Young Brazilian daughter of a cleaner develops soil moisture sensor that transforms irrigation in agriculture and gains recognition among the best in the world.

Written by Caio Aviz

Published on 20/04/2026 at 20:00

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Technology developed in southern Brazil reduces water and energy consumption in agriculture and projects young scientist to international research centers

A technological innovation of great impact in Brazilian agribusiness began to gain prominence in 2015, when a student decided to investigate solutions for water use in agriculture.

Fabiane Kuhn, daughter of a cleaner and a retiree with an income of a minimum wage, developed a patented soil moisture sensor that began to guide producers on irrigation.

Currently, the equipment is already present in about 5,000 hectares, distributed across 11 Brazilian states and applied in more than 20 agricultural crops, ensuring productive efficiency.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Origin of the technology and context of the water crisis

Initially, the journey began in 2015, at the Fundação Liberato Technical School, located in Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul.

At that time, Fabiane was 16 years old and was studying electronics integrated with high school, during a period when Brazil was facing a severe water crisis.

In light of this scenario, with reservoirs operating at dead volume, the student decided to better understand the technologies used for water use.

According to the researcher herself, her entry into agriculture occurred through technology, not family tradition, which reinforces the innovative nature of the initiative.

Development of the sensor and creation of the prototype

Subsequently, Fabiane began to work alongside her colleague Guilherme Ramos, analyzing sensors available on the market.

However, the tests conducted did not yield satisfactory results, which led the duo to develop a new solution aimed at rural producers.

During the winter break, with access to the school laboratory, the prototype was created intensively, taking advantage of the available structure.

Next, the project was registered for Mostratec, considered the largest science and engineering fair for high school students in Latin America.

Scientific Recognition and International Projection

Shortly after, the work won first place in electronic engineering, securing qualification for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

The competition, organized by the Society for Science, brings together around 1,800 students from up to 80 countries, being considered the largest in the world in the pre-university area.

Additionally, according to a survey by Startup Network, the developed sensor has been included in the list of the five best soil sensors in the world.

As a result, the technology paved the way for Fabiane’s participation in research centers and leadership programs in the United States.

Startup Expansion and Market Recognition

Currently, at 27 years old, Fabiane is the founder and CEO of Raks Agricultural Technology, based in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul.

Moreover, her work in the sector has been recognized by Forbes Brazil, which included her in the Forbes Under 30 list, highlighting young talents in various fields.

Thus, her journey demonstrates how a solution created in a school environment can achieve national impact and global recognition.

Direct Impact on Agriculture and Productive Efficiency

At the same time, the developed sensor allows for more precise decisions regarding irrigation, reducing waste and increasing efficiency in the use of natural resources.

Furthermore, the technology maintains crop productivity by indicating the ideal time to irrigate, avoiding excesses or failures in the process.

Therefore, the advancement reinforces the role of technological innovation in Brazilian agribusiness and highlights the potential of solutions created from educational research.

In light of this scenario, how can initiatives arising from technical schools continue to transform the future of agricultural production in Brazil?

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Young Brazilian daughter of a cleaner develops soil moisture sensor that transforms irrigation in agriculture and gains recognition among the best in the world.

Technology developed in southern Brazil reduces water and energy consumption in agriculture and projects young scientist to international research centers

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Young Brazilian daughter of a cleaner develops soil moisture sensor that transforms irrigation in agriculture and gains recognition among the best in the world.

Technology developed in southern Brazil reduces water and energy consumption in agriculture and projects young scientist to international research centers

Origin of the technology and context of the water crisis

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Earth is “pulling” water from the oceans into the core at nearly 3,000 km deep, and scientists finally explain how this slow and invisible process may be completely transforming the planet from the inside over billions of years.

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Engineers want to carve through Africa with a giant canal to bring water from the world’s second-largest river to a dying lake on the edge of the Sahara Desert that has already lost 90% of its water.

Brazil filled the Northeast with wind turbines but now faces the side effect of 705 giant blades reaching the end of their lifespan by 2032 just in Rio Grande do Norte, while the world projects 43 million tons of waste by 2050.

India approved the country’s first submerged road-rail tunnel, 15.8 kilometers dug under the bed of the Brahmaputra River.

Instead of burning or burying old tires, an American city is transforming about 2,000 of them into the street itself, paving its first sections with a quieter and more durable rubber asphalt.

In just one cast, fishermen are surprised to capture 14,096 mullets in Bombinhas and close a historic season with 58,000 fish; scene recorded in the Santa Catarina paradise marks the last day of the 2026 season.

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