Cologne’s Eternal.ag Exits Stealth with €8 Million to Automate Greenhouse Harvesting with AI-Powered Robots

In a significant stride for the AgTech sector, Cologne-based startup Eternal.ag has emerged from stealth mode with an impressive €8 million funding round. The company, which specializes in developing autonomous harvesting robots for greenhouses, aims to revolutionize agricultural practices in Europe and beyond. With a focus on scalability and adaptability, Eternal.ag is poised to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing modern agriculture.

Transforming Agriculture with Robotics

Eternal.ag, founded in 2025 by Renji John and Sherry Kunjachan, is at the forefront of integrating AI and robotics in agriculture. The startup's mission is to automate greenhouse operations, addressing the critical issue of labor shortages that have plagued the industry. According to recent data, Europe has experienced a 30% decline in greenhouse labor availability since 2010, a trend expected to continue.

The company's flagship product, the Harvester, is a fully autonomous robot designed specifically for tomato greenhouses. Capable of operating up to 22 hours a day, the Harvester is part of an intelligent system that ensures high-quality produce with precision cuts. This modular platform is designed for expansion, allowing for additional robotic functions to enhance broader greenhouse operations.

Strategic Funding and Expansion Plans

The €8 million funding round was led by prominent investors Simon Capital, Oyster Bay Venture Capital, EquityPitcher Ventures, and Backbone Ventures. This capital injection will accelerate Eternal.ag’s product development and support commercial deployments across Europe. The company also plans to diversify its offerings to include a wider range of crops, further solidifying its position in the market.

Renji John, CEO and co-founder, highlighted the importance of simulation-first development in their approach. "Autonomous robots only work if they can handle real-world variability between plants, layouts, and daily operations," he explained. By using virtual greenhouses for testing, the company can iterate rapidly, reducing development cycles from months to days.

Implications for the Startup Ecosystem

Eternal.ag’s innovative approach is a testament to the potential of AI-driven solutions in overcoming labor shortages and enhancing efficiency in agriculture. The company’s vision of fully automated greenhouses by 2040 could reshape food production, making it more resilient and sustainable. This is particularly relevant in the context of climate change and rising demand for fresh produce.

Niklas Leske, Principal at Simon Capital, underscored the importance of robotics in building a decentralized, resilient food supply chain. "Greenhouse horticulture is one of the most efficient and sustainable ways to grow fresh produce year-round. Yet, labor shortages put the industry at risk, and robotics is the only future-proof solution," he stated.

Conclusion

Eternal.ag is not just another tech startup; it represents a critical shift in how we approach agricultural challenges. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic investments, the company is well-positioned to lead the AgTech revolution. For startups, founders, and investors, Eternal.ag offers a compelling case study of innovation meeting necessity, promising a future where agriculture is more automated, efficient, and sustainable.

With a team of 26 employees across Europe and India, Eternal.ag is poised for rapid growth. As they expand their technological capabilities and market reach, the company is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture.

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