By Gerelyn Terzo, Global AgInvesting Media
Okinawa, Japan-based EF Polymer, a technology company that develops organic polymers for the agricultural industry, has reached a fundraising milestone. EF Polymer has raised $6.6 million in the first close of a Series B round, the second close of which is planned for the summer of 2025. Proceeds from the round will be directed toward advancing R&D, expanding business development activities and establishing an overseas manufacturing facility. Backers include Universal Materials Incubator and MTG Ventures, the Bank of the Ryukyus, the Future Food Fund and the Shinryo Fund.
EF Polymer’s mission is to help solve the world’s water challenges and improve the lives of farmers through its bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived absorbents, helping to slash water and fertilizer use in the ag industry while bolstering yields. The use cases for the company’s solutions are expanding beyond ag and into areas such as cosmetics and personal care. Launched in 2020 in India, EF Polymer has since relocated its headquarters to Japan and has been expanding its footprint globally ever since.
As the son of a farmer, EF Polymer Founder and CEO Narayan Gurjar knew too well the alarming water scarcity that has gripped the agricultural industry. Water shortages threaten the ag industry’s dependence on water for irrigation and food production, particularly in regions that are prone to drought.
In response, Gurjar, who last year was included among the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, sought to create a solution that would “elevate the sustainable conservation of water and agriculture” through an innovative organic-based super absorbent hydrogel, a solution with mass-production scale created from eco-waste that boasts features like retaining moisture, nourishing soil and strengthening crop growth in a natural way. Over 20,000 farmers have implemented EF Polymer’s solution so far, while more than 160 metric tons of bio waste having been recycled and 60-plus metric tons of water have been saved.
Of the fundraising, EF Polymer’s Gurjar stated, “EF Polymer exists to solve water-related challenges and improve the lives of farmers. We believe our technology can create sustainable impact across many industries. This Series B funding marks a major step forward in scaling our solutions globally and building a truly circular, sustainable business. We’re excited to work with partners who share our vision and to continue creating long-term value for both society and the planet.”
EF Polymer was among the early graduates of the OIST Innovation Accelerator program.
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