ONDO and AgroDigiRise: Scaling Digital Transformation in Agriculture

Digital transformation in agriculture requires technology, funding and ecosystem coordination. Through its role in the AgroDigiRise project, ONDO contributed to building a scalable model for precision agriculture adoption, directly aligned with the priorities of Agriventures: innovation, investment readiness and sustainable growth in the agrifood sector.

What is AgroDigiRise

• European Digital Innovation Hub initiative under AgroHub.bg

• Launched in October 2022 by a consortium of 13 partners

• Co-funded by the Digital Europe Programme and the European Regional Development Fund

• Focused on digital and green transformation of farmers and SMEs

• Services delivered free of charge

Core support model

• Awareness of precision agriculture technologies• Test before invest demonstrations

• Digital skills training

• Access to European funding instruments

• Strategic planning for competitive and sustainable agribusiness

This framework strongly supports the Agriventures mission to connect farmers, startups and investors around innovation and funding opportunities.

ONDO’s Role in the Project

As one of the three technology partners alongside Technologica and Bevine, ONDO was responsible for building and equipping demonstration infrastructure in South Central Bulgaria.

Implementation highlights

• 11 demonstration points equipped with ONDO automation

• 3 scientific research centers

• 8 farm-based demo sites

• 2 greenhouse farms• 6 open field farms

• Crops including vegetables, orchards, vineyards and nuts

Technology integration

• Automated irrigation systems

• Precise fertigation control

• Climate control solutions

• Modernization of irrigation infrastructure at the National Demo Center IZK Maritsa

The objective was practical validation of precision farming technologies under real production conditions.

Knowledge Transfer and Ecosystem Engagement

Over 39 months, ONDO delivered measurable outreach and training impact:

• 6 technology webinars focused on precision farming automation

• 3 specialized trainings on crop technologies and agromarketing

• 25+ live demonstration events• Hundreds of participating farmers, institutions and international delegations

Impact beyond numbers:

• Increased confidence in digital agriculture adoption

• Measurable reduction in water and input costs

• Improved operational efficiency

• Higher investment readiness for farms

• Stronger collaboration between public institutions and private technology providers

For Agriventures, such models strengthen access to funding opportunities and accelerate innovation uptake in the agrifood ecosystem.

Strategic Relevance for Agriventures

AgroDigiRise supports key strategic themes:

• Digitalization and precision agriculture

• Access to European funding instruments such as EIC and EIT

• Practical innovation validation through demo networks

• Public-private collaboration• Scalable agritech solutions

By improving farm-level efficiency and sustainability, projects like AgroDigiRise increase competitiveness and attract both public and private investment.

AgroDigiRise 2.0: Next Phase Starting 2026

The project continues for another three years starting February 2026.

Focus areas for AgroDigiRise 2.0

• Continued demonstration activities• Expanded training programs• Integration of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture• Data-driven decision support systems• Climate resilience and sustainability tools

Participation in events will remain free of charge for farmers, SMEs and public institutions, subject to registration requirements.

Why This Model Works

AgroDigiRise demonstrates that successful digital transformation requires:

• Structured funding mechanisms

• Demonstration infrastructure

• Technology validation under real conditions

• Skills development

• Ecosystem coordination

ONDO’s contribution shows how technology providers can become ecosystem enablers, accelerating precision agriculture adoption and strengthening the agrifood innovation landscape supported by Agriventures.

ONDO is an active member of the Agriventures ecosystem and a key example of how our network drives real digital transformation in agriculture. Through its leadership in precision irrigation, fertigation automation and climate control systems, ONDO demonstrates how agritech innovation can move from pilot stage to large-scale adoption.

Its role in AgroDigiRise and collaboration within AgroHub.bg reflects exactly the direction Agriventures supports: building a digitally enabled agrifood ecosystem where farmers, startups, research centers and investors operate on data, automation and measurable impact. To explore how our ecosystem is evolving toward full digital integration, smart farming infrastructure and AI-driven solutions, visit the AgroHub webpage and follow the ongoing initiatives shaping the future of agriculture.