Boarding Pass
i-EcoGuard raises $870,000 to help farmers enhance productivity and sustainability
The company’s smart greenhouse covers tackle critical issues like heat stress during summer and insufficient heating during winter.
“The idea was inspired by my childhood experiences growing up on a farm, where my family worked in greenhouses,” said Dr. Mahmud Diab, founder and CTO of i-Ecoguard. “I witnessed firsthand the impact of heat stress on crops and began thinking about smarter solutions.”
Founded in 2024, its smart greenhouse covers tackle critical issues like heat stress during summer, which reduces crop yields, and insufficient heating during winter, affecting plant growth. By providing a solution that maintains optimal temperatures without compromising light quality, i-EcoGuard helps farmers enhance productivity and sustainability.
A product is in the advanced stages of development, with successful field trials validating its performance. “We anticipate entering the market within 18-24 months, starting with focused markets such as Israel, South America, and Africa,” said Dr. Diab.
You can learn more about the company below.
Company Name: i-EcoGuard
Sector: Agriculture Greenhouse
Product/Service description:
i-EcoGuard develops advanced greenhouse solutions to tackle the challenge of managing temperature effectively while promoting sustainable agriculture. Our innovative product is a smart greenhouse cover that autonomously regulates temperature without the need for manual intervention or external energy. This groundbreaking solution is based on nanotechnology and incorporates durable, smart nanostructures designed to last up to three years.
The cover intelligently reflects a portion of infrared (IR) radiation, significantly reducing internal temperatures during hot summer months. Thus, it prevents heat stress that can damage crops and reduce yields. Unlike existing solutions that require constant adjustments or use color-changing films, i-Ecoguard’s approach is consistent and reliable, maintaining optimal conditions for plant growth year-round. During winter, the film allows heat to pass through, ensuring sufficient warmth for crops.
Our product is designed to provide greenhouse growers with an autonomous, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution. Maintaining the ideal growing environment helps increase agricultural productivity while reducing energy costs. With its innovative technology and sustainable focus, i-Ecoguard sets a new standard for modern greenhouse management, addressing both farmers' needs and the global push toward more sustainable farming practices.
Founder Bios:
Dr. Mahmud Diab is the founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of i-Ecoguard. He holds a Ph.D. in nanochemistry and has over eight years of research and development experience. Dr. Diab has published 26 scientific papers and holds two international patents, with two more in the national phase. Prior to founding i-Ecoguard, he served as the CTO of Rise Nano-Optics.
Year of Founding: 2024
Last Investment Round: $350,000
Last Investment Stage: Pre-Seed
Date of Last Investment: October 2024
Total investment to date: $870,000
Investors: Israel Innovation Authority, Al-qasemi, and Ibtkar Basecamp
Current number of employees: 5
Open positions: Process Engineer
Website:
https://i-ecoguard.com/
How was the idea born?
The idea was inspired by my childhood experiences growing up on a farm, where my family worked in greenhouses. I witnessed firsthand the impact of heat stress on crops and began thinking about smarter solutions. During my PhD studies, I was exposed to advanced smart materials, which sparked the realization that these technologies could address this issue. I customized and refined the solution to meet the unique needs of greenhouse environments, leading to the development of i-EcoGuard.
What is the need for the product?
Our smart greenhouse covers tackle critical issues like heat stress during summer, which reduces crop yields, and insufficient heating during winter, which affects plant growth. By providing a solution that maintains optimal temperatures without compromising light quality, we help farmers enhance productivity and sustainability.
How is it changing the market?
i-EcoGuard is revolutionizing greenhouse agriculture by introducing a sustainable and autonomous solution for climate control. Unlike traditional methods like shading or ventilation, which require energy and manual intervention, our product offers a hands-free, energy-efficient alternative, improving crop yields and operational efficiency.
How big is the market for the product and who are its main customers?
The total global market for agricultural sheets is valued at $10.7 billion, with greenhouse plastic cover films accounting for $4.5 billion (41.92% of the farming cover film market). Within this, the greenhouse polyethylene (PE) plastic cover film segment is valued at $1.3 billion.
Our primary customers include greenhouse operators, manufacturers of greenhouse films, and agricultural organizations seeking sustainable solutions to enhance productivity and address climate challenges.
Does the product exist already? If not - at what stage is it and when is it expected to hit the market?
Our product is in the advanced stages of development, with successful field trials validating its performance. We anticipate entering the market within 18-24 months, starting with focused markets such as Israel, South America, and Africa.
Who are the main competitors in this sector and how big are they?
Main competitors include companies like SecondSky and Kaferet, which offer static solutions like IR-reflective films. However, these solutions lack our product's adaptive capabilities. Additionally, traditional climate control methods such as shading and ventilation represent indirect competition.
What is the added value that the founders bring to the company and the product?
The founders bring a unique combination of expertise in advanced material science, nanotechnology, and agriculture. With over a decade of industry experience, a track record of successful R&D projects, and strong connections in the agricultural and materials sectors, they have positioned i-EcoGuard to lead in this innovative space.
What will the money coming in from the round be used for?
The funds raised will be allocated as follows:
- R&D: Further optimization of our product and exploration of additional applications.
- Field Trials: Scaling trials to validate performance in diverse climates.
- Marketing and Sales: Building awareness, creating reference sites, and establishing partnerships.
- Personnel: Expanding our team to support scaling efforts.
- Regulatory Compliance: Securing certifications for key markets like the US, Europe, and Israel.
In the "Startup Boarding Pass" section, CTech will cover the (relatively) small investments made in companies during the early stages of their existence - and the entrepreneurs and startups who have not yet had the opportunity to reveal their stories to the world. Please use the linked form and fill it out according to the guidelines. This form is intended for startups raising between $500,000 and $3 million from venture capital funds, angels, or official grants from Israeli and foreign institutions. If relevant, someone at CTech will be in touch for follow-up questions.
