Science-Backed Bioengineering

Turning Agricultural Waste into High-Value Biological Inputs

OriGenes is a circular bioengineering platform producing biochar, biostimulants, biopesticides, and biopreservatives for regenerative, climate-smart agriculture.

TRL 3–4 Prototype
Built in South Africa
Science-Backed

Agriculture Is Reaching a Breaking Point

Modern agriculture depends heavily on synthetic agrochemicals that degrade soils, reduce biodiversity, and increase production costs. At the same time, billions of tonnes of agricultural waste are generated every year—most of it unused, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Farmers are under growing pressure to meet sustainability standards while maintaining productivity and profitability. Yet current solutions remain fragmented, expensive, and environmentally harmful.

570M+
farms globally rely on agricultural inputs
60%
of Africa's population depends on agriculture
Billions
of tonnes of agricultural waste generated annually — most unused

Farmers are forced to choose between productivity, sustainability, and cost.

A Circular Bioengineering Platform

OriGenes transforms agricultural waste into high-value biological inputs through an integrated, closed-loop system combining microbial fermentation and thermochemical conversion.

Instead of treating waste as a liability, we convert it into a resource—producing multiple agricultural inputs from a single feedstock stream.

One system. Multiple outputs. Zero waste.
Biochar for soil regeneration
Biostimulants for enhanced plant growth
Biopesticides for targeted crop protection
Biopreservatives for post-harvest preservation
See How It Works →

From Waste to Value

1
Input
Agricultural waste streams including crop residues and processing by-products
2
Process
A proprietary three-stage system combining microbial fermentation and thermochemical conversion
3
Output
High-value biological inputs that restore soil, protect crops, and extend shelf life

A fully circular system designed for efficiency, scalability, and low emissions.

Four Products. One Integrated System.

Biochar
  • Improves soil structure and fertility
  • Enhances water retention
  • Sequesters carbon for long-term climate impact
Biostimulants
  • Enhance nutrient uptake and efficiency
  • Improve plant resilience to stress
  • Increase yield stability under climate variability
Biopesticides
  • Target-specific pathogen control
  • Safe for beneficial organisms and pollinators
  • Reduces dependence on synthetic chemicals
Biopreservatives
  • Extend shelf life of fresh produce
  • Reduce post-harvest losses
  • Improve food system efficiency

Why Farmers Choose OriGenes

OriGenes delivers a new category of agricultural inputs—integrated, cost-effective, and regenerative by design.

OriGenes
  • Multi-product system from a single input
  • Locally produced and cost-efficient
  • Enhances soil health and long-term productivity
  • Low environmental impact
  • Supports regenerative agriculture
Traditional Inputs
  • Single-function products
  • Imported and price volatile
  • Degrade soil over time
  • High carbon footprint
  • Chemically intensive

We don't just improve one season—we improve the long-term value of the land.

A Rapidly Growing Market

OriGenes operates at the intersection of agricultural biologicals, regenerative agriculture, and waste valorisation—three of the fastest-growing sectors globally.

ZAR 10.1B → 13.57B
South African agricultural inputs market
ZAR 3.9B → 9.12B
Regenerative agriculture market growth
10% p.a.
Annual growth in biopesticides across Africa
Commercial Farmers
Smallholder & Emerging Farmers
Agribusinesses & Cooperatives
NGOs & Government Programmes

Where We Are Today

OriGenes is currently in the advanced prototyping stage, with core technologies validated through laboratory-scale systems.

TRL 3–4 prototype development
Benchtop validation completed
Initial product formulations developed
Preparing for pilot-scale production
Field trials with farmers in development

How We Generate Revenue

OriGenes generates revenue through a diversified model built around both products and platform scalability.

Direct Product Sales
Biochar, biostimulants, biopesticides, and biopreservatives sold directly to farmers and distributors.
Bulk Supply Agreements
Long-term supply contracts with agribusinesses and agricultural cooperatives.
Licensing of Production Systems
Licensing of modular production systems for regional deployment and scale.
Carbon Credits
Revenue from verified carbon sequestration through biochar-based soil application.

A scalable, multi-revenue platform built for long-term growth.

Impact at Scale

OriGenes is designed to deliver measurable environmental and socio-economic impact.

Reduced reliance on synthetic agrochemicals
Carbon sequestration through biochar
Agricultural waste valorisation
Improved soil health and biodiversity
Job creation in rural and peri-urban communities
Reduced post-harvest losses across the food system

Built by Scientists and Operators

OriGenes is led by a multidisciplinary team combining biotechnology, environmental science, and business strategy.

EH
Dr Edwin Hlangwani
CEO & Co-Founder
Biotechnologist with deep expertise in fermentation, nutrient recovery, and agricultural waste valorisation.
COO
Chief Operating Officer
Operations & Strategy
Expert in environmental systems, operations management, and market strategy for emerging markets.
CTO
Chief Technology Officer
Science & Innovation
Leads scientific development and product innovation across the integrated bioengineering platform.

Ecosystem and Partnerships

We collaborate with research institutions, agricultural organisations, NGOs, and government agencies to scale deployment and maximise impact.

Research Institutions
Agricultural Organisations
NGOs & Development Funds
Government Agencies
Agribusiness Partners

Join the Future of Regenerative Agriculture

Partner with OriGenes to transform agricultural waste into value, restore soil health, and build a more resilient food system.