Kilimo expands its global footprint to California’s Central Valley, introducing an irrigation initiative that enables up to 50% water savings and supports regional water stewardship goals.
Kilimo, the Latin American climatech company that enhances water security in agriculture through data and technology, has launched its first U.S. initiative in collaboration with Microsoft. This new project in California’s Central Valley will support 4 growers in adopting more efficient irrigation practices, helping to reduce water use and build climate resilience in one of the most water-stressed regions in the United States.
The initiative will convert conventional irrigation to more efficient systems, combining Kilimo’s data-driven irrigation management platform with on-the-ground implementation. Leveraging advanced technologies, the project is expected to reduce agricultural water use by up to 50%, while maintaining or improving crop productivity.
“This latest initiative, and our first milestone in the U.S. market, builds on our ongoing work with Microsoft in Chile and Mexico, reinforcing a regional partnership focused on delivering tangible water solutions,” said Jairo Trad, CEO and co-founder of Kilimo. “Bringing our experience to California’s Central Valley is a key step in our mission to ensure a future with available water.”
Microsoft’s participation is part of its commitment to be water-positive by 2030, which has five key pillars: reduce water-use intensity across global operations, replenish more than the company consumes in priority locations where Microsoft does business, provide people with access to water and sanitation services globally, drive innovation and data digitization, and advocate for water policy across the globe. With nearly 80% of California’s water going to agriculture—most of it concentrated in the Central Valley—adopting more efficient irrigation is a critical strategy for long-term water sustainability.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Kilimo to support farmers’ efforts to conserve water in California’s Central Valley,” said Eliza Roberts, Water Lead at Microsoft. “Improving irrigation efficiency is a vital solution for building resilience in the face of climate change.”
On-the-ground implementation will incorporate precision irrigation solutions provided by technical partners, including Netafim North America. These tools will help growers modernize their irrigation infrastructure and monitor performance.
Kilimo applies climate adaptation solutions that combine local knowledge, technology, and multistakeholder collaboration. Through three core lines of action—AI-powered irrigation management, irrigation system modernization, and regenerative agriculture practices—Kilimo drives collective efforts that generate real, measurable, and traceable water impact across watersheds.
