BASF to invest in animal husbandry focused startup SmartAHC

Digital solutions to pig farming is a key area of focus in China

 BASF Venture Capital has announced that along with specialty chemicals producer Evonik and China’s Shenzhen Sinoagri E-Commerce it will be investing in SmartAHC, a leading supplier of digitalization solutions for pig farming focused on the Chinese market. 

SmartAHC uses sensors, camera systems and artificial intelligence to collect and analyze various data such as count of pigs to predict emerging issues at any point in time during their rearing and fattening process. This helps to optimize labor productivity in the production process and increase efficiency throughout the pork value chain. 

Pig farmers can therefore continuously monitor the condition of their animals and take prompt action in case of any issues. Lan Song, SmartAHC’s CEO said that their artificial intelligence uses the data collected in the pigsty to optimize processes, from breeding to finishing and slaughtering. He said with this investment, they will increase their R&D capabilities and expand their market presence even further. 

Markus Solibieda, Managing Director of BASF Venture Capital said SmartAHC has a keen understanding of the Chinese market and their technology can contribute substantially to animal health as well as to economic optimization along the pork value chain.