Key Takeaways:
- Significant Funding Round: VitalFluid B.V. has raised €5 million to enhance the market presence of its Plasma Activated Water (PAW) systems, a sustainable alternative to traditional agrochemicals.
- Global Implementation: The investment will expedite the deployment of PAW systems across the USA, Europe, and Africa, benefiting major greenhouse growers.
- Support from Prominent Investors: Future Food Fund, Graduate Entrepreneur Fund, Horticoop, and Innovation Industries have participated in this seed funding round.
- Enhanced Plant Health: PAW technology mimics natural processes to provide a safe, effective solution for improving plant health without the adverse effects associated with chemical pesticides.
Introduction to the Initiative
VitalFluid, a leader in the development of Plasma Activated Water (PAW) applications, announces a €5M seed funding round supported by Future Food Fund, Graduate Entrepreneur Fund, Horticoop, and Innovation Industries. This funding is set to accelerate the market introduction of PAW systems, providing a sustainable and innovative solution to the agrochemicals used in current agricultural practices.
Technology Behind PAW
Plasma Activated Water (PAW) technology, developed by VitalFluid, is inspired by natural phenomena where lightning transforms water into PAW. This “lightning in a box” method allows for on-site production of PAW, offering a natural alternative to the chemical pesticides and fertilizers that are essential yet detrimental to global food production, human health, biodiversity, and the environment.
Strategic Impact and Implementation
The funding will enable VitalFluid to expand its greenhouse PAW programs, further refine its plasma systems for optimal plant health applications, and boost commercial activities. Currently, VitalFluid has plasma systems operational 24/7 at multiple sites worldwide, including partnerships with leading growers such as the Azura Group, Biosabor SAT, and significant leafy greens and rose growers in the US and Europe.
Benefits of Plasma Activated Water Systems
VitalFluid’s PAW systems integrate seamlessly into existing agricultural infrastructure, such as greenhouses and orchards, providing several key benefits:
- Sustainability: PAW offers a pollution-free alternative to chemical inputs, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural practices.
- Effectiveness: Trials in various settings have demonstrated PAW’s capability to enhance plant health efficiently, supporting robust vegetable cultivation without the negative impacts of traditional chemicals.
- Scalability: The ability to produce PAW on-site ensures that the systems are both economically and operationally viable for large-scale operations.
Investor Insights
Jeroen Kimmels of Future Food Fund, Auke van den Hout of Graduate Entrepreneur Fund, Wilco Schoonderbeek of Horticoop, and Vincent Kamphorst of Innovation Industries, alongside incumbent investors, have endorsed VitalFluid’s technology by providing the financial backing necessary for its next growth phase.
Erik Hertel, CEO of VitalFluid, remarked on the funding, “We are proud to team up with these strong investors who recognize the potential of plasma technology in agriculture.”
Image provided by VitalFluid