Reading agritech firm named one of Bloomberg UK’s 25 'Startups to Watch'

By Giles Gwinnett

30 October 2023

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A company based in Reading, which offers farmers chemical-free insect control solutions, has been named one of Bloomberg UK's '25 Startups to Watch'.

Agricultural technology start-up BigSis was singled out as one of the 25 from over 1,500 applications received.

Bloomberg said the selection was based on identifying the most innovative, new UK businesses: those that are growing fast, working on something unique, and which demonstrate a commitment to diversity.

Founded in 2017, BigSis' technology automates the individualised rearing of sterile male insects as a means to produce millions. These are then released into a crop, where they mate with wild females, which then produce no offspring - preventing the rapid increase in pest populations.

According to the RDG.TODAY website, CEO and founder of the firm Glen Slade said he was "truly thrilled" with the company's inclusion.

"To have been selected from what was undoubtedly an impressive bank of entries is a great vote of confidence in the value of our work to reduce chemical insecticide usage and surely reflects BigSis’ unique and innovative approach to this problem.

"The beauty of our system is that it’s species-specific, non-toxic, non-GMO, and demands minimal regulation.

"Despite its minimal impact on the environment, BigSis solutions are capable of outperforming chemical insecticides in many agricultural and horticultural crops, with further opportunities in pest control for public health.”

Slade reportedly also said there was "enormous" scope for the firm's solutions in crops worldwide and it aims to help food producers pivot towards "regenerative practices" and meet consumers’ demand for 'greener food'.

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By Giles Gwinnett

Giles Gwinnett is a writer at The Business Magazine. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and covered a vast array of topics at a range of media settings - in print and online. After his NCTJ newspaper training, he became a reporter in Hampshire before moving to a news agency in Gloucestershire. In recent years, he has been covering the financial markets along with company news for an investor-focused web portal. His many interests include politics, energy and the environment. He lives in Dorset.