Smart Apply
Smart Apply develops LiDAR-enabled density-based precision spray control systems for high-value crops (pecans, wine grapes, pistachios, tree fruit, hops), sold through a global John Deere-aligned dealer network of nearly 460 locations, and operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deere & Company.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersIndianapolis, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Smart Apply does
Smart Apply develops a LiDAR-enabled, density-based precision spray control system that retrofits onto virtually any new or used air blast, over-the-row, tower, or GUSS autonomous sprayer. The system uses LiDAR sensors to create a real-time digital blueprint of the canopy, then individually controls each spray nozzle with pulse-width modulation so that chemical is applied only when a tree or vine is sensed and at a volume adjusted to foliage density. Every spray event is automatically logged to the Smart Apply cloud (chemicals applied and saved, water use, tree counts, dates/times, operator performance, orchard/vineyard health) and is viewable in real time, with downstream integration into the John Deere Operations Center. The core technology stems from more than a decade of USDA-ARS research led by Dr. Heping Zhu, was licensed to Smart Apply, and was recognized with the 2023 ASABE McCormick Case Gold Medal.
The company monetizes primarily through one-time hardware sales of the Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System kit via an authorized agricultural equipment dealer network of nearly 460 locations across the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa — predominantly John Deere dealers, augmented by a first OEM agreement with Progressive Ag, Inc. for factory installation in LectroBlast Electrostatic Sprayers (May 2024) and integration with GUSS autonomous sprayers and BA Pumps' Smart Sprayer line. Customer financing is available through John Deere Financial in the US and Canada. Target customers are commercial growers of high-value crops — pecans, wine grapes, pistachios, tree fruit, hops, almonds, and nursery stock — with reported outcomes of ~50% average reductions in chemical and water use, up to 93% reduction in chemical runoff, and up to 87% reduction in airborne drift. Smart Apply was founded in 2014, commercially launched its system in 2019, raised roughly $5.9M in seed funding across 2020–2022 led by Serra Ventures, and was acquired by Deere & Company (John Deere) in early July 2023, operating today as a wholly-owned subsidiary inside John Deere's precision agriculture portfolio.
Smart Apply firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Smart Apply
- Legal name
- Smart Apply, Inc.
- Website
- https://smartapply.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Acquired
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Smart Apply develops LiDAR-enabled density-based precision spray control systems for high-value crops (pecans, wine grapes, pistachios, tree fruit, hops), sold through a global John Deere-aligned dealer network of nearly 460 locations, and operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deere & Company.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Smart Apply is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Indianapolis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Smart Apply business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Smart Apply System Hardware Sales: One-time sale of the Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System as a kit (hardware + LiDAR sensors + control board + tablet + cloud service) that is installed/retrofitted onto the customer's existing or new sprayer. Sold primarily through authorized dealer network; pricing not publicly disclosed. Customer financing available through John Deere Financial (limited US/Canada offer).
- OEM-Embedded System Sales: Factory-installed Smart Apply Systems in LectroBlast Electrostatic Sprayers via partnership with ProgressiveAg — sold through authorized Smart Apply dealers as part of new sprayer packages, expanding the addressable sales motion beyond retrofit to new sprayer OEM integrations.
- Customer Financing via John Deere Financial: Special financing offered on Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System through John Deere Financial, available only through authorized John Deere dealers in US and Canada. Facilitates higher-ticket system adoption by growers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System kit — quote-based via authorized dealer network; not publicly listed pricing |
| Other | — | John Deere Financial financing for Smart Apply System purchases through authorized John Deere dealers |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
Smart Apply product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Smart Apply develops and sells a LiDAR-enabled, density-based Intelligent Spray Control System sold as a kit that retrofits onto virtually any new or used air blast, over-the-row, tower, or GUSS autonomous sprayer. The system senses individual trees or vines, automatically adjusts each spray nozzle via pulse-width modulation, and captures per-spray-event data (chemicals applied and saved, water use, tree counts, operator performance) to the Smart Apply cloud for real-time reporting. It is sold primarily through an authorized dealer network and OEM partners to commercial growers of high-value crops such as pecans, wine grapes, pistachios, almonds, hops, and tree fruit.
