Seed treatment, reimagined by plasma.
Chemical-free. Heat-free. Scalable. Apolarion's technology enhances seed germination and removes the pathogens — without compromising seed viability.
Spin-out of the EPFL UniversityThe Problem
Conventional treatments have hit their limits.
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Chemical treatments are under pressure
Chemicals are increasingly restricted by EU regulations to prevent their impact on the food chain at the same time as pathogens are developing resistance.
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Steam damages heat-sensitive seeds and is energy-intensive
Vegetable, beans, herbs and speciality seeds can't tolerate high temperatures and drying processes without vigor loss and deteriorating germination.
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Hot water is slow and resource-intensive
High water usage, drying steps, and low throughput make it uneconomical at scale.
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Batch bottlenecks in peak season
Existing lines cannot absorb demand surges during spring treatment peaks without costly backup machines.
Our Answer
Cold atmospheric plasma: A new paradigm
Plasma generated without costly vacuum systems, using only air, activates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that eliminate pathogens, maintains or enhances germination, and can prime seeds — all without additional heat, water baths, or long-lived chemical residues.
How It Works
Plasma at the seed surface. Validated at the Swiss Plasma Center.
Our plasma discharge generates a plasma at atmospheric pressure, producing reactive species that act directly on the seed and surface biochemistry.
STEP 01
Plasma Generation
Seeds pass through the cold plasma volume field at ambient temperature and pressure.
STEP 02
Reactive Species Action
Reactive Oxygen & Nitrogen Species (RONS) penetrate the seed coat, inactivating fungi and bacteria while stimulating germination — potentially enhancing biochemical pathways.
STEP 03
Enhanced seeds, ready to plant or store
Seeds exit the treatment with maintained or improved germination rates, reduced pathogen load, and full viability — ready for planting.
Results
Numbers that speak for themselves.
*Data from controlled laboratory trials on cabbage seeds. Field trial validation planned soon.
Applications
Built for every seed.
From heat-sensitive vegetable seeds to high-volume cereals, our modular system adapts to the crop and treatment parameters you need.
Vegetable Seeds
Carrot, lettuce, brassicas, parsley — heat-sensitive varieties treated safely.
Cereals
Wheat, barley, oats — high-volume throughput handled.
Herbs & Aromatics
Basil, coriander, fennel — delicate seeds with zero thermal stress.
Legumes
Peas, beans, lentils — combined germination boost and pathogen control.
Oilseeds
Sunflower, rapeseed — compatible with downstream priming and coating.
Organic-Compatible
No chemistry means full organic certification compatibility.
Why Apolarion
A step ahead of every alternative.
| Feature | Apolarion | Chemical | Steam | Bio Coatings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat-sensitive seeds | ✓ | ~ | ✗ | ✓ |
| No drying required | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| No chemical inputs | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Continuous flow scalability | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✗ |
| Organic compatible | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Germination maintained | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Long storage time | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
Get In Touch
Join us at the frontier of seed technology and remove chemicals from our food supply.
For Seed Companies & Research Institutes
Request a Field Trial
We are actively seeking seed company partners and farmers for collaborative field trials.
Useful Information
For Investors & Accelerators
Investor Enquiries
Apolarion is a deep-tech startup based in Switzerland, currently raising a pre-seed round. We welcome conversations with impact investors, agri-food VCs, and strategic partners.
Investment Highlights
The Team
The people behind Apolarion.
A multidisciplinary founding team combining plasma physics and business development — built to take our technology from lab to field and make a positive societal impact NOW.
Partners & Funders
Backed by a strong ecosystem.
Apolarion is supported by leading institutional partners and funding programs.
Funding & Programs
EPFL Innogrant
Venture Kick
Institutional Partners
Swiss Plasma Center
Startup Launchpad