A Bristol firm aiming to revolutionise the way crops are grown without increasing greenhouse gases has been named South West and Wales Innovator in a contest to find the UK’s most exciting tech businesses.
Glaia, which was founded in 2019 by two former University of Bristol scientists, is developing pioneering technology that can reduce carbon emissions from crops by 30%. 
It was one of nearly 400 businesses that applied to the competition staged by global accountancy group KPMG.
Having been selected and shortlisted as one of the 10 most-exciting tech offerings in the region, Glaia was invited to pitch in the regional heat.
CEO Dr David Benito-Alifonso, who launched the business with Dr Imke Sittel, impressed a panel of judges at the pitching competition held at KPMG’s Bristol office.
Glaia now goes through to the national final in London next Tuesday when it will pitch against the winners from seven other regions for the coveted title of Tech Innovator in the UK 2024.
Glaia’s ground-breaking, carbon-based technology reduces farming’s climate footprint by improving the efficiency of photosynthesis – the energy-producing process by which plants use carbon dioxide, water, and energy from the sun to fuel their growth.
It could revolutionise the production of staple and horticultural crops – although for now the team is focusing on hydroponic tomatoes and strawberries, where they estimate the added value could initially result in a fivefold return on investment for the growers.
Two years ago the firm, which is based in Bristol’s Science Creates incubator, received a £1m investment to prepare its first product for the market.
The funding from Green Angel Syndicate (GAS), the UK’s largest network of specialist investors fighting climate change, and agri-tech fund The Yield Lab Europe, has allowed Glaia to commercialise the technology, known as ‘sugar dots’.
David Benito-Alifonso said the firm was delighted to be representing the South West and Wales at the UK finals.
“We are excited about the opportunity to showcase our technology on a national stage,” he added.
“The standard of the other finalists was exceptional, showcasing the incredible talent and innovation present in our region.
“We are dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture with our unique approach to increase yields, helping plants utilising more sunlight and CO2.
“Being selected recognises the relevance of agritech innovation, which is fundamental to achieving net zero targets and fighting climate change.”
KPMG UK South West and Wales office senior partner David Williams added: “This competition never fails to impress with the level of innovation coming out of our regions.
“Our regional tech ecosystems are home to some great talent and play such a key role in our local and national economies.
“We are proud to be able to shine a spotlight on just some of the great tech being developed. Glaia is a fantastic example of the diversity of the UK’s tech sector through its innovative solution to supporting sustainable agriculture.”
The nationwide competition, now in its 11th year, has previously uncovered British tech innovators including What3Words, Inovus Medical and 2022 winner HiiROC, which went on to win the contest’s global final.
This year’s UK winner will also go on to represent the UK against tech firms from 23 other countries at a global final, which takes place alongside the Web Summit in November.
