Reimagining
Nitrogen
Born from pioneering research in South Africa, EL-I Tech™ partners with agri-input manufacturers to bring our patented nitrogen-fixing power to market — as an additive, coating, or standalone product.
A Problem Worth Solving
Modern agriculture faces an impossible choice: push yields higher with synthetic nitrogen, or accept lower productivity in pursuit of sustainability. This trade-off has defined farming for decades.
Gerhard Vermaak refused to accept this limitation. Working in the agricultural heartland of South Africa, he observed something remarkable: certain bacteria could fix atmospheric nitrogen without competing with crops for energy—if they could survive the journey from lab to field.
The key was the resting state. Unlike typical bacterial preparations that require cold chains and rapid application, organisms in resting state could wait. They could be stored, shipped, and applied with conventional equipment—then spring to life when conditions were right.
By pairing nitrogen-fixing bacteria with autotrophic algae, EL-I Tech™ creates a self-sustaining energy loop. The algae provide carbon through photosynthesis, powering nitrogen fixation without drawing from the crop's root exudates.
25 Years of Innovation
Discovery
Gerhard Vermaak begins researching Azotobacter biology in South Africa, observing unique resting state behavior under stress conditions.
Breakthrough
First successful isolation and preservation of organisms in resting state capable of surviving ambient storage for extended periods.
Field Validation
Multi-year field trials in South Africa demonstrate consistent yield improvements across multiple crop types.
What Drives Us
Science First
Every claim is backed by rigorous research and validated through independent field trials.
Sustainable Impact
Our mission is to reduce agriculture's environmental footprint while improving farm profitability.
Partner Success
We succeed when our partners succeed. Long-term relationships built on trust and results.
Global Vision
From South African innovation to North American fields, we're building a global solution.
Meet the Team
A diverse team of scientists, agronomists, and industry veterans united by a common mission.
Gerhard Vermaak
A visionary agricultural scientist with over 25 years of experience in soil microbiology. Gerhard's breakthrough research into Azotobacter resting state technology began in South Africa and has since transformed into a globally relevant agricultural solution.
Isolde Viljoen
Isolde coordinates the scientific research and trial programs at EL-I Tech™, ensuring rigorous methodology and reproducible results across all field validation studies.
Paul Vermaak
Paul leads the operational and commercial development of EL-I Tech™, managing partner relationships and driving the go-to-market strategy across North America.
"To make our patented biological nitrogen fixation a practical reality for every farmer, delivering higher yields, lower costs, and a healthier planet."
We believe sustainable agriculture shouldn't mean compromising on productivity. With EL-I Tech™, farmers don't have to choose.
Let's Build Together
Whether you're a manufacturer, registration holder, or distributor — let's explore how EL-I Tech™ can enhance your product portfolio.