In Impact Loop's extensive review of Swedish dual-use companies, we find Acerni Technology, an ag-tech company that develops products for agriculture but now also identifies as dual-use.
They have applied for funding in Vinnova's call "Innovative civil technology solution with potential to meet defence-related needs" to further develop their fence monitor.
"The simpler fence monitor is developed for agriculture and smaller enclosures. In parallel, we are working on a more advanced version that can identify exactly where on the fence an error occurs and provide in-depth analysis. This technology also opens up opportunities for defence and infrastructure monitoring," says Emma Lönn, CEO of Acerni Technology to Impact Loop.
Although the product was developed for farmers, they have noticed significant interest from other parties, including the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, Swedavia, and even the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration – who see opportunities to protect critical infrastructure using the technology.
"They thought it was a very interesting technology that hasn't existed before. Today, optical solutions are often used, which result in many false alarms and don't work fully autonomously. Instead, you have to send out an operator to verify the error," says Niclas Düring, technical manager at Acerni Technology.
New funding round
To take the product further and initiate collaborations with new players such as the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), they have now opened their second funding round.
Becoming a dual-use company has significantly boosted investor interest – after a couple of tough years in the market when many were holding tightly onto their wallets.
"We are currently in discussions with several investors and we notice a difference; suddenly we have received interest from a new type of investor," says Emma Lönn.
A prerequisite for receiving funding from Vinnova is that the products are not fully developed.
Acerni has delayed applying for patents because it can be particularly sensitive to have one in place for technology that the defence sector might be interested in, as a patent makes the technology public.
"At present, we have parts of the technology patented, and we have the opportunity to patent more parts," says Niclas Düring.
Alarmingly low preparedness
In Sweden, half of the meat we eat today is imported, which has a greater negative climate impact than domestic meat. Acerni aims to strengthen Swedish meat production with its solution.
One of the problems for farmers who want to keep animals outdoors is the requirement to check fences every day – something that is practically difficult to manage, according to Emma Lönn.
"With our products, farmers gain better control over their animals and can focus their time on more profitable aspects of the business – ultimately enabling more animals on the farm"
First among their products is a health monitor for horses and farm animals that is being launched. Next year, a simpler fence monitor will be introduced, primarily aimed at agriculture and suitable for smaller enclosures.
"We are continuing to work on the more advanced fence monitor. The goal is to have it on the market by 2027. Then we don't know where the defence aspect will take us, whether it will be there first or to agriculture," says Emma Lönn.