Israeli Ag-Tech Startup Channels Elon Musk’s Vision to Revolutionize Plants
An Israeli agricultural technology startup, XtrION, is making waves in the farming industry by harnessing the power of tailored electrical fields to improve crop yields, nutritional content, and resistance to pests and diseases. This innovative technology, reminiscent of Elon Musk’s Neuralink project for humans, connects plants to electrodes to enhance their growth and development.
XtrION’s CEO, Matan Rosenfeld, explains that their technology reads the plant’s condition like an electrocardiogram (ECG) in humans, allowing for real-time monitoring and intervention. “We added 50% more iron to coriander, in strawberries we had 15% more sugar and 30% more fruit,” Rosenfeld notes, highlighting the potential of their technology to significantly improve crop quality and quantity.
How it Works
The company’s technology, called Tailored Electrical Fields (TEF), increases nutrient absorption, enhances photosynthesis, and accelerates plant growth. Electrodes provide continuous data on the plant’s condition, enabling self-treatment instructions such as adjusting water intake or potassium absorption.
“This is a breakthrough capability because you’re helping the plant draw food through the roots in a way it couldn’t do before,” Rosenfeld explains. The technology also has the added benefit of repelling pests without the need for chemicals.
XtrION is currently in the testing and proof of concept stage, with ideal partnerships being growers who use hydroponics and detached media. The company has seen significant interest from Dutch growers, who appreciate the simplicity of integrating XtrION’s technology into their existing processes.
Future Plans
With a successful proof of concept and initial funding, XtrION is poised to move to commercial production. The company plans to launch a commercial pilot within six months, followed by its first commercial sale. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural industry, improving crop yields and quality while reducing reliance on traditional fertilizers.
As the global population continues to grow, innovative solutions like XtrION’s are crucial for meeting future food demands sustainably. With its groundbreaking technology and promising results, XtrION is set to make a significant impact in the world of agriculture.
