Naïo’s Second Life: A New Chapter for the French Agricultural Robotics Pioneer

Geschreven door Guillaumot Maxence

1. A Look Back — From Challenges to Hope

A few months ago, I covered the uncertain future of Naïo Technologies, one of the most emblematic Agtech startups in France and incidentally my former employer, who inspired me to work in this field.  The company, based near Toulouse, had been facing financial difficulties and was placed under judicial recovery in June. At that time, questions were rising: would the pioneer of agricultural robotics survive this turbulence ?

Aardbeving in de AgTech : Na Farmwise is het de beurt aan Naïo met financiële problemen

Today, we finally have an answer — and it’s a hopeful one !

My first Demo with TED Version 1, organized at Cheval Blanc, 2020

2. The Revival — Strong Leadership and Renewed Vision

End of October, the Toulouse commercial court has validated a takeover plan that ensures the continuation of Naïo’s adventure. The company, now simply called Naïo (Personally, I've always called it that, so it suits me fine) will be led by Antoine Monville, an experienced industrial entrepreneur known for his work in innovation and industrialization, and Matthias Carrière, Naïo’s Commercial Director and one of the key captain for the past 12 years

This is far from a random pairing: we can imagine that Antoine will bring strategic and operational expertise in scaling technology-driven manufacturing, while Matthias will provide continuity, market insight, and deep customer relationships built over a decade. Together, they form a leadership duo uniquely positioned to bridge innovation with long-term sustainability.

Financially, the new team has also secured strong backing. Mirova Environnement Accélération Capital (MEAC), the investment fund that had already supported Naïo Technologies is reinvesting €3.5 million. Additional local support comes from Région Occitanie, BPI, and other partners, offering nearly €3 million in guarantees. 

The company’s workforce will inevitably be smaller than before but there’s good news: Naïo’s existing customers will continue to receive support and service. This continuity is crucial, as more than 300 robots are already operating worldwide, and ensuring their performance and maintenance remains a top priority for the new management.

Eerste keer dat ik met twee robots tegelijk werkte, ik herinner het me als de dag van gisteren, 5 ac (2ha) in 3 uur, record! Californië, 2021

3. So what’s Next for Naïo?

Under this new structure, Naïo will refocus its energy on its most successful and profitable robots: Ted (for vineyards) and Oz (for vegetable farming). These two models have already proven their value in the field, with over 300 units deployed worldwide.

I must admit, it’s a little disappointing not to see the continuation of Orio project, a project I put a lot of energy into and believed in. Yet, this decision is understandable. Over the past few years, the market has evolved quickly — many new robotic solutions / new technologies type / different tool approach (robots vs smart tools) have entered the vegetables weeding field, and I think Naïo had accumulated some delay in commercial development on that side of the field. 

Focusing on Oz, which is already a well-established, reliable, and beloved tool among growers, and on Ted, which has shown excellent feedback from vineyard professionals, is a pragmatic and coherent choice. It allows Naïo to capitalize on what works best — proven technology, satisfied users, and real market traction — while I am pretty sure rebuilding a stable industrial base for the future.

In other words, this is not a retreat, but a smart strategic refocus — could be the necessary step for Naïo to find its rhythm again in an increasingly competitive AgTech landscape.

Eerste echte werksessie met de eerste versie van ORIO, Californië 2021

4. Looking Ahead — The Next Decade of Agricultural Robotics

When Naïo was founded more than a decade ago, the idea of seeing autonomous robots working between crop rows still sounded like science fiction. Yet Naïo was one of the very first companies in the world to turn that vision into reality — bringing robotics out of the lab and into the fields. Who would have imagined, back then, that these small machines would one day become part of the daily landscape of modern farming?

Today, the company is entering a new era — a rebirth that feels both fragile and full of promise. The question now is: what comes next? Will Naïo manage to carve out a solid position in this rapidly evolving ecosystem? Could it become a reference in vineyard robotics, building on the success of Ted?

As with every rebirth, the pages ahead are still blank. The company’s destiny will depend on its ability to innovate again, to industrialize faster, and to reconnect with the pioneering spirit that once made it unique.

Ten years from now, it will be fascinating to look back and see what story Naïo has written — and what chapter of agricultural robotics it helped define.

To understand the full story of Naïo : Earthquake in the AgTech : After Farmwise, it's Naïo's turn to have financial difficulties

Eerste on-site reportage voor Future Farming als onafhankelijke, Saint-Etienne, 2022

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Guillaumot Maxence
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