Today is World Soil Day and what better way to celebrate than to welcome a new member to the iCAST community, whose vision it is to electrify the world through the power of soil.
Bactery is a spinout company from the University of Bath founded by Professor Mirella Di Lorenzo, Dr Jakub Dziegielowski, and Dr Benjamin Metcalfe. They have developed innovative bacteria-powered batteries, known as Bacteries, which can harvest electrons released by bacteria as they decompose organic matter in soil.
As precision agriculture continues to prove its value in increasing crop yields and conserving resources, the need for sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices is growing. These devices gather and transmit data about field conditions, helping farmers make informed decisions. However, traditional power delivery methods, such as cumbersome cabling, disposable chemical batteries, and weather-dependent solar panels, limit the deployment of agricultural data solutions. By using the soil itself, Bactery offers a more practical, affordable, and reliable way to power these all-important electronics.
As a member of iCAST, Bactery will benefit from a wide range of expertise and support, including participation in our Core Programmes, the ability to apply for Joint Industry Projects, exclusive events and services through our Creative Hub, and peer-to-peer networking and collaborative learning. Importantly, there will also be opportunities to showcase their innovative technology to potential collaborators and investors..
For more information on joining iCAST as a member, visit our Membership page or email icast@bath.ac.uk
