Launched in the University's incubator (LUinc.) back in 2019, Zayndu helps global growers increase agricultural yield by using unique cold plasma equipment that vitalises seeds, speeding up germination and encouraging growth.
Zayndu’s innovative ‘activated air’ sterilisation system allows seeds to grow stronger and between 15-25% bigger without the need for agrochemicals or pesticides and is the first of its kind in the world. The subscription-based technology provides a timely and affordable solution for growers as many of the chemicals the industry relies on are becoming banned internationally.
The potential of the technology for seed treatment came out of the University’s participation in the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) programme, which supports university-business collaboration and looks at applications for technology in different industry sectors. It discovered a growing unmet need for sustainable seed treatments that delivered increased productivity and plant health.
Other winners on the evening included Intelligent Energy, a global leader in PEM fuel cell technology, which was first launched as a Loughborough University spin-out during the 1980s. Millitec Food Systems took home the Food and Drink Award- a specialist in food production automation - partnered with AI specialists at Loughborough University to create a unique sandwich-making robot featuring the latest embedded artificial intelligence technology.
Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation at Loughborough, commented: “I am delighted that our superb innovation ecosystem at Loughborough University has once again been recognised at The Made in Midlands Awards."
All three winning companies will now go through to the Made in the UK Manufacturing Awards which takes place on Thursday 29 June. The event - one of the largest national manufacturing Awards dinners - recognises and rewards the manufacturing heritage and capabilities within the UK.
Congratulations to Felipe and the Zayndu team and to all the winners on the night!