BDC partners with CroBio on Engineering Biology Award to tackle water scarcity
The Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) and UK-based biotech company CroBio have secured an Engineering Biology SPARK Award from InnovateUK. This funding will support a collaborative project aimed at developing a non-genetically modified (non-GM) microbial soil amendment to help crops withstand drought, a growing challenge driven by climate change.
The project will build on CroBio’s existing microbial product, which is designed to improve soil health, increase water and nutrient retention, and ultimately boost crop yields while reducing the need for traditional fertilisers. The BDC’s team of experts in microbiology and plant science will work with CroBio to enhance the functionality of the microbial strains and test their effectiveness on crops such as wheat and barley in controlled growth experiments.
Rosie Nolan, Lead Technologist said
This funding represents a fantastic opportunity to continue our partnership with CroBio, using our expertise in microbial based solutions to help them develop their technology further. This project isn’t just about creating a product; it’s about providing key data that will help bring a sustainable solution to market that can boost drought resilience, improve food security, and reduce environmental impact.
Wayne Mulhall, CroBio co-founder, said
The problem of water scarcity and poor harvest quality isn't just approaching—it's already here. Working with BDC is crucial for us—their process development expertise is exactly what we need to optimise our microbial soil amendment. Our technology aims to not only protect current farming but also future-proof harvests, and this partnership helps us move faster towards creating real-world, climate-resilient agricultural solutions.
The project’s outcomes will include an improved product and new scientific data, which will support CroBio’s efforts to commercialise the technology and attract future investment. Beyond the commercial benefits, this initiative is expected to deliver significant environmental and social advantages, including improved food security, reduced fertiliser use, and job creation in Northern England.
This project is one of 15 SPARK Awards announced by the InnovateUK Engineering Biology Innovation Network, which supports innovative solutions to challenges faced by UK SMEs. Click here to learn more about all the funded projects.
CroBio – led by co-founders Wayne Mulhall and Ross Mulhall – is a start-up biotechnology company focused on soil regeneration, on a mission to provide farmers with enhanced soil microbes that enables sustainable agriculture. Ranked among the top 5 companies globally for soil health and biodiversity by the THRIVE Global Impact Challenge, CroBio closed its Seed Round of $1.55 million in 2024, led by The Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment - bringing their total funding to date to $3 million.
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