AgriBot: Solar-powered AI farm machine takes first place in TVET category at OSCARS Olympiad
AgriBot, a solar-powered artificially intelligent farm machine developed by Eldoret National Polytechnic students Bethwel Kiprotich and Leah Akoth, has taken first place in the TVET category at the OSCARS Olympiad pitch competition.
The competition, held from November 27th to 30th, 2023, alongside Kenya Innovation Week at Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, saw AgriBot emerge as the top contender among 23 African TVET institutions.
AgriBot is designed to revolutionize crop farming by automating various tasks, including pesticide and herbicide dispensing, soil pH and moisture content monitoring, and top dressing. Its ability to sense, think, and act while maneuvering through crops makes it an invaluable tool for farmers seeking to increase yield and improve resource efficiency.
The OSCARS Olympiad pitch competition, proudly sponsored by Startup Africa, Dala Africa, GIZ, and Mastercard Foundation, recognizes and supports innovative solutions developed by TVET students across Africa. AgriBot’s impressive performance at the competition has secured a funding of USD 3,000 to support its further development and upscaling.
“We are incredibly proud of Bethwel and Leah for their outstanding achievement.
AgriBot has the potential to transform agriculture in Africa, and this funding will be instrumental in bringing their vision to reality.”said Charles Koech the Eldoret National Polytechnic chief Principal.
” AgriBot’s success at the OSCARS Olympiad is a testament to the ingenuity and problem-solving skills of Eldoret National Polytechnic students. The project highlights the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation and developing solutions that address real-world challenges in agriculture, ” he added.
About AgriBot
AgriBot is a solar-powered artificially intelligent farm machine designed to automate various tasks and improve resource efficiency in crop farming. Equipped with sensors and AI capabilities, AgriBot can autonomously navigate through crops, dispense pesticides and herbicides, monitor soil conditions, and perform top dressing.
About Eldoret National Polytechnic
Eldoret National Polytechnic is a leading TVET institution in Kenya committed to providing high-quality technical and vocational education. The institution offers a wide range of programs in various fields, including engineering, technology, agriculture, and business.
“The institution is also engaged in Applied Research and has secured a number of grants to fund proposals, ” said the Eldoret National Polytechnic Chief Principal Charles Koech.