How Nano Electronic Services got started in agri-tech

With over 30 years of experience in the electronics industry offering electronic manufacturing, design capability or testing solutions, Nano Electronic Systems became an Agri-TechE member to help it expand into the agri-tech market.

“We got involved in IOT sensors and began developing our own range a couple of years ago,” says Steve Drew, Director of Nano Electronic Systems. “Agri-tech is one of our target markets.”

“Ag101 helps see what is going on in the industry, and it gives me ideas about what solutions we can apply to fix some of the problems highlighted.”

He says most companies in the industry access sensors in two ways. They either use an off-the-shelf system from the Chinese manufacturer, which rarely has all the functionality they desire, or they build something bespoke, giving them their exact needs but at a cost. Nano Electronic Solutions alternative is called Nanoblox, and it works on the proof-of-concept stage of technology development to provide the customisation required without significant upfront costs.

“Agri-tech is a good opportunity for this because the technology is still developing and every farm is different. It is difficult for a company to design a product that fits everybody.

“We joined Agri-TechE three years ago as an introduction to the industry and have attended its REAP conference and Ag101 events. Through contacts made at these, we now have two customers who are agri-tech developers. We are building server platforms and providing additional sensors for their technology.”

To help with this development work, Steve calls upon the Agri-TechE team for introductions.

“The team is excellent. If we are looking for farmers, they can introduce us to those who are more open to developing solutions.

“As an early-stage adopter, I’m very happy with what Agri-TechE has done. It gives me a good grounding in the industry and helps build connections to grow our business,” concludes Steve.