Lucent Biosciences is optimizing and trialling a controlled-release phosphorus fertilizer coating. Their plant-based biodegradable Agreos technology improves nutrient efficiency and reduces environmental impact.
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Biodegradable Fertilizer Coating Field Validation
Conducting large-scale field trials across Western Canada to validate the Agreos starch-based coating.
The Opportunity
Conventional phosphorus fertilizers are highly inefficient, with up to 95% of applied nutrients becoming immobilized in soil or leaching into water, causing pollution. Controlled-release fertilizers represent a multibillion-dollar expansion opportunity.
The Challenge
Existing controlled-release options often involve non-biodegradable microplastics, which face upcoming bans in regions like the EU. Lucent needs large-scale field data to prove that its starch-based coating, Agreos-P, synchronizes nutrient delivery across various broad-acre crops.
With NPC’s support, we are moving our biodegradable Agreos fertilizer coating technology into real-world field validation. Agreos helps crops use fertilizer more efficiently while reducing the environmental impact. Proving that at field scale is critical for commercialization
NPC’s Solution
NPC is supporting a multi-stage validation program, including sand column studies, greenhouse trials, and multi-location small-plot field trials across Western Canada. This trial will generate the performance data required to secure distributor partnerships for a Fall 2026 launch. NPC is committed to the creation of natural products that are better for people, animals, and the planet. They propel early-stage Canadian innovators with the advice, connections, and capital needed to rapidly develop, validate, and scale transformative solutions.
NPC is committed to the creation of natural products that are better for people, animals and the planet. We propel early-stage Canadian innovators with the advice, connections and capital they need to develop and de-risk their solutions quickly and efficiently.
Lucent Bio
Description:
Sector(s):
Agriculture, Animal, AgtechFunding Type:
Proof of ConceptProvince:
British ColumbiaFunding Amount:
$344,000
Year of Funding:
2026
Name:
Michael Riedijk, Founder and CEO
