Biocompatible carbon quantum dots may offer Malaysian farmers the advantage they require to significantly improve crop yields, thereby alleviating food insecurity within the nation.
Quantum dots are nanoscale semiconductor particles capable of emitting light when energised. Traditionally, they are used in applications such as display technologies, biomedical imaging, solar cells, and sensing devices.
Departing from conventional uses, Qarbotech Sdn Bhd has developed and patented a photosynthesis-enhancing nanotechnology. This innovation utilises biocompatible carbon quantum dots that enhance light absorption in plants, promoting superior photosynthetic efficiency.
Qarbotech, an agritech start-up based in Malaysia, recently announced its expansion into Southeast Asia, facilitated by raising US$1.5 million (RM6.2 million) through a seed extension funding round. This round involved investors such as 500 Global, Better Bite Ventures, ID Capital, EQT Foundation, and Epic Angels Ltd.
In February, Qarbotech also raised US$700,000 (RM3 million) in seed funding and grants. This initial seed round was led by 500 Global and included grants from Singapore’s government-linked Temasek Foundation, as well as Malaysia’s Khazanah Nasional.
500 Global is a prominent venture capital firm that supports founders establishing high-growth technology enterprises.
“Normal quantum dots are metal-based, which are unsuitable for consumption as they bioaccumulate within the body. However, the carbon-based [compound used in the enhancer] is inert and safe for handling and ingestion,” states Qarbotech founder Dr Suraya Abdul Rashid.
The photosynthesis enhancer has been shown to boost crop yields by up to 60%, as evidenced by a validation study focused on paddy cultivation conducted in Sungai Besar, Selangor.
“With a 60% increase in rice yield, Malaysia could achieve self-sufficiency, provided all paddy farms nationwide use our product. We can be self-sufficient and no longer reliant on imports,” notes Qarbotech co-founder and CEO, Chor Chee Hoe.
The carbon quantum dots are derived from agrowaste biochar, a charcoal-like substance obtained from biomass waste. The biochar undergoes a hydrothermal process, yielding a powdery substance that is then suspended in water to form tiny carbon quantum dots.
“In terms of application, the enhancer can be used via foliar spray onto the plant’s leaves or absorbed through the soil and root system. Typically, our farmers mix it with other agricultural inputs, such as pesticides or fertilisers, enabling simultaneous spraying,” Chor adds.
As climate change increasingly impacts crop cycles, Chor observed that production levels could drop to approximately 40%, particularly during overcast or rainy seasons. However, the enhancer has proven effective in maintaining consistent yields during both the monsoon and dry seasons.
“We are also able to contribute to carbon dioxide reduction, ranging between 20% and 80%, as photosynthesis absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. In the future, as more farms and organisations utilise our product, we could significantly aid in carbon offsetting,” Chor states.
Challenges in Nanotechnology
Handling quantum dots presents significant challenges due to their nanoscale size. Moreover, synthesising quantum dots frequently involves complex chemical processes that require precise control over reaction parameters.
“From the beginning of my career, I have worked on producing nanomaterials. One persistent challenge has been the lack of scalability in the production process,” says Suraya.
Dr Suraya Abdul Rashid, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and deputy director of the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ION2), has successfully produced nanomaterials in the laboratory. However, translating this to commercial scale remains challenging.
“The conventional production method was unsafe—my students experienced minor explosions during experimentation. Scaling it up presents significant hurdles,” Suraya explains.
Initially, Suraya did not anticipate that her nanomaterial research would be applied in agriculture. However, she realised that commercialising nanomaterials for devices would require extensive studies and numerous grants, whereas agricultural solutions were comparatively more accessible.
“I ventured into agriculture because it seemed more practical, easier to apply, and quicker to commercialise. Agriculture presented the most viable commercialisation pathway,” she remarks.
Nonetheless, obtaining government grants for fundamental quantum dot research remains highly competitive.
“This is why much remains to be explored, including further applications and understanding of the material’s fundamental properties,” Chor adds.
During Qarbotech’s inception in 2018, the plantations and farms they approached required extensive validation data, which was challenging to collect with their limited resources.
“We approached several Malaysian investors, but [they were uninterested]. We were fortunate to participate in a competition organised by the Japanese firm, Leave a Nest,” Chor recalls.
Founded in 2001, Leave a Nest is a science venture firm. In 2021, Qarbotech won the grand prize at the Tech Planter Asia Finals organised by Leave a Nest, which led to investment from an early-stage venture capital firm within their network.
“That investment provided us with the resources to undertake further trials and collect more data,” Chor says.
Chor’s family network and acquaintances in the biotech field supported Qarbotech’s efforts in early 2023, eventually connecting them with 500 Global, which invested in August 2023.
“500 Global has close links with various government agencies and individuals within the agricultural sector, many of whom we have collaborated with. Additionally, we gained access to the founder hub, which includes coaches and mentors in nanotech, agritech, and biotech,” Chor notes.
Suraya also mentions the support from 500 Social House, a co-working space for founders under 500 Global, which has been advantageous, given Qarbotech’s frequent work at UPM.
“Funding from 500 Global will be directed towards establishing our pilot plant to enhance production capacity. Currently, we produce 2,000 litres a month, but by June we aim to increase this to 100,000 litres monthly. This will meet demand from Malaysia and interested parties in Indonesia,” Chor states.
Qarbotech was invited by the Northern Corridor Economic Region to conduct trial runs in Perak, Penang, Kedah, and Perlis, providing them with a complimentary test plot for rice cultivation.
Moreover, Perbadanan Putrajaya has approached Qarbotech to address insufficient sunlight in shaded areas of botanical gardens. Qarbotech plans to conduct a proof-of-concept trial to improve the growth of landscaping plants.
Qarbotech was also recently shortlisted for UOBFinLab’s GreenTech Accelerator 2024 in the food and agriculture category. Announced on 27th June, the programme will conclude this November.
The GreenTech Accelerator programme offers up to S$100,000 (RM329,000) for green technology companies to pilot impactful and deployable solutions. During the six-month period, selected companies address real-world sustainability challenges based on over 50 statements contributed by 27 partner organisations.
