NANOTICA

Founded in 2018 by Matias Badano and Julio Laurenza, Nanotica is an AgTech company that developed a nanoencapsulation technology to increase the efficiency of agrochemicals. The company provides farmers with a "nanotizer" machine and empty capsules, allowing them to nanoencapsulate pesticides directly on-site at the time of application. This process enhances the penetration of active ingredients into plant cells and tissues, which allows for a reduction in the required dosage of agrochemicals, in some cases by up to 50% for fungicides in crops like soybeans and peanuts.

Nanotica's business model aims to reduce costs for farmers and lessen the environmental impact of agriculture. By making agrochemicals more effective at lower doses, the technology decreases the amount of chemicals that can contaminate the soil. The company has conducted field trials with major agricultural producers in Argentina, covering over one million hectares. In 2018, the startup secured an initial investment of US$300,000 from an Argentine and an African angel investor. Nanotica was also selected to participate in the "Scale-up UK 2021" program, which supports Latin American tech companies in expanding to the European market.

Keywords: nanoencapsulation, agtech, crop protection, agrochemicals, sustainable agriculture, pesticide efficiency, nanotechnology, smart farming, precision agriculture, crop yield, environmental impact, agricultural technology, agricultural innovation, in-situ application, nanotizer, formulation technology, controlled release, farm technology, cleantech, investment