Pune-based agritech startup Canebot, founded by Kirty and Milind Datar, has secured seed investment from cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and Associates.
Canebot specialises in developing robotic vending machines that dispense fresh sugarcane juice, which assists farmers in reducing post-harvest losses while providing hygienic beverages to urban consumers.
This funding is part of a strategic partnership formed last year between Rahane and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture (MCCIA), aimed at supporting agritech ventures that strengthen Maharashtra’s agricultural sector.
Rahane stated that the collaboration with MCCIA helps identify promising agri-entrepreneurs like Canebot. He added that this seed investment will accelerate their mission to innovate for both farmers and consumers.
Prashant Girbane, director-general of MCCIA, said that more agritech startups will benefit from early-stage funding and strategic support. This initiative aims to foster scalable, tech-enabled agricultural solutions that can uplift rural livelihoods and position Maharashtra as a leader in agritech innovation, he added.