Innovative startup from Argentina taps prawn waste to cut agrochemical use

In a recent interview with Forbes Argentina, the founders of Unibaio — an Argentinian startup that tackles agriculture sustainability — shared the story behind their research and the latest developments. The story began when Matias Figliozzi, a segment producer for Telefé Mar del Plata’s news program, reached out to Claudia Casalongue and Vera Alvarez, two scientists pioneering a product derived from prawn waste which enhances plant absorption of agrochemicals, thus reducing their overall use.

Unibaio’s journey began by addressing the environmental imbalance caused by unused prawn residues in Patagonia. “The prawn’s abundant compound, chitin, and its derivative, chitosan, were identified as valuable for agricultural applications,” explains Claudia Casalongue. This led to the development of micronanoparticles designed to improve the efficiency of agrochemical delivery.

Environmental challenges in Patagonia are caused by the decade-long accumulation of prawn waste, which exacerbated seagull overpopulation and subsequent ecological disturbances. Moreover, the rise in regional shrimp fishing due to warmer waters has only intensified these issues.

The unique properties of chitosan, which naturally enhance plant resilience and absorption capabilities, led Unibaio to innovation, allowing them to re-engineer materials to create a new, highly effective agricultural particle. This simple yet sophisticated solution is designed for easy implementation and universal application across different plant types.

Today, Unibaio operates with a diverse team of 18, including agronomists, mathematicians, and material engineers, driving forward their vision with a single international business consultant. Their product has already attracted the attention of the world’s top 10 agrochemical firms, with ongoing tests aimed at securing licensing deals for global market entry within two years. “Our goal is to introduce a biological conditioner for field use next year, ensuring a safer, more sustainable approach to food production,” Figliozzi stated.

The startup’s broader ambition aligns with increasing global demands for reduced agrochemical usage, a sentiment echoed by regulatory bodies and consumers alike. As synthetic agrochemicals continue to dominate, Unibaio’s innovative approach offers a promising alternative that could halve chemical usage in the field, aligning with future regulatory expectations and consumer preferences for cleaner agriculture.