Regional recognition for global impact. Zayndu shortlisted second year in a row for innovation award. 

Now in its 5th year, the LeicestershireLive Innovation awards showcase the very best our region has to offer the global market in technology, services, digital advances and creative thinking. Following on from our success at the 2022 event, as the winner of the Manufacturing and Engineering award, Zayndu have this year been shortlisted again as finalists for the Food and Drink category. 

Zayndu’s technology harnesses the power of nature to create significant improvements in plant health and yield without the need for harmful chemicals. Using their unique cold plasma technology, seeds are placed into a rotating drum and treated to a dose of “ActivatedAir” that uses tailored protocols and helps naturally unlock the full genetic potential of the plant. This novel, completely dry process has already shown significant improvements in vertical farming productivity, as demonstrated effectively through the results of the recent Innovate UK funded CHOPS project done in collaboration with Vertical Future and NIAB. 

A large proportion of modern seed breeding focuses on developing plants that are more resilient to disease and environmental stresses without the need for additional chemical treatments. These developments, however beneficial for operators, have resulted in consumers losing the more flavoursome and metabolically beneficial heirloom varieties. 

Viroflay spinach, a prime example from the 1600s, is among several long-forgotten species that featured in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Heirloom Optimisation & Pathogen Control for Seeds (CHOPS) project. Treatment with the Zayndu technology resulted in up to 7x more sustainable yield and much stronger flavour for consumers with zero agrochemical input. 

Modern food production is having to find ways to combat the increasing environmental, economic and legislative challenges facing the industry and technology, such as Zayndu’s seed treatment machine, is widely recognised as the key to unlocking the true potential of indoor growing in order to deliver ongoing regional food security, reducing reliance on imported produce and delivering consumers with cost-effective, quality ingredients.   

The event is due to take place on the 16^th of February and will be held in the prestigious National Space Centre, Leicestershire.  

For more details and to find out the other finalists please visit LeicestershireLive Innovation Awards website