Freza Nanotech

Freza Nanotech

Freza Nanotech

Freza Nanotech extends produce shelf life using non-toxic, eco-friendly nanotechnology that preserves membranes and inhibits enzymatic spoilage.

Kampala, Uganda

UGA

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

Freza Nanotech addresses the challenge of post-harvest losses of fresh fruits and vegetables, where up to 40% of produce perishes before reaching consumer a problem with far-reaching economic, social, nutritional environmental consequences affecting small-scale and large-scale farmers in regions with limited preservation methods and infrastructure, particularly in Uganda and across sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, these losses generate substantial methane emissions—projected at 10,200 tonnes by 2027 without intervention— via a process known as methanogenesis whereby under oxygen-poor conditions, methane-producing bacteria (methanogens) thrive, converting organic waste into methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) exacerbating climate change. Without adequate preservation technologies or affordable refrigeration, farmers struggle to maintain freshness long enough to reach markets, resulting in significant financial losses, reduced profit margins, and compromised food security.

Freza Nanotech offers an innovative, non-toxic, and eco-friendly preservation system for fruits and vegetables using advanced nanotechnology. Our solution comes in three complementary forms: biodegradable sachets, paper bags, and stickers that are strategically placed within fruit boxes during transportation and storage. Our products work by inhibiting over ten different enzymatic processes responsible for ripening and deterioration of produce membranes. Unlike traditional methods that target only one or two enzymes, our comprehensive approach extends shelf life significantly—30 days with Freza Normal and up to 60 days with Freza Super formulations. The technology is produced using our specialized electrospinning machine, which plays a role in creation of the formulation and the biodegradable materials for all three product forms. This manufacturing process ensures environmental sustainability while delivering powerful preservation capabilities. Our solution is cost-effective at €0.8 per sachet, making it accessible to small-scale farmers who lack refrigeration infrastructure. By naturally preserving membrane integrity, Freza products reduce spoilage by up to 95%, improving market access and profitability for farmers while addressing the critical challenge of post-harvest losses without chemical preservatives or expensive cold storage requirements.

Freza Nanotech primarily serves small-scale and large-scale fruit and vegetable farmers, as well as vendors who often double as farmers in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa. These agricultural stakeholders face significant challenges at harvest time, with limited options for preserving their produce through transportation and market distribution. Our secondary beneficiaries include supermarkets, fruit importers/exporters, and food processing factories seeking sustainable preservation alternatives. Currently, these populations are underserved by expensive refrigeration technology, environmentally harmful chemical preservatives, or inadequate traditional preservation methods. Our solution directly impacts these farmers by extending produce shelf life for 30-60 days through our sachets, biodegradable bags, and stickers, allowing them to avoid distress sales and transport produce to more profitable markets. For women vendors specifically, Freza provides economic empowerment by stabilizing income streams. By reducing spoilage by up to 95%, farmers using Freza experience increased revenue while contributing to reduced methane emissions. By 2027, we aim to empower 8,000 small-scale farmers with our technology, enhancing food security, reducing waste by 20%, and establishing partnerships with at least 20 agricultural stakeholders to promote sustainable practices within farming communities.