Saga robotics appoints us general manager adds agtech investor
CALIFORNIA, USA – January 22, 2026:
Saga Robotics today announced the appointment of Caine Thompson
as General Manager for U.S. operations, effective January 26, 2026,
as the company accelerates commercial expansion of its autonomous
Thorvald UV-C agricultural robotics platform.
During the 2025 California wine grape season, Saga Robotics achieved
a tenfold increase in acres under treatment, marking a major
milestone in the adoption of chemical-free disease control in
vineyards. Building on this momentum, the company expects to
nearly triple treated acreage again in 2026.
Leadership Strengthening US Expansion:
Caine Thompson brings more than 20 years of leadership experience
across agriculture, sustainability, and commercial operations in the
United States and New Zealand. He most recently served as
General Manager and Head of Sustainability at O’Neill Vintners &
Distillers, where he led large-scale operational growth and
regenerative farming initiatives.
Thompson is widely recognized in the wine industry, including being
named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 and a
Wine Business Monthly Sustainability Steward.
“Chemical-free winegrowing is the holy grail of sustainable viticulture.
Thorvald represents a rare technological breakthrough that lowers
the barrier to organic and regenerative winegrowing,” said
Caine Thompson.
Saga Robotics CEO Sacha de La Noë added that Thompson’s
operational discipline and commercial expertise make him ideally
suited to lead US growth as demand for sustainable disease control
accelerates.
Strategic Investment & Leadership Transition:
Founder Pål Johan From will transition to the role of
Chief Growth Officer, focusing on strategic partnerships,
technology development, and market expansion while remaining
actively involved through mid-2026.
Saga Robotics also announced Xinomavro as a new strategic investor.
The wine-focused AgTech investment fund strengthens Saga Robotics’
capital base and adds deep sector expertise.
“Saga Robotics is addressing one of the wine industry’s most pressing
challenges with a practical and transformative solution,” said
Guillaume De Pracomtal of Xinomavro.
Saga Robotics currently operates a fleet of 150+ autonomous units,
delivering weekly UV-C and AI-driven data services across vineyards
in the US and strawberry farms in the UK.
