About Zayndu
Zayndu has created the world’s first ‘activated air’ seed sterilisation system that cleans seeds without the need for chemical treatment or washing.
The idea for Zayndu came from research by Dr Felipe Iza, of the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering at Loughborough University. He saw the potential of using cold plasma as a novel method for cleaning, with an initial focus on contact lenses.
The potential of the technology for seed cleaning 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 by seed breeders for an alternative method of seed sterilisation, following the removal in 2019 of the seed treatment fungicide thiram.
To exploit this opportunity, Zayndu was formed in 2019, and Ralph Weir was brought in to head up the company as CEO and manage a bid to Innovate UK to develop a proof-of-concept.
The prototype proved successful and the company gained further funding of £1.1m in March 2021. It has secured the support of major seed companies in the industry and developed its first product, the Aurora Z10. It is now focussed on optimising the technology and the process, and on scaling up the machine to increase capacity.
The potential of the technology for seed cleaning 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 by seed breeders for an alternative method of seed sterilisation, following the removal in 2019 of the seed treatment fungicide thiram.
To exploit this opportunity, Zayndu was formed in 2019, and Ralph Weir was brought in to head up the company as CEO and manage a bid to Innovate UK to develop a proof-of-concept.
The prototype proved successful and the company gained further funding of £1.1m in March 2021. It has secured the support of major seed companies in the industry and developed its first product, the Aurora Z10. It is now focussed on optimising the technology and the process, and on scaling up the machine to increase capacity.
The Team
Ralph is a successful growth and early-stage serial entrepreneur, with experience in creating compelling strategies and vision, tracking, evaluating and adapting to shifting markets, building, managing and motivating high performance teams, and leading sales growth domestically and on the global stage. His focus is on building relationships with potential users and future investors.
Felipe is a founder of the business and an internationally-recognised specialist in cold plasma technology. His expertise in high-voltage and high-frequency electronics design spawned the unique plasma systems at the core of the Zayndu products, and will be critical in addressing the static electricity issues. His role will be to guide the overall program at Zayndu, providing input to both the electromechanical and biological development programs.
Alberto is an experienced plant scientist. His Ph.D. (Durham University) investigated molecular responses underpinning plant immune responses. Prior to Zayndu, he held post-doctoral research roles at Durham, investigating the molecular interactions regulating the growth-immunity balance in plants in collaboration with Agritech leaders such as KWS, ADAS, BASF; his role is to lead the development of the seed treatment protocols.
Mickey is a multi-lingual global business development and strategic marketing expert with over 30 years experience working with international clients across the US, Europe & Asia. Her role is to lead the identification, development and integration of client solutions including supporting new innovation within the business.
Join the team
Zayndu is a fast-growing, dynamic team, developing exciting technologies. We foster a can-do attitude, and, as a small company growing fast, we offer opportunities – whether that be personal growth, the chance to work in unusual enviornments – or just the challenge of doing something that’s never been done before, of pushing boundaries, and of course – eliminating toxic chemicals.
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Latest Awards
Zayndu's potential recognised by ICURe awards
Zayndu has won an award for its presentation at the ICURe Investor Pitch and Showcase Event, where it competed against 11 other early-stage companies.
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Innovation award for Zayndu's plasma-based seed tech
Zayndu earned an award for Innovation in Manufacturing and Engineering at the glittering LeicestershireLive Innovation Awards 2022, for its plasma-based seed cleaning technology.
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Zayndu's 'northern lights' technology reaches final of innovation awards
Zayndu is delighted to be short-listed as an innovator in two categories of the LeicestershireLive Innovation Awards 2022
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If you are interested in finding out how our Aurora, non-toxic, organic seed disinfection, systems can help improve your seed health and productivity, please get in touch with our team today.
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