PhytoFortifAI
Paul Barber, Co-founder
Early detection of
crop threats through
AI and satellite data
PhytoFortifAI
Paul Barber is the co-founder of PhytoFortifAI, a platform using AI and hyperspectral imaging to detect pests and diseases early. His solution helps growers act sooner, reduce losses, and protect Australia’s clean, high-quality grain reputation.
The Problem
Late detection of crop stress, whether from pests, disease, or environmental conditions, leads to devastating yield losses, higher input costs, and increased pressure on farmers to meet biosecurity and sustainability standards. Without early insight, growers rely on guesswork, leading to overuse of fertilisers and chemicals, reduced ROI, and missed opportunities to protect Australia’s reputation for clean, high-quality grain.
The Solution
PhytoFortifAI is an AI-powered early warning system that uses advanced spectral imaging and remote sensing to detect signs of crop stress, before symptoms appear. Scalable from individual paddocks to national systems, it enables growers and advisors to take faster, more precise action. By replacing reactive decisions with predictive insights, PhytoFortifAI helps reduce chemical use, preserve yield, and support both profitability and long-term sustainability.
Target Market
PhytoFortifAI supports broadacre grain producers, agronomists, biosecurity agencies, and agtech platforms seeking to strengthen crop resilience and reduce input waste. It’s also a powerful tool for financial and insurance providers needing better crop risk insight, and for trade bodies focused on protecting export integrity and market access.
Stage of Development
PhytoFortifAI is backed by decades of proven experience in forestry and environmental monitoring, with systems already deployed across millions of hectares globally. The platform is now being adapted and validated for Australian agriculture, starting with broadacre cropping and is seeking partners for commercial trials, industry collaboration, and scale-up investment.
FOUNDER BIO
Paul Barber,
Co-founder
Paul Barber is the co-founder of PhytoFortifAI, an early-warning platform harnessing AI and spectral imaging to detect crop stress before symptoms appear. With decades of experience in remote sensing and plant health through his work with ArborCarbon, Paul has delivered vegetation monitoring solutions for governments, forestry operations, and agricultural systems across Australia and internationally. Now, he’s bringing that expertise to broadacre cropping—helping farmers reduce input use, protect yield, and act earlier with confidence. Backed by proven results across 3M+ hectares and aligned with national biosecurity goals, Paul’s mission is to strengthen Australia’s ag sector through smarter, scalable crop protection.