Future-proofing farming through affordable technology

A startup is using a pay-as-you-use model to help farmers switch to regenerative farming with no upfront costs

Spotted: Growing numbers of farmers want to ‘future-proof’ their business by investing in green energy and moving to regenerative farming, which reduces the need for costly and environmentally damaging fertilisers and chemicals. However, many small farmers lack the capital to invest in switching to new technology.

YY Regen, a Beirut-based agritech and renewable energy startup is working to make the move to regenerative farming easier by offering an on-demand approach to adopting energy and farming solutions. The startup offers solar photovoltaic systems using an energy-as-a-service model, as well as biogas systems, vertical farming and beekeeping systems, and improved irrigation systems and solar water pumping.

One of its most popular offerings is the ReGen-R8, an on-demand solar energy system that enables farmers and rural businesses to access solar power without a large upfront capital investment. The company rents out the equipment, and charges customers only for the electricity they use. Customers can choose a fixed monthly subscription fee or pay-as-you-use options.

Founded in 2021, YY Regen has recently participated in PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator Programme and is working to strengthen industry partnerships within the PepsiCo ecosystem. The startup is also working to grow its customer base through a focus on marketing strategies and consumer engagement initiatives.

Regenerative agriculture is increasingly seen as a vital way to improve the sustainability of farming. So, it is no surprise that we are seeing a raft of new innovations in this area. These include the use of autonomous robots and solar-powered trackers to manage herds.

Written By: Lisa Magloff