Summary:
A Swiss SME with expertise in water treatment has developed a game changing technology for optimising the irrigation of fruits, vegetables and large crops. The water treatment technology is using very low frequency electromagnetic resonance fields. The technology helps to significantly reduce water and fertiliser usage and increases crop production. The company is seeking applied research partners from the agronomy sector interested to test the technology in the frame of a research cooperation.
Description:
Population growth, climate change and limitations of natural resources mean that agriculture must become more productive, efficient and environmentally sound.
According to the United Nations (UN), the world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, placing further strain on food production. Global agriculture is tasked with meeting this demand, with cereals as its cornerstone. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) believes food demand will require raising cereal production by 70% globally. As part of improving agricultural yields, irrigation plays a crucial role. Currently, 70% of total water withdrawal is used for agricultural irrigation, a figure expected to grow to 89% by 2050. Considering all these aspects, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognise the clear need for sustainable agricultural practices that improved crop yields and soil quality while at the same time guaranteeing efficient water use.
The Swiss SME offering the technology is at the forefront of water treatment technology using very low-frequency electromagnetic resonance fields. They are present in many economic sectors, i.e. in the treatment of sanitary water, drinking water treatment for livestock farming and agriculture.
The technology offered is an innovative electromagnetic (EM) water treatment that allows a precise modification of irrigation water structure. This optimises the irrigation process and achieves key benefits for water use and increasing crops yields and soil quality.
The water treatment with very low-frequency (VLF) electromagnetic resonance has been validated in more than 50 varieties of fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs (using drip and sprinkler irrigation) in 40+ countries including France, Spain, Turkey, Tunisia and Brazil. The positive effects of the technology are supported by relevant scientific studies and validations with end users in various sectors.
Currently sought is a research cooperation agreement: partnership with research centres and universities looking to test new smart technologies for climate change adaptation and water savings in food production.
The Swiss SME is interested in joint applications for European research projects, i.e. Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.
Type (e.g. company, R&D institution…), field of industry and Role of Partner Sought:
The specific area of activity of the partner:
Research centers and universities in agronomy
The tasks to be performed by the partner sought:
Research cooperation agreement:
Perform experiments with the Innovative water treatment technology. The main goal is to validate the key benefits in various growing conditions (crops, water, soil, growing methods, growing environment, etc.) as encountered in different countries.
Help to identify suitable European calls, to build a strong consortium and to write a proposal for a European funding project.
Stage of Development:
Already on the market
Comments Regarding Stage of Development:
Fruits & Vegetables : TRL 9
Large crops : TRL 6
IPR Status:
Secret Know-how,Trade Marks
External code:
TOCH20200316001
