SHAKE backs Lambda Agri as newest portfolio company advancing sustainable crop production
SHAKE Climate Change is proud to welcome Lambda Agri as the latest addition to its growing portfolio of early-stage ventures tackling climate challenges in agriculture.
As an investor and venture support programme led by Rothamsted Research, SHAKE focuses on identifying and accelerating breakthrough innovations with the potential to transform food systems. Lambda Agri is a strong example of this mission in action— a science-led startup developing a scalable solution to improve crop yields while reducing environmental impact.
Supporting early-stage innovation in climate-smart agriculture
SHAKE works with ambitious founders at a critical early stage—providing not only investment, but also access to scientific expertise, mentoring, and a network designed to help translate innovation into real-world impact.
By bringing Lambda Agri into the programme, SHAKE is supporting the company as it moves from promising trials toward commercial scale. This includes guidance on product development, market strategy, and building the partnerships needed to deploy its technology globally.
A breakthrough in light optimisation for crops
Lambda Agri, a spinout from the University of Cambridge, has developed a biodegradable material that can be applied to greenhouse structures to convert ultraviolet (UV) light into red light—wavelengths known to enhance plant growth.
The result is a simple but powerful intervention: helping crops receive more of the light spectrum they need without relying as heavily on artificial lighting.
Trials conducted with the National Institute of Agricultural Botany have demonstrated significant yield improvements, including increases of up to 47% in beetroot and 33% in rocket. These gains highlight the potential for the technology to boost productivity in controlled growing environments while reducing energy use.
A compelling case for growers: higher yields, lower costs
For growers, the value proposition is clear. Productivity gains of this scale can translate directly into improved revenues, while the low application cost makes the solution highly accessible.
Crucially, the technology can also reduce reliance on artificial lighting. While LED systems have become common in greenhouses, they bring high energy costs and, in some regions, concerns around light pollution. By optimising the sunlight already available, Lambda offers a more energy-efficient alternative that can improve margins and reduce operational risk.
The predictability of outcomes is another advantage. Because the relationship between light spectrum and plant growth is well established, growers can more confidently anticipate yield improvements—supporting better planning and more stable returns on investment.
From innovation to impact: strengthening food system resilience
Beyond the farm gate, technologies like Lambda Agri’s have wider implications for society. As climate change increases the variability of weather patterns and reduces the reliability of traditional growing conditions, controlled environment agriculture is becoming more important.
By boosting yields within greenhouses and polytunnels, Lambda Agri’s approach helps make food production more consistent and less dependent on external conditions. This contributes to improved food security—particularly as global demand rises and available agricultural land comes under increasing pressure.
At the same time, reducing energy use in food production supports broader climate goals, helping to lower emissions associated with intensive growing systems.
Building the next generation of climate solutions
Led by CEO Monica Saavedra, Lambda Agri has evolved from early research in nanotechnology to a focused agricultural solution with strong commercial potential.
As part of the SHAKE programme, the company joins a cohort of high-potential startups working at the intersection of climate and agriculture. SHAKE’s role is to help these ventures bridge the gap between scientific discovery and scalable deployment.
For Lambda Agri, this comes at a pivotal moment—expanding trials, developing partnerships with major manufacturers, and preparing for wider adoption across global markets.
Investing in a more resilient future
The addition of Lambda Agri to the SHAKE portfolio reflects a broader commitment: supporting early-stage innovators who can deliver meaningful impact for both growers and the planet.
With increasing pressure on agricultural land and growing demand for food, innovations that improve yields efficiently and sustainably are more important than ever. By supporting companies like Lambda Agri early in their journey, SHAKE is helping to unlock technologies that can deliver both economic and environmental benefits at scale.
Read more about Lambda's jouney and plans in a recent article by Farming Future Foods
For more information on Lamda Agri - https://www.lambda.energy/