High-Throughput Discovery Platform for Nitrogen-Fixing Organisms

The agricultural sector faces a growing challenge: reducing the use of artificial nitrogen fertilizers, which are responsible for significant environmental harm, including soil degradation, water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but most plants cannot directly utilize atmospheric nitrogen. This is where nitrogen-fixing bacteria play a crucial role---these natural soil microbes convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb, reducing the need for artificial fertilizers. These bacteria are key components of biofertilizers, providing a sustainable alternative. The UK government has recognized the importance of sustainable farming practices and aims to reduce agricultural emissions while maintaining productivity. In line with Innovate UK's Plan for Action, we are focusing on expanding agri-tech innovation, particularly in regions like Eastern England, which is a critical hub for the UK's agriculture, producing 33% of England's crops, including 96% of sugar beet, 57% of vegetables, and 30% of wheat. Agricultural output in East of England was valued at £5.1 billion in 2019, accounting for a quarter of the English total, highlighting the great market opportunity in this sector (DEFRA). Several efforts have been made globally to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, including the development of natural fertilizers and engineered bacteria that can fix nitrogen more efficiently. However, current methods have limitations, often lacking in scalability, efficiency, and adaptability across different soil and crop types. This presents an opportunity to enhance nitrogen fixation capabilities through innovative technologies. Engivent Ltd proposes to develop a novel platform for discovering and enhancing nitrogen-fixing bacteria using advanced microfluidic technology. This platform will enable the identification and optimization of bacteria that can improve nitrogen fixation efficiency, helping reduce the dependence on synthetic nitrogen. Unlike conventional approaches, our platform will provide a scalable solution tailored to the specific conditions of various agricultural settings. The UK public, particularly in the Eastern England region, will greatly benefit from advanced solutions in this area. By enhancing natural nitrogen fixation, farmers can reduce the need for artificial fertilizers, leading to improved soil health, lower production costs, and reduced environmental pollution. Eastern England, being a major producer of key crops like wheat, barley, and sugar beet, will be among the first beneficiaries, helping to maintain the region's leadership within Britain. Additionally, this project will foster local economic growth by creating new jobs and opportunities within the agri-tech sector, further supporting the UK's goals for sustainable development and innovation.