CroBio, a Cheshire-based AgTech startup focused on enhancing soil health through microbial innovation, has been awarded a £671,356 ($0.8M) grant in collaboration with the University of York and the Biorenewables Development Centre. The funding, provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Farming Innovation Programme and supported by Innovate UK, will drive CroBio's ongoing work in soil health and nutrient management. This milestone represents the company’s first government-backed grant, reinforcing its mission to revolutionize sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

CroBio's Growth and Investment History

Founded in 2019 by Ross Mulhall during the YES19 competition at Syngenta’s Jealott’s Hill Facility, CroBio has steadily grown through a combination of bootstrapped funding and strategic investments. The company initially secured funding from Catapult Ventures GM&C Life Sciences Fund in 2020 to develop its bacterial strains for greenhouse trials. In 2023, CroBio gained further momentum with a €505,000 investment from SOSV and participation in the IndieBio accelerator program, which helped refine its living soil amendment technology.

Innovative Soil Health Technology

CroBio's proprietary living soil amendment is designed to improve nutrient retention, water retention, and carbon sequestration in agricultural soils. The technology involves applying a liquid microbial solution once per growing season, allowing beneficial bacteria to grow alongside plants. These microbes produce bacterial cellulose, a sponge-like material that can retain water and essential nutrients, supporting plant growth and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

Proven Impact and Environmental Benefits

According to CroBio, their innovation enhances soil biodiversity, enriches nitrogen and phosphorus levels, and contributes to a healthier microbiome. Studies conducted in controlled greenhouse environments have demonstrated the technology’s effectiveness, with sandy soil showing a 200% increase in water retention. By integrating their solution into large-scale farming operations, CroBio aims to promote crop productivity while addressing key challenges in sustainable agriculture.

Expert Insights on Project Significance

Dr. Daniel J. Upton, Senior Scientist at CroBio, emphasized the project’s significance in tackling agricultural challenges and improving soil management practices. He noted that the funding will enable CroBio to further develop its technology for widespread application, ensuring benefits across multiple agricultural settings. The initiative will support farmers by reducing fertilizer dependence while enhancing soil and environmental health.

Continued Expansion and Future Plans

This latest grant follows CroBio’s successful €1.4 million Seed round in April 2023, marking another step in the company’s expansion. The additional funding will accelerate the development of new microbial strains tailored for agricultural use across the UK and Europe. By leveraging scientific research and strategic partnerships, CroBio aims to scale its impact within the regenerative agriculture sector.

Acknowledgments and Team Contributions

The company’s success is attributed to the collective efforts of a multidisciplinary team, including key contributors such as Wayne Mulhall, Ross Mulhall, Amritpal Singh, Anna Alessi, Andrea Harper, Debs Rathbone, Mark Hodson, Rosie Nolan, and Richard Bramley. Special recognition was given to Dr. Upton for leading the grant application process, along with continued support from advisors David Richmond and Philip Crosland. As CroBio advances its mission, it remains committed to innovation and sustainability in modern agriculture.

With this new funding, CroBio is poised to scale its groundbreaking technology, bringing long-term benefits to farmers, ecosystems, and global food security. The company’s efforts align with broader industry goals to enhance climate resilience and soil regeneration. As the project unfolds, CroBio will continue to update stakeholders on its progress toward transforming agricultural sustainability.