ChucaoTech enters Kenya with nanobubble tech to improve farming and aquaculture

KENYA – ChucaoTech, a Chilean firm known for its patented nanobubble injection systems, has officially entered the African market, kicking off its Kenya expansion with a successful luncheon seminar held in Nairobi.

The event, held on May 22, 2025, brought together key local stakeholders in farming and aquaculture. Attendees heard from ChucaoTech’s leadership, including Michael Davidson, the company’s General Manager for Asia and Africa, and José Puga, Co-Founder and CEO.

The firm used the forum to explain how nanobubbles, which inject high levels of oxygen into water and soil, can improve farm productivity while reducing the use of chemicals.

 “The session was a big success,” said Davidson. “A clear sign of the demand for safer, cleaner and more productive solutions in the sector. The number of people who reached out to attend surprised us, we had to close the list early.”

The Nairobi event focused on how nanobubble technology applies to East Africa’s conditions. In agriculture, the oxygen-rich bubbles enhance root zone health, which helps reduce harmful fungi and improves nutrient absorption.

Davidson added, “We’ve seen this result in lower pesticide and fungicide use. In some cases, farmers stop using them altogether.”

Fighting pesticide exposure, one farm at a time

Studies show that 44% of smallholder farmers worldwide suffer from pesticide poisoning. In Kenya, that figure stands at 26%, according to Davidson.

“If we can reduce those numbers, even by a little, and improve the health of farming communities, our visit here will have been worth it,” he said.

Nanobubbles also help with water efficiency and salinity issues. ChucaoTech claims its systems can raise yields by up to 200% over rainfed agriculture and cut chemical inputs, offering a return on investment in the first year.

“It is possible to achieve strong production in saline areas, regenerate soils, and cut costs at the same time,” said Davidson.

Aligned with Kenya’s growing irrigation and aquaculture push

The company’s entry comes as Kenya makes big moves in both agriculture and aquaculture. The country has over 500,000 acres under irrigation, with solar-powered and drip systems gaining traction.

President William Ruto recently announced a KES 1.2 billion (approximately US$9.29 million) plan to develop Kenya’s blue economy by investing in deep-sea fishing and aquaculture infrastructure.

Another key developments shaping this shift is the renewed focus on the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project, an ambitious initiative in Tana River and Kilifi counties set to irrigate up to 250,000 acres to boost food security, stimulate rural economies, and promote sustainable farming.

ChucaoTech’s nanobubble systems are already used in salmon farms, mining operations, and crop production across the Americas and Europe.

Their arrival in Kenya signals growing interest in applying such tools to African contexts, where land is available and demand for food security solutions is rising.

“We’re here to listen, to learn, and to work together,” said Puga. “This isn’t just about technology. We want to build real relationships and offer practical tools that people can use today.”

Global recognition fuels expansion

ChucaoTech’s arrival in Africa follows strong momentum abroad. Founded in 2018, the company is the only one in Chile with a patent for nanobubble injection, a technology originally developed in the lakes of Patagonia. It has grown rapidly over the past year, expanding to North America, Europe, and now Africa.

In 2024, ChucaoTech won the “Best New Emerging Company” award at AquacultureUK and later received the PwC Innovation Award in Chile. “These awards opened doors. They showed the market we are not just promising solutions. We have a proven, scalable system,” said Tomás Bravo, co-founder and finance manager.

The company plans to set up long-term operations in Kenya, with future partnerships expected in both public and private sectors.

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