Unlocking the Future of Agriculture: Alphabet's Mineral Shuts Down Ag-Tech Robotics Spinout as John Deere Acquires Technology Suite
Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Alphabet had closed the book on its ag-tech robotics spinout, Mineral. The news arrived amid larger money crunches at Google’s parent. Citing a crowded market and profit concerns, Mineral ceased operation and pivoted to technology licensing.
This month, Mineral CEO Elliott Grant reprinted the leaked memo, while confirming that farming giant John Deere has acquired one of the startup’s technology suites to bolster its See & Spray crop spraying solution.
“The challenge of solving sustainable agriculture remains ahead of us,” Grant wrote in a post. “But it’s a relay race not a sprint.”
Analysis:
Alphabet's decision to shut down Mineral and pivot to technology licensing reflects the competitive nature of the ag-tech market. John Deere's acquisition of Mineral's technology suite highlights the importance of innovation in improving agricultural practices. This shift in the industry could lead to advancements in sustainable agriculture, benefiting both farmers and consumers in the long run. Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving landscape of ag-tech and its impact on the future of farming.