About

Olive harvesting is a labor-intensive, costly, and time-consuming process, representing up to 60% of total production costs. Traditional methods often require tractors, multiple operators, and cause damage to fruit-bearing branches. Additionally, the sector faces increasing labor shortages and pressure to modernize. ELAIA addresses this challenge by offering self-propelled olive harvesting machines that reduce labor needs, increase efficiency, and improve harvest quality — especially in hard-to-access groves. The opportunity lies in automating a process that remains largely manual across olive producing countries

Solution & Product

ELAIA provides an innovative, self-propelled olive harvesting machine that streamlines the harvesting process without the need for tractors or manual shaking. Our core product, AIOLOS, is equipped with a telescopic vibrating arm, motorized wheels for autonomous movement, and a tarp deployment system for collecting fallen olives. Controlled via remote, it enables one operator to complete tasks that previously required multiple workers and machines. We also offer MINI AIOLOS, a more compact and affordable version for small farms. Both models significantly reduce labor costs, harvesting time, and crop damage. A robotic version (ROBO AIOLOS) is currently under development, incorporating AI and computer vision for autonomous operation

Innovation & Scalability

ELAIA brings genuine innovation to the agricultural sector through its self-propelled olive harvesting machines, which combine advanced mechanical design with automation to reduce labor dependency and increase harvesting efficiency. Our flagship product, AIOLOS, operates autonomously in olive groves without the need for tractors or towing vehicles — a key differentiator from existing semi-mechanized solutions. The machine integrates a telescopic vibrating arm, onboard tarp deployment system, and remote control operation, allowing a single operator to manage the harvesting process safely and efficiently. Unlike large, tractor-mounted machines (e.g., CRF, Asquini), AIOLOS is compact, mobile, and optimized for all -sized groves — which represent the majority of olive farms in the Mediterranean. Further more, MINI-AIOLOS cab be valuable for smaller groves, serving all kind of olive producers, private individuals or owners of small olive groves Our competitive advantages include: •tFull self-propulsion (no tractor required) •tLower cost (15–30k EUR vs. 50k+ for competitors) •tPatented design (Patent No. 1010174) •tAdaptability to uneven terrain and fragmented plots The company is also developing a next-generation robotic version (ROBO AIOLOS) with computer vision, AI, and autonomous navigation — currently in R&D — making ELAIA one of the few companies in Europe bridging traditional farming with advanced agri-robotics.

Traction & achievements

Since its foundation, ELAIA has successfully designed, prototyped, and commercialized its flagship self-propelled olive harvester, AIOLOS. We have completed extensive field testing, validated the machine’s performance in real harvesting conditions, and achieved initial sales in Greece, primarily to individual producers and cooperatives. We hold a granted national patent (No. 1010174) protecting our core mechanical innovation. In 2024, we introduced the MINI AIOLOS, a compact, lower-cost model for small farms. We have participated in agricultural exhibitions, launched a new website, and built strong brand awareness in the Greek agri-tech space. We are currently working on the ROBO AIOLOS, an R&D project aiming to deliver a robotic version with autonomous navigation and AI, planned for pilot launch in the next 12–18 months.

Team & Why Us

The company was founded by Dimitris Avgeros, a mechanical engineer with over 40 years of experience in agricultural machinery design and prototyping. He leads the company’s technical direction, product development, and strategy. The core team includes mechanical technicians, a control systems specialist, and an external automation engineer supporting development of the robotic version. We collaborate with experts in software, AI, and sensor integration on a project basis, as part of our R&D roadmap. The team combines deep technical knowledge with hands-on experience in the field, enabling fast prototyping, testing, and adaptation to real-world farming needs.

Funding Needs

No fundings required