The Valais start-up Novochizol, based at BioArk in Monthey, is innovating in the field of agricultural biotechnology. It is developing a technology based on chitosan nano-sponges aimed at reducing the impact of pesticides. Through the AgrINovo project, Novochizol is collaborating with India to adapt and produce these solutions on a large scale, thereby contributing to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.
An ambitious project: AgrINovo
The AgrINovo project is the result of a strategic partnership between Novochizol and Aquagri, an Indian company supported by the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO), the world’s largest agricultural cooperative. The project aims to improve the formulations of pesticides, biostimulants, and fertilizers by combining these active agents with Novochizol’s proprietary technology. This approach aims to increase product efficacy while minimizing their impact on human and environmental health.
Tests adapted to various agricultural contexts
Real-world testing is being conducted in both Switzerland and India. This dual approach allows for experimentation with different climatic and agricultural configurations in order to adapt formulations to the specific needs of local farms. This validation phase is essential to demonstrate the robustness and flexibility of Novochizol’s technology, thereby promoting its adoption in a variety of environments.
Local production that makes the most of available resources
To ensure local industrial production, a factory will be set up in India in early 2026. This unit will aim to produce up to one ton of Novochizol per day. The project also incorporates a circular economy approach by making use of by-products from the local shrimp industry, thereby helping to reduce waste while creating added value.
Innovative chitosan-based technology
At the heart of Novochizol’s innovation is chitosan, a natural derivative of chitin extracted from insect shells, crustaceans, and fungi. This raw material is used to manufacture nano-sponges, smart excipients that deliver active agents in a targeted manner. This technology makes it possible to deliver the right dose of product to the right place at the right time, reducing losses and the negative impacts associated with conventional pesticides.
A project that is part of a dynamic international cooperation
AgrINovo is part of the Economic and Trade Partnership Agreement between India and Switzerland (TEPA). This project is an example of exemplary international collaboration aimed at accelerating the transition to more sustainable, resilient, and ecosystem-friendly agriculture. Novochizol thus demonstrates how a technology developed in Switzerland can have a significant impact on a global scale.
