Valeria Kogan, PhD brings Croptimus™
by James Bridges
Have you ever encountered someone whose dynamism and innovative ideas are so captivating that you’re instantly intrigued? That’s Dr. Valeria Kogan in a nutshell. I recently had the enriching opportunity to converse with her over dinner in OKC. The experience was nothing short of eye-opening. Dr. Kogan hasalready graced Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2022, a remarkable recognition of hersignificant contributions to the biotech industry.
Valeria Kogan, PhD, is the mind behind Croptimus™. Her journey and achievements offer a glimpse into the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit driving advancements in agriculturetechnology, particularly in the realm of AI and computer vision.
Valeria’s journey is an intriguing tapestry of science and entrepreneurial flair. It began with the inception of Smartomica, her first venture, which rapidly gainedacclaim for its revolutionary advances in biotech. Under her direction, Smartomica transcended traditional problem-solving. It ventured into realms of unprecedented possibilities in biotechnology.
Conversing with her, it becomes evident that Valeria’s story isn’t merely about commercial triumphs. It’s a narrative of unwavering commitment, a deep-rooted passion for science, and a conviction that one individual’s efforts can indeed effectuate significant change. Her endeavors with Fermata and Croptimus™ aren’t only impressive; they’re a source of inspiration.
The advent of Croptimus™ in the cannabis industry marks a significant step forward in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision technologies in agricultural practices. Developed by Fermata, Croptimus™ is a platform that leverages advanced computer vision and AI to detect pests and diseases in crops, including medicinal plants like cannabis, before they escalate into serious issues.
Let’s look at the key features of Croptimus™ and how it pertains to the cannabis industry.
Croptimus™ identifies pests and diseases at their initial stages, significantly ahead of traditional scouting methods. By addressing pests and diseases proactively, Croptimus™ aids in maintaining the consistency and quality of cannabis crops. This leads to higher yields and, consequently, greater profitability for growers.
The technology reduces scouting time by up to 50%, crop loss by up to 30%, and crop inputs by up to 25%. The reduced need for manual scouting and lower dependency on pesticides and chemicals due to the early detection capabilities of Croptimus™ leads to a more efficient use of labor and resources in cannabis cultivation. The grower can utilize this newly found time to enhance in ways that were previously unheard of by those without the means.
The platform includes 360° views of crop canopies with augmented reality overlays, providing precise locations of issues. It also features integrated heat maps that track pest and disease pressure over time, allowing growers to identify persistent problems which may indicate larger issues in their facilities. This empowers cannabis growers to make informed, data-driven decisions about their cultivation practices.
Croptimus™ is designed for straightforward usage and can be implemented in growing operations without significant disruptions, typically being installed within a few hours. It improves over time through advanced machine learning. It is supported by a team of integrated pest management experts who ensure the accuracy of the results and continually refine the Al algorithms.
By reducing the reliance on pesticides and promoting efficient resource use, Croptimus aligns with sustainable agriculture practices, which is increasingly important in the context of environmental concerns and regulatory standards in the cannabis industry.
Valeria Kogan’s journey from a researcher in Al and biotech to a recognized leader in AgTech illustrates her dedication to applying advanced technology for real-world problems. Her work at Fermata and with Croptimus™ demonstrates a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in agriculture.
The integration of Croptimus™ into the cannabis cultivation process represents a paradigm shift towards more technologically advanced, efficient, and sustainable farming practices. Its capacity to significantly reduce labor and resource costs, coupled with the enhancement of crop quality and yield, positions it as a transformative tool in the cannabis industry. As Al and computer vision technologies continue to the potential for further advancements and broader applications in cannabis cultivation is substantial. The success of Croptimus™ could pave the way for similar innovations, shaping the future of cannabis agriculture towards greater sustainability, profitability, and technological sophistication.