An Israeli ag-tech startup is drawing inspiration from Elon Musk to revolutionize agriculture through electricity. XtrION, founded by Matan Rosenfeld, Asaf Zerach, and Dr. Roy Winter, has developed a technology that uses tailored electrical fields to enhance plant growth, boost nutritional value, and reduce the need for traditional fertilizers. Their innovation, dubbed TEF (Tailored Electrical Fields), connects electrodes to plants to monitor and optimize their biological processes similar to how Musk’s Neuralink connects humans to machines.
XtrION’s approach involves using electrodes to “read” the plant’s condition in real-time, similar to how an ECG tracks heart activity. This data includes metrics like photosynthesis efficiency, mineral levels, and water uptake. Based on this information, the system sends signals to the plant to adjust its internal processes promoting better nutrient absorption, enhancing growth, and improving overall plant health.
Field trials have already demonstrated impressive results. Coriander crops showed a 30% increase in yield and 50% more iron content. Strawberries grew 30% more fruit with 15% higher sugar levels, and lettuce varieties achieved up to a 31% yield boost. Another major advantage of this technology is its natural pest deterrence. The electric field around the plants appears to repel pests, offering a chemical-free alternative to pesticides.
The company is currently in the testing and proof-of-concept phase, with a focus on hydroponic and controlled-environment agriculture, where innovation is more easily adopted. Dutch growers, known for their advanced greenhouse operations, have shown interest, noting that the system integrates seamlessly with existing routines without disrupting workflows.
While electrical stimulation of plants has been studied in academic circles for years, commercial applications have lagged behind. XtrION aims to change that. Other companies in Argentina and Switzerland are exploring similar ideas, but XtrION is leading the charge in turning research into practical, scalable solutions.
The idea took shape after the founders came across an article about high-voltage greenhouse experiments in China. Though the original experiments were unsafe and power-hungry, they inspired a safer, energy-efficient solution. Dr. Winter’s background in using electric fields in medical treatments provided the scientific grounding to adapt the concept to plants.
Funding has come from various sources including Israel’s Innovation Authority, a German venture fund, and private investors. The company recently secured a new grant of 2.8 million shekels, contingent on raising a matching amount from private backers. This funding will support the transition to commercial production and the rollout of a pilot program, with the goal of launching a seed funding round worth $4 million thereafter.
XtrION envisions its technology becoming a standard agricultural input alongside seeds, water, fertilizer, and pest control especially in modern setups like vertical farms and urban greenhouses. If successful, the company believes it can help address global food security by increasing crop yields and reducing chemical use. With promising early results and growing investor interest, XtrION is positioning itself at the forefront of the future of sustainable farming.
