Moa Technology - innovation in crop protection
by Startacus Admin
The lowdown on Oxford-based biotech startup Moa Technology and its mission to tackle the growing problem of herbicide resistance.
Herbicide is a contentious thing. It keeps food safe from pests and keeps away weeds that would use up crops’ nutrients, etc., but it also has a pretty bad impact on the environment.
Herbicides contaminate the soil and water, they can kill animals and insects that aren’t doing harm to the crops, and they can even damage the crops themselves, for example, decreasing the plants’ ability to photosynthesise. Another consideration farmers have is that weeds can develop resistances to herbicides, resulting in harsher chemicals being used, resulting in more significant negative impacts…
Oxford-based biotech startup Moa Technology is taking on the challenge of herbicide resistance with a new approach to creating sustainable alternatives to current offerings. It’s important to find ways to negate herbicide resistance, because without them, the methods of farming would have to change, and would lead to a rise in water usage, fertiliser, and space required, all of which would have their own negative impact on the environment.
But by looking to nature and harnessing the principles of natural selection, Moa is creating novel modes of action (MOAs - the way in which chemistry interacts with plant biology) to break those resistances while increasing safety and sustainability.
The startup says that, while the history of herbicide shows only 24 ‘mode-of-action areas’ ever being commercialised, they have found 25 in their first 18 months of research. This variation will help in reducing the build up of resistances in weeds.
The research has been looking for a balance of efficacy, cost and ease, and safety, and are now at the point where some of their new MOAs can be taken forward to the next stage.
In May, Moa Technology announced that they had raised a huge £35 million in a Series B round led by Lansdowne Partners, Oxford Sciences Innovation, and Parkwalk Advisors. This funding will help the Oxford spinout move those MOAs forward for further R&D and testing.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.
Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.
.jpg)
With the UK facing a clear digital skills gap, Amy Caton, Digital Talent and Impact Senior Manager at BT Group shares some insights on what businesses should do to close that divide.
The lowdown on Berlin-based Beazy and its innovative solution that helps teams to plan, produce and deliver creative content and helps businesses to connect with talented content creators.
The lowdown on Fluffy, the app offering dog training, 24/7 vet messaging and insurance to give pet owners peace of mind and support them with their pet care responsibilities.
Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.
Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.
.jpg)
Kingussie High School scoops first place for Junior and Senior categories at this year’s Growing Future Assets Competition.
The lowdown on Manchester-based Arctic Shores and its innovative recruitment solution to help candidate potential count as much as skills and experience.
With the demand for tattoo removal now greater than ever, specialist NAAMA Studios makes a bid for a further £11m in funding.
Published on: 12th July 2022
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Tech Nation report reveals UK Tech could quadruple in value by 2032 with right conditions 23rd Mar 2023 Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.
- Neurodiverse learning and training platform Neve shares major six-figure investment opportunity 22nd Mar 2023 Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.
- Huckletree opens new London hub for tech companies pioneering Web3 solutions 16th Mar 2023 Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.
- OpenSponsorship making its move into the music sector 16th Mar 2023 Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.
