Harnessing cellulose-producing microbes to boost drought resilience in crops

Project partners: Biorenewables Development Centre & CroBio

Project focus area: Agriculture and food production 

This project aims to develop an improved, non-genetically modified (non-GM) living microbial soil amendment that helps crops withstand drought conditions, an increasingly urgent challenge due to climate change.

The soil amendment, developed by UK-based biotech company CroBio, is designed to improve soil health, retain water and nutrients, and ultimately increase crop yields while reducing fertiliser use and environmental impact. The work brings together CroBio and the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC), a biorefinery research technology organisation that supports bio-based innovation. Drawing on expertise in microbiology, plant science, and process development, the team will evolve and scale up microbial strains and test their efficacy in controlled plant growth experiments.

Project outcomes will include an improved product and new scientific data highlighting how CroBio’s technology can improve drought tolerance in crops such as wheat and barley. These findings will inform further development and commercialisation, supporting CroBio’s efforts to bring a sustainable solution to market and attract future investment. Beyond commercial potential, the project aims to deliver significant environmental and social benefits, including improved food security, reduced fertiliser use and runoff, higher crop yields, and job creation in Northern England. Dissemination activities will raise awareness and engage a wide range of stakeholders, from farmers and agricultural cooperatives to sustainability-focused large corporations. By supporting innovation in climate-resilient agriculture, this project contributes to a more sustainable and productive food system for the UK and beyond.

For more information

For more information on this project, contact us, or view all Engineering Biology SPARK Award winners.

This project funding is part of the Engineering Biology Innovation Network, led by Innovate UK Business Connect in collaboration with Innovate UK and UKRI’s Technology Mission Fund. The network’s goal is to progress innovations, create a commercially focused community and foster new consortia to advance innovations towards commercial applications.