Qarbotech raises funding for its nanotech solution that boosts agri productivity

Malaysia-based sustainability and agritech startup Qarbotech has raised US$700,000 in seed funding and grants.

The round was led by 500 Global and includes innovation grants from the Temasek Foundation for winning the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2023 and Khazanah Nasional’s Dana Impak for winning the Khazanah Impact Innovation Challenge (KIIC) 2023.

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Qarbotech has developed QarboGrow, a photosynthesis enhancement technology. The patented nanotechnology is an on-plant or in-soil solution that boosts agricultural productivity, increasing crop yields by up to 60 per cent. Its unique formulation contains biocompatible organic compounds with properties similar to chlorophyll, thus expanding the photosynthesis rate of leafy plants.

Farmers and growers of all sizes can enhance crop yield by optimising photosynthetic efficiency and shortening growth cycles.

Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the firm serves customers in Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries.

Qarbotech will invest the capital in R&D and expand its manufacturing facility to produce up to 50x its current capacity to serve farmers and growers in new Southeast Asian markets.

“Agriculture is an industry that’s ripe for investments. When we have the privilege to meet a team that’s catalysing a step change for farmers, we back them. Qarbotech’s technology has exciting potential to solve the global food security challenge of the world’s growing population, of which about 30 per cent do not have food security. We believe that when Qarbotech wins, these 2.3 billion people win too,” shared Khailee Ng, Managing Partner, 500 Global.

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The population in Southeast Asia is estimated to grow by 12 per cent, from 670 million in 2020 to 750 million by 2035. This population surge and climate volatility are expected to drive a 40 per cent increase in food demand by 2050.

Limited agricultural resources, widespread land degradation, and diminishing arable land caused by urbanisation and industrialisation in the region threaten food production. Qarbotech’s technology is essential for farmers to grow more with less arable land.

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