Product overview
Smart Apply offers a single core product — the Smart Apply® Intelligent Spray Control System™ — delivered as a LiDAR-based hardware kit plus an integrated cloud data service, with a second-generation (Gen 2) hardware/software release and the ExpertConnect support platform layered on top. The base Intelligent Spray Control System is sold as a kit that retrofits onto virtually any new or used air blast, over-the-row, tower, or GUSS autonomous sprayer and is also factory-installed through OEM partners such as Progressive Ag's LectroBlast sprayers and BA Pumps' Smart Sprayer. Every spray event feeds the Smart Apply Cloud Data Collection & Reporting Service, which growers can further integrate with the John Deere Operations Center for additional analytics. Customer-facing tools include the Smart Apply ROI Calculator spreadsheet and the ExpertConnect text-based support and warranty platform (delivered via the John Deere ExpertConnect mobile app).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ExpertConnect: Text-based connection for Smart Apply field and technical support and warranty claims submission.
- Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System
Products and services
- Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System LiDAR-enabled, density-based precision spray control system sold as a kit that retrofits onto virtually any new or used air blast, over-the-row, tower, or GUSS autonomous sprayer. The system senses individual trees or vines, automatically adjusts each spray nozzle via pulse-width modulation, and captures per-spray-event data (chemicals applied and saved, water use, tree counts, operator performance) to the Smart Apply cloud. Designed for commercial growers of high-value crops including pecans, wine grapes, pistachios, almonds, hops, tree fruit, and nursery stock.
- Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System — Generation 2 (Gen 2) Major version refresh of the Intelligent Spray Control System with improved hardware robustness (sealed junction box, 50% fewer electrical connectors, single power harness with circuit breaker, control board supporting up to 40 spray nozzles, new heavy-duty RuggOn Android tablet) and upgraded cloud software (programmable daily spray schedule, intuitive multi-language screens, expanded data collection and reporting, real-time digital documentation, expanded cloud storage).
- Smart Apply Cloud Data Collection & Reporting Service Cloud-based service that securely stores every spray event captured by the Smart Apply System — including date/time, chemical and water volumes applied and saved, tree counts, operator performance, and orchard/vineyard health — and surfaces the data through real-time reporting for operational, regulatory, and sustainability use. Integrates with the John Deere Operations Center for additional analytics.
- ExpertConnect Text-Based Customer & Warranty Support Platform Text-based field and technical support, ticket tracking, and warranty claim submission service for Smart Apply dealers and customers, delivered through the John Deere ExpertConnect mobile app (iOS and Android). Replaces all former support and warranty submission processes.
- Smart Apply ROI Calculator Downloadable Microsoft Excel spreadsheet tool that lets growers input their own operational values to estimate chemical, water, labor, and input-cost savings from deploying the Smart Apply System. Used as a sales-enablement and qualification tool for growers considering the system.
Companies that use Smart Apply
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Smart Apply technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
AI capability1 record
Feature7 records
Smart Apply partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core (integrated autonomous sprayer platform), core (major us pecan-belt dealer), core (first oem air blast sprayer agreement), core (pacific northwest dealer), flagship (parent company), flagship (foundational technology partner), core (central and coastal california dealer), core (premier southwest georgia john deere dealer), core (new zealand strategic partner), mid-tier (authorized dealer) and mid-tier (academic research validation).
- GUSS Automation, LLCcore (integrated autonomous sprayer platform)GUSS Automation is a Kingsburg, California-based pioneer in autonomous sprayers for orchards and vineyards (also acquired by John Deere in 2025). Smart Apply System is integrated into both the Orchard GUSS and Mini GUSS, providing precision spray application as the GUSS travels through the block. Featured together at FIRA USA 2024 and CES 2025.
- Lasseter Tractor Companycore (major us pecan-belt dealer)Lasseter Tractor (a John Deere dealer since 1956) became an authorized Smart Apply dealer in June 2024, adding six locations across South Georgia (Douglas, Lyons, Moultrie, Ocilla, Tifton, Unadilla). Notable deal: 9-system install near Moultrie, Georgia at a 4,000-acre pecan operation.
