Katherine Sysov, co-founder of Strella, is using AI-driven sensor technology and data analytics to predict the shelf life of produce, reducing food waste and optimizing supply chain efficiency globally. By combining biology insights with advanced machine vision, Strella helps deliver fresher fruits and vegetables while addressing industry challenges and appealing to both sustainability and operational priorities.
Katherine Sysov, co-founder of Strella, discusses how her company is addressing the pervasive issue of food waste in the produce supply chain. Strella uses advanced sensor technology, machine vision, and data analytics to predict the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, enabling better supply chain decisions. This innovation helps reduce the 40% of food wasted before consumption by optimizing when and how produce is moved through the supply chain, ensuring consumers receive fresher, perfectly ripe products.
Katherine’s journey began with a personal curiosity about where food comes from and a desire to tackle the staggering food waste statistic. With a background in biology, she saw an opportunity to introduce more data-driven insights into the post-harvest phase of the supply chain. Strella’s technology includes sensors that measure plant hormones like ethylene, which indicate ripeness, and machine vision to monitor visual changes in produce. This combination allows them to manage large volumes of produce, such as millions of apples or bananas, and optimize ripening processes in real-time.
The company’s team is multidisciplinary, comprising electrochemists, post-harvest physiologists, data scientists, and engineers, all working together to refine their models and technology. Katherine emphasizes the importance of understanding the food and agriculture industry’s unique challenges, including long growth cycles and complex supply chains. Despite these hurdles, Strella has successfully raised significant funding by focusing on the business value of their solution—such as improving margins and reducing shrink—rather than solely on sustainability, which can be a harder sell to traditional investors.
Strella operates globally, adapting its approach to different markets while maintaining a core value proposition centered on reducing waste and optimizing supply chains. Katherine notes that while sustainability resonates more in regions like Europe, the U.S. market prioritizes operational efficiency. She also highlights the influence of younger generations, particularly Gen Z, who are more sustainability-conscious and eager for innovative solutions. The company’s use of AI has accelerated product development and market research, enabling faster iteration and customer feedback integration.
Looking ahead, Katherine predicts increased automation in the food supply chain, replacing the artisanal expertise currently required with data-driven, consistent processes. Strella aims to continue innovating by making their technology more accessible and impactful, helping to transform how perishable goods are managed worldwide. Katherine’s advice to other founders is to focus on building a viable business that solves real problems, leveraging passion and authenticity to navigate challenges and create meaningful change in traditional industries.