Key Takeaways:
- Alberto Campanaro’s background in plant science combines academic training in industrial biotechnology with research experience in open-field agriculture.
- His transition from academia to applied research was driven by a desire to work on technologies with near-term impact, particularly in plant performance and yield.
- At Zayndu, Campanaro leads scientific efforts around cold plasma seed treatments, which aim to improve germination rates, uniformity, and growth consistency in controlled environments.
- Cold plasma protocols developed by Zayndu are tailored by crop species and variety, with feedback loops built into the product development cycle to fine-tune results.
- Campanaro now manages a team and focuses on aligning plant science with broader operational goals, balancing scientific detail with product application.
Alberto Campanaro’s Early Interest in Plant Science
Alberto Campanaro, Head of Science at Zayndu (Profile), describes his long-standing interest in plants as both personal and professional. Originally from Italy and now based in the UK, he recalls early memories of gardening and foraging with family as shaping his perspective on food and agriculture.
“I was always fascinated by how plants survive environmental stress without the ability to move,” Campanaro shared in a recent episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast with Harry Duran. “That basic fact stayed with me and eventually influenced my academic path.”
After earning a degree in industrial biotechnology, Campanaro pursued research focused on open-field crops such as wheat and barley, with projects supported by firms like KWS and BASF.
Applying Academic Knowledge to Commercial Challenges
Alberto Campanaro’s move from academia to applied plant science came with a shift in priorities. While he valued the role of basic research, he sought opportunities to work on technologies that could translate into real-world outcomes more quickly.
“At a certain point, I wanted to focus on solutions that had measurable effects on yield or growing conditions in the near term,” he said. “That’s what led me to explore roles outside the university system.”
This shift brought him to Zayndu, a startup focused on cold plasma seed treatment. The role appealed to Campanaro’s scientific interests and offered a chance to contribute to early-stage development.
Leading Science at Zayndu
Zayndu’s technology uses a low-temperature plasma process to expose seeds to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. This treatment is designed to enhance seed permeability, leading to improved germination rates, more uniform growth, and, in some cases, accelerated harvesting.
Campanaro joined the team when the company was in its early stages and helped establish its plant biology lab. “It was very much a startup environment,” he said. “But the science was sound, and I saw the potential to contribute meaningfully.”
Under his leadership, Zayndu has developed a range of plasma protocols tailored to specific crops. “Spinach, for example, may require different treatments depending on the variety,” Campanaro noted. “It’s not one-size-fits-all.”
Ongoing Research and Practical Considerations
Alberto Campanaro emphasized that while cold plasma seed priming shows promise, responses vary across plant types. Optimization is necessary, and Zayndu works directly with growers to refine treatment protocols.
He also notes the importance of scale in deployment. “There’s no upper limit to farm size, but there is a lower bound where the technology becomes practical,” he said. “It depends on the specific operation and production goals.”
Today, Campanaro’s role includes team management, strategic planning, and technical support. Despite moving away from daily lab work, he still begins his mornings by reviewing plant trials. “Looking at the plants is a habit I never lost,” he said.
