Since its inception, Alphabet X’s claim to fame as a “moonshot factory” has been its wide range of technological innovations aimed at addressing various problems. This unique blend of research hub and startup incubator has given rise to projects like internet-delivering balloons and kite-based energy generation.
Tidal, emerging quietly from the wings in mid-July, harbors its own ambitious vision of “sustainably feeding humanity.” With such a broad and ambitious goal, the company is zoning in on salmon aquaculture as its initial focus.
The World Wildlife Foundation highlights that “Salmon aquaculture represents the world’s quickest expanding method of food production, making up 70% (2.5 million metric tons) of the market.”
Headquartered in Trondheim, Norway, and springing from the roots in Mountain View, Tidal adopts a distinctly Google-inspired approach to aquaculture. It leverages an array of sensors, robotics, AI, and data science to provide aqua farmers with comprehensive insights into their harvests. This system continuously observes the fish, predicts yields, and flags issues like sea lice early on to prevent significant losses.
Tidal has already been operational in Chile, Brazil, and Norway, partnering closely with local farmers. Currently, Tidal boasts 230 deployed systems in Norway alone.
“In an arena where feed represents the biggest environmental and financial expense, Tidal equips global fish farmers with the tools for more eco-friendly decision-making,” shared Astro Teller, X’s head, in a related announcement. “As Tidal progresses towards the commercialization of its technologies, it’s transitioning into an independent entity, backed by financiers and strategic allies who align with our mission.”
A representative for Tidal disclosed to TechCrunch that becoming independent was always intended. Amid Alphabet’s tightening of investments in its “other bets,” like the transformative step of shifting robot farming enterprise Mineral to a licensing model and selling technology to John Deere, and the spin-off of the assisted clothing company Skip last month.
Post-divestiture, Alphabet’s stake in each entity varies. For Tidal, the tech behemoth retains a minority interest, with the startup also seeking external investors. Perry Creek Capital spearheaded the most recent financing round, with contributions from Ichthus Venture Capital and Futurum Ventures, though the investment sum remains undisclosed.
Tidal is now actively expanding, aiming to double or even triple its operational systems in the forthcoming years.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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