Revolutionising agriculture one electric tractor at a time
The DEEPSYNC initiative to document and share stories from its projects presents a valuable opportunity for engagement among members and innovators. By illustrating each project's journey—Including both successes and challenges—these stories offer insights into the key moments that have shaped their paths.
Clermont-Ferrand, France—Amid the UNESCO-protected mountains of central France, Sabi Agri is revolutionising global agriculture through innovation. Led by Laure Prevault-Osmani and her husband, Alexandre, the SWARM project introduces a pioneering approach to farming, using eco-friendly electric tractors. With a focus on minimising soil damage and reducing carbon emissions, SWARM's light electric vehicles offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional farming machinery.
Laure, a former lawyer with expertise in environmental, criminal, and international law, and Alexandre, a farmer and mechanical engineer, have combined their unique skills and experiences to lead this agricultural transformation. "Farming is not just an idea; it's a way of life," says Laure, reflecting the personal commitment that drives their innovation.
The concept behind SWARM is both simple and revolutionary. Instead of relying on a single heavy thermal tractor, the project advocates for the use of multiple light electric vehicles. "You can have three, four, or five light electric vehicles, instead of one heavy thermal tractor," Laure explains. This approach not only protects soil health but also enhances efficiency, as one farmer can operate up to five vehicles simultaneously, significantly increasing productivity.
The journey to bring SWARM to life has not been without its challenges. Initial efforts were met with scepticism, but perseverance paid off. Laure recalls how Alexandre personally reached out to farmers across France to test their electric tractor. "We made an extensive tour of French farms. Farmers welcomed us, and we gathered invaluable feedback," she says. This grassroots approach helped refine their product and build a supportive community.
Winning the EIC Accelerator grant marked a significant milestone for Sabi Agri, propelling the SWARM project into its next phase. "The EIC Accelerator is not just about R&D; it's about bringing a product to market," Laure notes. The project's scale and ambition have driven rapid growth, leading to the expansion of their team and infrastructure. However, Laure acknowledges that balancing ambition with realistic timelines is a challenge. "Two years is very short. Sometimes we wish we could move faster, but we have to balance ambition with realistic timelines."
The impact of SWARM is already being felt in the agricultural community. By offering a viable alternative to traditional heavy machinery, Sabi Agri is paving the way for more sustainable farming practices. "Our goal is to replace all thermal tractors in the world eventually," Laure says with a smile. In the short term, they aim to lead the market in agroecological equipment, inspiring others to follow suit. "We want to transform machines to transform practices," she emphasises.
Laure's journey from lawyer to CEO of an innovative agri-tech company reflects her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. Her passion for sustainable agriculture is matched by her dedication to gender equality and inclusivity within the company. "Entrepreneurship opens so many new worlds," she reflects. "I'm incredibly happy with this journey. It's about impacting lives on different levels, from farmers to employees."
As the SWARM project continues to advance, Laure and Alexandre are driven by their mission to revolutionise agriculture. With projects like SWARM leading the way, they are not only shaping the future of farming but also demonstrating the power of perseverance, innovation, and community in driving meaningful change.
Contacts:
Project coordinator:
Stefania De Santi
desanti@apre.it
APRE
Communication Manager:
Jelena Lazić
jelena.lazic@icons.it
Fondazione ICONS
Project website: https://deepsync.eu
LinkedIn: DEEPSYNC
Provided by iCube Programme