- Progressive Ag, Inc.core (first oem air blast sprayer agreement)First formal OEM agreement with ProgressiveAg, allowing the Modesto, CA-based equipment manufacturer to factory-install Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control Systems into its LectroBlast® Electrostatic Sprayers for orchards, vineyards, and hop yards. LectroBlast sprayers are used across California, Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, and Mexico.
- Campbell Tractorcore (pacific northwest dealer)Campbell Tractor (a John Deere dealer since 1940) became an authorized Smart Apply dealer in March 2024, adding six locations in southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon. Campbell's robust Precision Ag team supports Smart Apply integration with the Deere Operations Center.
- Deere & Company (John Deere)flagship (parent company)John Deere acquired Smart Apply, Inc. in July 2023 (per Smart Apply's own communications; one third-party source cites March 2023). The two companies had worked together since 2020. John Deere markets the Smart Apply System through its precision ag portfolio for high-value crops, integrates data with the John Deere Operations Center, and offers special financing through John Deere Financial.
- USDA-ARS (Dr. Heping Zhu)flagship (foundational technology partner)USDA-ARS engineer Dr. Heping Zhu spent two decades developing the precision sprayer technology that underpins the Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System. Zhu's research, done in collaboration with leading agricultural universities and growers, became the foundation of the Smart Apply System. Zhu was awarded ASABE's McCormick Case Gold Medal in July 2023 for this work.
- Belkorp Agcore (central and coastal california dealer)Belkorp Ag became the go-to Smart Apply dealer for California's Central Valley and North Coast with seven locations, serving Lodi, Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma Valley premium vineyards (including Trinchero Family Estates). Belkorp hired Conner Pate as Precision Ag manager in 2023.
- Flint Ag & Turfcore (premier southwest georgia john deere dealer)Flint Ag & Turf (John Deere distributor for 50+ years) led Smart Apply adoption among Georgia pecan growers, selling 30+ systems including seven to two local growers in February 2024. Operates eight locations in southwest Georgia (Americus, Colquitt, Cordele, Cuthbert, Leesburg, Pelham, Sycamore, Sylvester).
- BA Pumps & Sprayerscore (new zealand strategic partner)BA Pumps & Sprayers integrates the Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System into its 'Smart Sprayer' product line for vineyards. The BA Smart Sprayer has been trialled with Pernod Ricard Winemakers in New Zealand since 2020, including a three-row sprayer configuration. Co-hosted BA Pumps Tech Day in Blenheim, NZ in November 2023.
- Pape Ag & Turfmid-tier (authorized dealer)Pape Ag & Turf is an authorized Smart Apply dealer supporting hop growers (Washington) and other high-value crop growers; served as a mutual dealer for both Smart Apply and ProgressiveAg.
- RDO Equipmentmid-tier (authorized dealer)Authorized Smart Apply dealer supporting Washington State hop growers; co-presented at the Hop Growers of America meeting in early 2023.
- Atlantic Tractormid-tier (authorized dealer)Authorized Smart Apply dealer added in 2023, supports Mid-Atlantic US growers including Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.
- Burrows Tractormid-tier (authorized dealer)Authorized Smart Apply dealer added in 2023; supports Pacific Northwest hop and orchard growers.
- Green Diamond Equipmentmid-tier (authorized dealer)Authorized Smart Apply dealer added in 2023; supports Canadian growers including Ontario fruit and wine growers.
- Hutcheon & Pearcemid-tier (authorized dealer)Authorized Smart Apply dealer added in 2023; supports Australian growers.
- Hutson Inc.mid-tier (authorized dealer)Authorized Smart Apply dealer added in 2023; supports Michigan orchard and vineyard growers.
- Messick's Farm Equipmentmid-tier (authorized dealer)Authorized Smart Apply dealer added in 2023; supports Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic growers including the Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention and Keystone Farm Show.
- Premier Equipmentmid-tier (authorized dealer)Authorized Smart Apply dealer added in 2023; supports Canadian Ontario fruit and wine growers.
