Fostering better photosynthesis

• More than 170 applicants were shortlisted in the inaugural EQT Impact Challenge 2023 Southeast Asia edition, and 500-backed agritech startup Qarbotech won first place! The startup challenge was organized by global private equity firm EQT, in partnership with The Edge Singapore and e27.
• Their patented product, QarboGrow, was designed to accelerate and improve plant growth. Developed by Co-founder & Chief Scientist Dr. Suraya Abdul Rashid, QarboGrow focuses on enhancing the photosynthesis process.
• Co-founder & CEO Chee Hoe Chor shares that beyond helping plants grow faster and be more resilient to weather conditions, QarboGrow can process more carbon dioxide and release more oxygen while reducing greenhouse gasses.
• The product is already being sold to farmers in Malaysia, as well as to consumers with home gardens and rare plant collectors. Paddy field farmers have seen the most benefits from QarboGrow, with crop yield improving up to 60%.
• The team won a US$144,686 investment from the EQT Foundation, along with 300 consultancy hours from professional services firm Ernst & Young, and 15 hours of services from a global law firm to refine the company’s strategy and intellectual property capabilities. Qarbotech will also gain access to EQT’s extensive network and specialized knowledge to propel its growth.
• Chee Hoe revealed that the new funding will be used to improve the company’s intellectual property capabilities, bring in more talent, and grow its distribution network, and other strategic opportunities.
• Congratulations, Qarbotech team!
• Read the full story on e27.