Upside Robotics: Revolutionizing Agriculture and Climate Impact
The story of Upside Robotics is a testament to the power of innovation and the determination to make a positive impact. Its founders, Jana Tian and Sam Dugan, came together in 2023 with a shared vision – to create a company that not only addressed the pressing issues of climate and agriculture but also made a tangible difference in the world. Little did they know that within a year, they would be living out of a camper in a Canadian corn field, working tirelessly to build their dream.
Based in Waterloo, Ontario, Upside Robotics is not your typical tech startup. The company develops lightweight, solar-powered autonomous robots capable of delivering precise amounts of fertilizer and nutrients to crops as and when required. The company’s innovative software uses proprietary algorithms that interpret weather and soil data to determine the optimal timing and quantity of fertilizer required by the plants.
Why Corn?
Why did Upside choose to focus on corn plants? As one of the most fertilizer-intensive crops, corn was the perfect candidate, according to CEO Jana Tian. After meeting co-founder and CTO Sam Dugan at the Entrepreneurs First accelerator, they decided to tackle the issue of fertilizer waste using robotics. Their combined expertise – Tian’s background as a chemical engineer and Dugan’s lifelong passion for robotics – made them uniquely qualified to address this challenge.
Driving Efficiency in Farming
Through their extensive conversations with farmers, Tian and Dugan discovered that there was indeed a considerable amount of waste in the current fertilization practice. “Traditionally, the way the fertilizer has been applied, only 30% of the total fertilizer gets taken by the crop, so a majority of it gets wasted,” Tian explained. This inefficiency presented a significant opportunity for Upside Robotics to offer a more effective solution – a solution that the farmers were more than willing to pay for.
The Journey of Upside Robotics
After formally establishing Upside Robotics in 2024, Tian and Dugan literally hit the fields. They spent countless hours in the fields, gathering data and demonstrating their innovative fertilizing system to farmers. Their dedication and hard work paid off. By 2025, Upside Robotics had expanded its operations from 70 acres to 1,200 acres. The company now aims to serve more than 3,000 acres in the 2026 season, boasting 100% customer retention since inception.
Impressively, Upside Robotics has helped its customers reduce fertilizer use by 70%, translating into savings of around $150 per acre per season. The company recently raised a $7.5 million seed round led by Plural, with participation from Garage Capital and the founders of Clearpath Robotics. The funds will be used to fuel further research and development and to meet the growing demand – with over 200 farms currently on their waitlist.
Breaking Boundaries
Upside Robotics isn’t stopping at Canada. The company plans to break into the U.S. corn belt and continue its mission of reducing waste and promoting more efficient farming practices. “People always question if farmers are going to adopt new solutions, and they certainly are, as long as you can provide them with a clear [return on investment] and a clear reason of why this technology was built,” Tian said.
Indeed, the story of Upside Robotics serves as an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs – a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets dedication and a desire to make a positive impact. Here is the source of this inspiring journey.
