Vita-Rhize’s evolution
Revolutionising agriculture with innovative biological alternatives to industrial fertilizers and pesticides
Leading the way in sustainable agriculture
Revolutionising agriculture with innovative biological alternatives to industrial fertilizers and pesticides
Leading the way in sustainable agriculture
Our partnership with Arrow has provided access to technology and research resources that we were unable to access ourselves and has provides a real-world boost to our business. The project has not only helped us advance our product from Technology Readiness Level 3 to Technology Readiness Level 7, but it has also given us the confidence and resources we need to keep pushing the boundaries of sustainable agriculture. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome, and we wholeheartedly recommend Arrow to any business looking to innovate and make a positive impact.Nick Read
Founder, Vita-Rhize
A collaboration with Nafferton Farm and the Life Sciences group introduced Vita-Rhize to Arrow, thanks to a recommendation from a Newcastle University lecturer. This connection proved to be transformative. Arrow offered Vita-Rhize access to critical resources, including bacterial screening, analysis and product incubation to study its properties and interactions. Beyond the technical support, Arrow brought a wealth of research expertise and academic insights that Vita-Rhize could not have accessed alone.
Working together for real results – Arrow’s solution for success
Partnering with Arrow was a turning point for Vita-Rhize. While the collaboration was hands-off for Nick and his team, the dedication and expertise of the Arrow researchers – led by Colin Robertson and supported by academics from Newcastle University’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences – made a significant impact.
The outcomes have been extraordinary. Research confirmed that Vita-Rhize’s product maintains its efficacy with a two-year shelf life, a discovery that has strengthened the company’s confidence. Additionally, the identification and understanding of different bacterial species has propelled Vita-Rhize to the next stage of their business development.
With Arrow’s support, Vita-Rhize is now set to elevate their innovation further. They are actively pursuing second-generation funding and collaborating with organisations like Innovate UK and the National Trust farmers. Their focus is on engaging a diverse range of farmers, from those already committed to sustainability to those still considering the shift.
Today, Vita-Rhize is at the forefront of creating a circular economy in agriculture, offering groundbreaking solutions that protect crops, enhance food nutrition, improve soil health and ultimately contribute to better human wellbeing.
Arrow’s innovation support matches North East businesses with university expertise and facilities across Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria and Sunderland Universities thanks to funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund through North East Combined Authority and Durham County Council. To find out how Arrow can help your business innovate get in touch now.
The project has enabled us to characterise Vita-Rhize for the first time, which is a hugely important step for both Newcastle University and the company - enabling us to better understand how the product can benefit the crops to which it is applied. This information will be invaluable as we seek to extend the collaboration between Newcastle University and Vita-Rhize further, supporting future funding bids to the likes of InnovateUK to develop use of this biostimulant technology in a range of UK crops.Dr Dave George
Reader in Precision Agronomy, Newcastle University
Contact us today and let’s get started
