THE PROJECT
What is LIFE APOLLO
The LIFE APOLLO project – APples and OLives uv-Light Optimized pest treatment – was launched to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in European agriculture: reducing reliance on pesticides.
Through an integrated and sustainable technology, LIFE APOLLO will develop an autonomous hybrid rover that combines:
- UV-C light to prevent fungal and bacterial diseases without chemicals.
- Targeted treatment with plant protection products only when necessary.
- Artificial intelligence algorithms that determine the optimal timing of treatments.
- A hybrid diesel-electric engine with low environmental impact.
Why LIFE APOLLO was created
The intensive use of chemical products in agriculture has negative consequences for the environment, biodiversity, and human health.
Through the Farm to Fork strategy, the European Commission has set an ambitious goal: reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030.
Today, there is a lack of widespread and accessible technical solutions to achieve this target. LIFE APOLLO aims to fill this gap, offering farmers a concrete alternative: more sustainability without compromising agronomic effectiveness.
Our goals
- Reduce pesticide use in apple and olive orchards by over 50%.
- Ensure effective and reliable treatments based on scientific evidence.
- Validate the technology through real field trials over two consecutive seasons.
- Launch industrialization and dissemination of the system at European level.
- Contribute to the goals of the European Green Deal and the CAP.