of that group,” says Olle Gelin.

The EIC also opens doors to relevant forums and networks. With EIC support, AirForestry has exhibited at EIC Drone Day in Brussels, and the company plans to take part in the EIC-sponsored Tech Tour in Graz.

The ADATHA project has reached its halfway point, and when it concludes, the goal is for the harvesting system to be ready for commercial pilot operations, a major step toward a forestry industry that is more productive, fossil-free and gentler on the forest and our planet.

About the European Innovation Council, EIC

The European Innovation Council, EIC, is the European Union’s flagship program for supporting breakthrough innovation and high-risk technology. Part of the EU’s Horizon Europe research initiative, the EIC provides funding to startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and researchers developing innovations that traditional investors often view as too early stage or too risky to back. Through its blended finance model, the EIC combines non-dilutive grants with equity investments via the EIC Fund, alongside business acceleration services such as mentorship, coaching and access to a network of investors and industry partners.

The ADATHA project has received funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, grant agreement No 101217657.

https://eic.ec.europa.eu