ekolive s.r.o. - Scaling Locally-Produced Soil Bio-Enhancer to Transform Agriculture in Rwanda and East Africa

Company Description

ekolive is a deep-tech biotech company providing a patented, EU-certified biotechnology or producing bio-enhancer that regenerate soils, increase crop yields, and drastically reduce synthetic fertiliser use. We enable a scalable transition to regenerative agriculture through local production models, empowering farmers with affordable, locally-made solutions.

Countries of Operation

Germany, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic

Ownership of Company

Joint Local and European

Number of years since incorporated

8

Project Pitch

This project accelerates the widespread adoption of our patented biotechnology for producing bio-enhancer in Rwanda & East Africa by establishing local production hubs. Our business model leverages licensing and local partnerships for capital-efficient scaling. What we do: We produce Soil & Plants Health & Growth Bio-Enhancer via a patented biotechnology that replicates nature's mineral weathering – based exclusively on local raw materials, without energy, without scaling limitations.

The problem: Soils are degraded; farmers depend on expensive, imported chemicals, draining economies.

Our solution: Locally-produced bio-enhancer using local minerals. It regenerates soil, boosts yields (proven up to 300% in trials), and cuts synthetic inputs by 20-50%. Operations & Model: Phase 1 (Project): Establish demo farms, finalise registrations, train partners in Rwanda. Phase 2 (Post-Project): Scale via licensed local production, supplying affordable bio-enhancer to thousands of farmers, breaking import dependency and creating a self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem. We seek partners and financing to implement this replicable model.

Team

Led by founder & CEO Dr. Darina Štyriaková (award-winning biotechnologist, Forbes Top 10 Female Founder SK). Team combines PhD-level biotechnologists with experienced agronomists, business developers, and EU food policy advisors. Proven track record in R&D and commercial scaling.

Type of Project

The option is open to both local private sector partners and public partners; however, the greatest impact can be achieved through governmental partners.

Stage

Growth stage

Annual Revenue (in EUR)

2025: 500.000 – 1.000.000 EUR

2024: 250.000 - 500.000 EUR

2023: 100.000 - 250.000 EUR

Number of employees

1-10

Total Project Cost (in EUR)

€250,000 - €500,000

Financing needs (in EUR)

€250,000 - €500,000

Type of financing needed

A viable option is a strategic partnership with a local or international actor that is active and present in Rwanda and ideally also in neighbouring East African countries. ekolive provides the solution, the partner the financing and local operations.

The Company is looking for

To be defined/Open to discussion

Planned allocation of fundraising capital

Expansion (expanding an existing activity), PPP (Public-Private Partnership)