CNH Industrial Grants Sustainability Innovation Funds to Startups Blixify, Meraque, and Sofien

CNH Industrial has awarded sustainability innovation grants to Blixify Meraque and Sofien, two start-ups that have developed zero waste solutions as part of Singapore’s Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge. The challenge aims to co-develop sustainable solutions in areas such as zero waste, sustainable food sourcing, materials, and packaging. CNH Industrial’s zero waste challenge statement focused on the mechanization of palm oil harvesting using robotics and new technologies. By improving harvesting efficiency, farmers can maximize yields from current growing areas, ultimately resulting in less waste and reduced environmental impact. After careful evaluation, Blixify Meraque and Sofien emerged as the first and second placed projects, respectively. The two start-ups have received cash and in-kind prizes, and CNH Industrial has committed to being their initial launch customer, supporting their IP development and go-to-market strategies. Malayan consortium Blixify Meraque designed a pruning and harvesting machine using computer vision and AI technology, while Brazil-based start-up Sofien created a cutting device attachment equipped with two mounted cameras and sensors to detect and monitor the ripeness of palm oil fruit, ensuring efficient harvesting.