Net Zero Nitrogen (NZN) is pioneering a new generation of sustainable agriculture with its breakthrough biofertilizer solution.

The UK-based agtech company is developing a novel bioinoculant using naturally occurring endophytic bacteria that colonize crops to reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers (SNFs). Unlike most alternatives, NZN’s solution is non-GM, requires no new machinery, and is easy to apply. It offers farmers a “green discount”: lower costs with higher yields and reduced emissions. NZN has already shown strong traction in ASEAN, where it is preparing to scale with the support of major climate-focused investors.

Why we invested in NZN

• The climate case: Synthetic nitrogen fertilizers are responsible for ~2% of global GHG emissions (1.13 Gt CO₂e) and are a leading source of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas nearly 300 times more potent than CO₂. The production and overuse of SNFs also damages soil microbiomes, pollutes waterways, and drives biodiversity loss. NZN’s bioinoculant technology delivers up to 88% fewer emissions during production and mitigates downstream pollution. This makes it a powerful lever for climate mitigation in agriculture, a sector often overlooked in decarbonisation.
• The business case: NZN is entering a $200B global fertilizer market with a solution that’s both more sustainable and more cost-effective. The product requires no regulatory exemptions, no GM approval, and no farmer behavior change. It’s already generating significant traction in ASEAN markets through multiple proof-of-concept trials and interest from major agri-input distributors. With minimal transmission loss and no nitrous oxide leakage, NZN offers not just a green premium, but a green discount.
• The team: CEO Justin Hughes brings entrepreneurial vision and leadership experience as a former Red Arrows pilot, while CSO Dr. Gary Devine leads scientific development with deep biological expertise. Together with co-founder Alan Burbidge, the NZN team combines scientific rigor and strategic execution, positioning the company to transform one of agriculture’s most polluting inputs.

Website: NZN