Meet Leonardo Moriggia, Co-founder & CEO of FarmAid

Tell us more about FarmAid.
FarmAid is a multi-award-winning agritech startup headquartered in Ticino. We offer a patented IoT device that protects crops against hail, frost, and fungal diseases. Our device can automatically deploy a cover across a field in seconds—reducing harvest loss by up to 100%.

Please give some more details of your startup story: what was the “aha” moment that led to the idea for your startup?
The solution was conceived by our CTO and inventor, Roberto Rubini, to address a daily need: protecting his vegetable garden from hail. With the support of family and friends, he patented the device and built the first working prototype. When I was presented with the concept, I immediately recognized its immense business potential.

So, what’s next for you, what’s a bold goal you’re chasing right now?
There is a lot happening. We’ve already monetized part of our intellectual property and are in talks with wineries and farms to launch pilot projects. At the same time, we reached the final round of MassChallenge Switzerland and the Möbius Award. Our main goal is to prepare for market launch quickly and effectively.

Which decision (big or small) had the most unexpected positive impact on your startup?
Participating in—and being awarded at—the Boldbrain Accelerator 2024 was a turning point. It helped us refine our business strategy, gain visibility, and most importantly, become part of Ticino’s startup and innovation ecosystem.

How did you build your team, and what helps you maintain your startup culture?
Our team is built on strong mutual trust and competence. We know we can rely on each other’s abilities and decisions. What drives us is the extreme motivation to succeed and our shared belief in what we do. Having a heartfelt common goal and trusting one another makes designing and executing our plans much easier.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? What are your biggest learnings?
When building a startup—or really anything in life—it’s crucial to have the right knowledge. Leveraging others’ expertise helps you move faster and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Often, though, you get contradicting advice. The key is to carefully select your sources, whether books or people, based on proven results, and ignore mere opinions.

Building a startup requires resilience, how do you stay focused during tough times?
A shared goal and strong motivation are what keep us going. If you’re working alone, remember the reasons why you started and keep pushing if your entrepreneurial thesis still holds true. If you’re lucky to have a good, aligned team, it becomes much easier—the team’s collective drive helps everyone push through. That’s the magic of team spirit.

One piece of advice for someone who is just starting out with their startup?
Validate your thesis with facts and numbers. Make sure there’s a demand for what you offer—or that you can create one. Sometimes your thesis is based on projections of how circumstances will evolve in the future. That’s perfectly fine, as it allows you to anticipate the market and prepare. Of course, there’s risk involved—but that’s part of what entrepreneurship is all about.

What’s your outlook on the future of the Swiss startup scene, and how can it compete internationally?
For the 14th consecutive year, in 2024, Switzerland was rated the most innovative economy in the world. Our country is synonymous with quality and credibility abroad. Swiss institutions and corporations pay close attention to what happens in the local startup world. I believe Swiss founders should be optimistic. 🙂

What value do you see in being part of the Swiss Startup Association?
The Swiss Startup Association gives access to a vast network of peers and investors in one place. It also provides valuable content and partner offers that cover many startup needs, from legal to accounting and beyond.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?
If you’d like to learn more about what we do and follow our journey, connect with us here:
🌐 farmaid.ch | 💼 FarmAid (LinkedIn) | 📸 farmaid.plantprotection (Instagram)

Check out Leonardo’s LinkedIn here!

About the Swiss Startup Association

The Swiss Startup Association (SSA) is the umbrella organisation and the voice of Swiss startups. As a sector-independent non-profit organisation, the SSA gives startups a strong voice vis-à-vis politics, business, and works to improve the conditions for startups in Switzerland.
Beyond its political engagement, the SSA fosters a community for startups, recognizing the unique challenges they face. Through networking opportunities, educational sessions, and practical services, the SSA collaborates with industry partners to offer tailored support and valuable resources to guide founders on their entrepreneurial journey.

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