Israeli AgTech Firm Nanovel Wins €2.5 Million EU Grant to Develop Autonomous Citrus-Picking Robot

Nanovel, an Israeli AgTech company based in the Mevo Carmel industrial park, has secured a €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. The company, which develops autonomous robots for citrus harvesting, was also named a candidate for up to €4.3 million in equity investment from the EIC, intended as an anchor for its upcoming €8 million fundraising round.

Nanovel aims to address the global challenge of labor shortages and high costs in manual citrus harvesting, which accounts for about 50% of production expenses. The grant will fund milestones toward creating a commercial autonomous robot for orange and lemon picking by 2028. To achieve this, Nanovel is expanding its operations in Europe and conducting extensive field trials with growers in Spain and Italy.

The total potential market for orange and lemon harvesting is estimated at $1 billion annually, representing a $10 billion business opportunity over the next decade. Nanovel’s founder and CEO, Itzik Mazor, emphasized the mission to ensure global availability and economic viability of fresh fruit through automation of labor-intensive agricultural processes.

Nanovel’s system uses computer vision and deep learning AI to identify fruit hidden within tree canopies and operates a patented smart picking hand that cradles and precisely cuts the fruit stem without damage. The robot simultaneously controls multiple telescopic arms via a central computer linked to a remote control system overseeing the robot fleet.

The company plans trials in orchards across Israel, Europe, and the US. Following successful validation in California with the Citrus Research Board in fall 2025, Nanovel is focusing on oranges and lemons, with future plans to adapt the technology for other citrus varieties, mangoes, peaches, and nectarines.