QarboGrow Nano Photosynthesis Enhancer

Qarbotech Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian agri-nanotechnology company founded on 15 August 2018 by Prof Dr Suraya Abdul Rashid, with offices in Puchong (Selangor), Bukit Mertajam (Penang) and Jakarta. The technology was developed at the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology of Universiti Putra Malaysia and transferred through Putra Science Park.

QarboGrow is a foliar product based on biocompatible nanocarbon derived from agricultural waste, described as working with chloroplasts to improve photon conversion and electron delivery. It contains no N, P or K, can be tank-mixed with pesticides and fertilizers, and is sprayed on leaves. The company reports use by farmers growing chilli, vegetables, paddy and fruit in Malaysia.

• Nanocarbon active: biocompatible carbon material derived from agricultural waste.
• Foliar application: sprayed on leaves, diluted 1:100 in the pineapple trial.
• Tank-mix compatible: can be mixed with pesticides, fertilizers and plant supplements.
• Wide crop range: fruits, vegetables, flowers, cereals and tropical fruits listed.
• Visible response: effects expected within 2-3 weeks of application.
• Case-study evidence: field results published with Malaysian growers.

Vietnamese pineapple, durian and vegetable growers could trial QarboGrow foliar sprays for yield and sweetness. Agro-input distributors could evaluate distribution in ASEAN. Rice cooperatives could test it on paddy under local conditions.

The company claims 20-30% higher yield and a 20% shorter crop cycle. In a published pineapple case study, treated fruit weighed 1.40 kg versus 1.06 kg for untreated plants and sweetness rose from 15.4 to 17.6 degrees Brix. The product mixes with common agrochemicals and is described as safe for organic-certified crops. Shelf life is two years.

Southeast Asian growers look for yield-boosting inputs that reduce fertilizer and chemical use as input costs rise. Nano-enabled biostimulants derived from agricultural waste fit this demand. Vietnamese fruit, vegetable and paddy producers face similar conditions, making ASEAN distribution a natural next step.

Founded 15 August 2018 by Prof Dr Suraya Abdul Rashid; CEO Chor Chee Hoe joined in 2021. Won Tech Planter Malaysia and Tech Planter Asia in 2021 and received first investment from Glocalink Singapore the same year. QarboGrow was formulated and commercialized in 2022; offices in Malaysia and Jakarta.