Page 51 - KZN Top Business Portfolio 2025 V1-EBOOK

absorption and speeds up plant growth. For farmers, As such BioAge invests heavily in community
this translates into faster harvest cycles, higher upliftment. Recognising that small-scale farmers
productivity, and greater returns on investment. contribute just 5 per cent of South Africa’s agricultural
output due to lack of access to developed value chains,
K+ Booster is specifically formulated for the BioAge has made it part of its mission to support
flowering stage of crops, trees, and plants. By them. The company has committed to providing free
preventing premature flower drop and stimulating products to small-scale farmers, enabling them to
the conversion of starches into essential organic access supply contracts with major retailers. This not
compounds, it ensures improved flower retention, only strengthens food systems but also reduces the
better fruit quality, and nutrient-rich yields. Farmers cost of food baskets in South Africa.
using K+ Booster report improved produce quality,
higher output, and greater profitability. Impact and Performance
BioAge’s success is not only scientific but also
Both products are built on principles of sustainability, commercial. The company achieved break-even
designed to reduce reliance on harmful chemical
inputs while supporting resilient farming systems. within six months of product launch and has seen
demand grow by more than 200 per cent year-on-year.
Born from Purpose Field trials validated by independent agronomists
BioAge’s story is as compelling as its science. The have shown up to 50 per cent yield improvements,
company was founded not from convenience but while expansion into Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana,
from conviction. During his final year at university, and the United States is already underway.
founder and current chief executive officer, Reuben Recognition of BioAge’s achievements has come
Riley Rampersad, received a modest research through multiple awards, including winning the
grant. Instead of using it for academic expenses, he GreenCape Pitch Challenge (International), first
channelled the funds into developing a prototype of place at the Stellenbosch Lions Den, and the French
a liquid fertiliser that could simultaneously enhance South Africa Tech Labs Start-up of the Year. BioAge
yields and restore soil health. was a finalist in the agriculture sector in the KZN Top
Business Awards 2025. These accolades reflect the
The early years were marked by long nights in
laboratories and the determination to prove that company’s ability to compete on a global stage while
maintaining its proudly South African identity.
African farmers deserved access to the same level
of innovation enjoyed elsewhere in the world. That With its bold vision, ethical foundation, and relentless
first prototype became the foundation of BioAge, a innovation, BioAge is not only changing agriculture,
company born from the belief that food security and it is building a legacy of resilience, responsibility, and
sustainability should go hand in hand. proudly South African ingenuity.

www.bioageagri.com 49