TOO FEW
HARVEST WORKERS.
German agriculture is lacking thousands of harvest workers. The work is complex and strenuous. In addition, the wage costs are constantly increasing. For some special crops, automation was previously out of the question due to the precision required. We are working to change that.
OUR CONCEPT
We combine AI with precise actuators and build the green asparagus harvester of the future.
CARRIER VEHICLE
HARVEST MODULE
Our focus lies here!
Works if its an old, new or even autonomous tractor
PRECISE ACTUATORS.
Image recognition algorithms and precision mechanics enable us to cut with millimeter accuracy.
MODULES UNDER DEVELOPMENT
Our goal is to develop the following modules, which will later be deployed in the field in combination with the carrier vehicle.
FLEXIBLE & SCALABLE
We rely on a solution that is modular and compatible, allowing farmers to use their existing infrastructure to smoothly transition into the era of precision farming. We offer everyone a reliable and more cost-effective alternative.
Do you want to learn more about the use of our technology?
WHO WE ARE.
We are a young start-up, founded by students from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and the University of Hohenheim. Driven by a pioneering spirit and passion for agricultural technology, we are revolutionizing agriculture.
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HOW IT ALL BEGAN...
We started by automating the saffron harvest, which is the most labor-intensive harvest in the world. Now we are using the same innovative technologies to automate the green asparagus harvest. This will make efficient and sustainable cultivation possible in Germany in the long term. We will also pursue this approach for other specialty crops, such as broccoli, and many more starting in 2028.
OUR STORY
We have been able to learn a lot on our journey so far, overcome challenges together and celebrate successes. Here is a small excerpt of our most important milestones.
Initiation of the development to automate saffron harvesting, the most expensive spice in the world.
Completion of a functional prototype of an autonomous carrier vehicle with successful image recognition, harvesting, and selection processes.
Functional Prototype for Saffron Harvesting
October 2023
Following funding from the EXIST and Young Innovators programs in collaboration with the University of Hohenheim and KIT, we successfully founded Prefiro GmbH to accelerate our business development.
Spin-off from KIT
October 2024
First presentation of our demonstrator at ExpoSE in Karlsruhe, Germany's largest trade fair for asparagus and berries. Building a network with interested farmers in Germany and Europe through numerous positive initial discussions.
Germany’s Largest Asparagus Trade Fair
November 2024
Awarded “AI Startup of the Year 2025” by t3n at the data:unplugged festival.
AI Startup of the Year
April 2025
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Our second time at ExpoSE in Karlsruhe, this time with our first complete machine. We experienced a clearly positive response from numerous interested farmers, far exceeding the number of visitors and the level of interest shown at our last visit. The machine pictured here will be one of two that will be deployed in our farmers' fields during our pilot phase in 2026.
First Machine on a Trade Fair
November 2025
Refocus on green asparagus harvesting, as our core technology offers the greatest potential to support local agriculture in this area.
Objective: optimization of the harvesting process through a modular system solution to maximize speed and field performance.
Focus on Green Asparagus
January 2024
Winner of the Innovation Award and the Audience Award at the Cyberchampion Awards 2024.
Image Cyberforum/ Björn Pados
Innovation Award Cyberforum
October 2024
Successful completion of pre-seed financing through business angels and support from the state of Baden-Württemberg.
Pre-Seed Funding
December 2024
Growth of the team to 7 full-time members with a clear focus on AI and robotics development to accelerate our market entry.
Team Expansion
October 2025
Granting of first patent for new cutting head mechanism designed for gentleness and speed.
First Patent
November 2025
TODAY.
We’re on it! Next season, our green asparagus modules will hit the fields alongside our partner farmers. It won’t be long now!
GET IN TOUCH WITH US!
Do you have any questions or are you interested in our product development?
We would be happy to get to know you! Simply fill out the contact form.
Lorenzo Di Leo
Your contact person
Contact
Address
Rudolf-Diesel-Str. 28
76356 Weingarten (DE)
With funding from the NBank under the HTI program (ERDF/STEP)—and in collaboration with the Seedhouse Accelerator—Prefiro is developing the first selective, modular green asparagus harvesting machine. The goal is to offer farmers an efficient, selective, and sustainable alternative to manual harvesting through the use of AI-driven image recognition and custom-developed precision robotics. This funding enables us to advance our modular harvesting technology to commercial maturity and, for the first time, deploy it in the field as a practical, ready-to-use solution.