We use remote sensing and AI to map, monitor and measure forest carbon sinks

CarbonCrop came out of the work that the Artificial Intelligence Institute in Nelson were doing to solve environmental problems. We use remote sensing technology and machine learning algorithms to precisely map, monitor and measure different tree species and particularly complex biodiverse forests of native trees, making it easier for landholders to earn carbon credits from the ETS (Emissions Trading System).

We’re especially great for farmers who have regenerating native bush on their land. We also work with businesses looking to negate their emissions with high-integrity, removal carbon offsets from biodiverse native NZ forests.

How did WNT Ventures help us?

WNT invested in CarbonCrop in July 2021 and followed on in July 2022. They take calculated risks with early stage businesses and then back them. They’re interested in building a diverse portfolio that supports the environment using AI and machine learning. The great thing for us is that they’re not afraid of a deep tech play that may not immediately pay off.

WNT has built strong networks in the agritech sector and they encourage us to leverage those networks. They keep us in the loop with market opportunities and recently invited me to join them on the New Zealand delegation to Silicon Valley, which was excellent for generating ideas, connections and pathways for our offshore expansion.

What does the future hold?

We have over 12,000 ha of native forest under contract and have paid $20 million in carbon credit revenue to landholders in the ETS for last year.

We’re getting good traction in New Zealand and farmers are quick to share what’s working for them so word of mouth is important for us. Regenerating native forest in New Zealand is critically under-funded, and our existing native forests are one of the biggest potential carbon sinks available to us.

We’re proud to have raised the bar on transparency and traceability for carbon offsets globally through CarbonTracer, where carbon offset buyers can trace their offset to the forest it originated from.

We’re looking to take CarbonCrop offshore now and WNT is helping us with cap raising in Australia and the US.

"Regenerating native forest in New Zealand is critically under-funded, and our existing native forests are one of the biggest potential carbon sinks available to us, yet many are excluded from the ETS. We’re proud that the launch of Native CCUs has brought critical funding to help landholders restore regenerating native forests on their land."