Key Takeaways:
- Zayndu uses plasma technology to improve seed health and boost crop yields without chemicals.
- CEO Ralph Weir shared his journey from semiconductors to agriculture on the Vertical Farming Podcast.
- The company’s treatment increases germination consistency, reduces pathogens, and improves growth rates by up to 20%.
- Zayndu’s technology is adaptable across 90+ crop types, from leafy greens to trees.
- Ralph emphasizes the need for industry focus, collaboration, and data-driven decisions as vertical farming evolves.
From Analog Synths to AgTech: Ralph Weir’s Origin Story
Zayndu (Profile) CEO Ralph Weir joined Vertical Farming Podcast host Harry Duran to discuss his unconventional path from building analog drum synthesizers in the 1980s to leading a startup at the intersection of plasma physics and agriculture.
Born in Scotland and now based in Loughborough, UK, Weir credits his early interest in electronics to his father’s military background and his exposure to rural life through his grandfather’s Croft. “It’s a very different part of the world,” he reflected. “But those small-scale farming traditions had an influence.”
After decades in the semiconductor sector, working on technologies like OLEDs and LED lighting, Weir was introduced to Zayndu founder Dr. Felipe Pérez. “Every time he opened his mouth I said, ‘Really? Does it do that?’ I was hooked.”
What Zayndu Does: Chemical-Free Plasma for Seed Treatment
Zayndu uses a non-thermal plasma environment to treat seeds with “activated air.” This dry, chemical-free process does four key things:
- Improves germination speed and uniformity
- Reduces pathogen loads on seeds
- Enhances root development through hormonal cues
- Increases yields by up to 20–30% depending on the crop
“We’re not adding chemicals. We’re rearranging the air molecules around the seeds,” Weir explained.
The technology is effective on over 90 plant varieties and is especially impactful for vertical farms, where hygiene and precision matter. Zayndu’s machines are cloud-connected, enabling remote optimization based on farm conditions (hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics, etc.).
Ideal Customers: From Global Seed Firms to Container Farms
Zayndu originally focused on global seed companies but found major traction in vertical farms and greenhouses. Their technology eliminates one of the four main contamination paths—seeds—while helping growers meet food safety and performance targets.
“You can sterilize water and media. You can’t sterilize people. But seeds—we can clean them before they even enter the grow room.”
Weir noted that protocols differ significantly between open field farming and the cleanroom-like standards of high-density vertical farms. Zayndu offers tailored solutions for each grower, from large-scale operations to smaller container farms.
Pricing, Access, and Supporting Small Growers
One of Weir’s current challenges is developing a pricing model that works across different farm sizes.
“It’s hard when one model fits large farms but not smaller operations. We’re exploring subscription models, seasonal pricing, and even cooperatives to make it more accessible,” he said.
He acknowledged that early versions of Zayndu’s machines are likely over-engineered and expects future iterations to reduce costs and improve flexibility.
Lessons from Leadership and Building Culture
Weir attributes much of his leadership style to lessons learned at Motorola and Texas Instruments, and from his father’s experience in military bomb disposal. “You’re a team. The bomb doesn’t care about your rank,” he recalled.
He also emphasized the importance of mission-driven culture at Zayndu.
“It’s not a 9-to-5 mindset. People help each other. They care. And that comes from believing in the purpose of what we’re doing.”
Despite early COVID disruptions, the team adapted quickly—running tests in garages, collaborating via Zoom, and developing their first prototypes during lockdown.
A Cautious Optimism for Vertical Farming’s Future
Weir encouraged the industry to avoid herd mentality and media pessimism.
“Just because one vertical farm fails doesn’t mean the model’s broken. Look at the data. Talk to real operators. Don’t get caught up in headlines.”
He also drew comparisons to the semiconductor sector, noting that shared technology and specialization—rather than full-stack reinvention—will help controlled-environment agriculture mature.
Read the latest news from Zayndu here.