- Polytechnic University of Madridmid-tier (academic research validation)The Polytechnic University of Madrid conducted an independent field evaluation of Smart Apply in orange orchards and vineyards, analyzing its ability to adjust spray volume in real time while maintaining effective coverage. Results published as a case study in March 2026 and form the basis of the company's chemical cost savings claim of up to 67%.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Smart Apply competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- John Deere (See & Spray Ultimate): John Deere is Smart Apply's parent company and the broader incumbent in precision agriculture. Its See & Spray Ultimate platform uses computer vision for row-crop precision spraying; Smart Apply's LiDAR-based density spraying complements (and competes internally for R&D dollars with) John Deere's broader precision spray portfolio for high-value crops.
- DJI Agras: DJI's Agras line dominates drone-based precision spraying globally and competes for the same precision-application budgets in orchards and vineyards, particularly in Asia-Pacific and emerging markets where Smart Apply is also expanding.
- Trimble Agriculture: Precision agriculture technology provider offering guidance, variable rate application, and farm data management. Comparable as a broad incumbent in the precision ag stack with which Smart Apply integrates via the John Deere Operations Center for orchard and vineyard operations.
- TeeJet Technologies: Established manufacturer of spray nozzles, booms, and precision application components widely used on air blast and specialty crop sprayers. Relevant peer given Smart Apply's compatibility claims with virtually any air blast, over-the-row, or tower sprayer platform TeeJet serves.
Direct peers
- Greeneye Technology: Israel-based AI precision spraying company targeting specialty and row crops with camera-based weed detection and selective spraying. Direct competitor to Smart Apply in the precision application layer, although focused primarily on row-crop herbicide savings rather than Smart Apply's LiDAR-based canopy density model for tree crops.
- Capstan Ag Systems: US manufacturer of precision application technologies including PWM individual nozzle control systems widely used in specialty crop sprayers. Directly comparable to Smart Apply's pulse-width modulation individual nozzle control, and a potential OEM partner or competitor depending on integration choices.
Emerging players
- Verdant Robotics: US agtech startup combining computer vision, robotics, and precision spraying for specialty crops including orchards and vineyards. Competes with Smart Apply in the high-value crop segment with an alternative AI-vision approach to canopy-targeted spraying and data capture.
- XAG: China-based agricultural drone and precision spraying company with global distribution. Competes in precision orchard/vineyard spraying, offering an alternative (drone-based) delivery mechanism versus Smart Apply's ground-based LiDAR retrofit.
- MagrowTec: Ireland-based precision spraying technology using magnetic-assisted droplets to reduce drift and chemical use. Comparable in targeting the same specialty-crop growers seeking chemical savings and drift reduction, though via a different mechanism (droplet physics) than Smart Apply's canopy-sensing approach.
- Bilberry: Australia-based AI precision spraying company with broadacre and specialty crop applications. Direct competitor in the camera-based selective spraying category; relevant to Smart Apply given the overlap in Australian/NZ dealer territory.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Smart Apply social profiles
Digital presenceSmart Apply financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Smart Apply leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Smart Apply funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors5 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Smart Apply M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Smart Apply
What does Smart Apply do?
Smart Apply develops and sells a LiDAR-enabled, density-based Intelligent Spray Control System sold as a kit that retrofits onto virtually any new or used air blast, over-the-row, tower, or GUSS autonomous sprayer. The system senses individual trees or vines, automatically adjusts each spray nozzle via pulse-width modulation, and captures per-spray-event data (chemicals applied and saved, water use, tree counts, operator performance) to the Smart Apply cloud for real-time reporting. It is sold primarily through an authorized dealer network and OEM partners to commercial growers of high-value crops such as pecans, wine grapes, pistachios, almonds, hops, and tree fruit.
Is Smart Apply a public or private company?
Smart Apply is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently acquired.
When was Smart Apply founded?
Smart Apply was founded in 2019. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Smart Apply based?
Smart Apply is headquartered in Indianapolis, United States, in the North America region.
How does Smart Apply make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Smart Apply System Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are OEM-Embedded System Sales and customer Financing via John Deere Financial.
Who are Smart Apply's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are John Deere (See & Spray Ultimate), DJI Agras, Trimble Agriculture and TeeJet Technologies. Direct peers are Greeneye Technology and Capstan Ag Systems. Emerging players are Verdant Robotics, XAG, MagrowTec and Bilberry.
Does Smart Apply have an API?
No public API is recorded for Smart Apply.