Aqtiva
Project Overview
University
Year
About
Farmers face rising costs, supply uncertainty and emissions from conventional nitrogen fertiliser. Aqtiva produces nitrogen-rich water on farms using air, water and electricity. Its reactor uses cold plasma and tiny bubbles to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can absorb, then feeds it into existing irrigation systems. In early greenhouse trials in Alberta, using Aqtiva increased crop yields by up to 50% and reduced conventional fertiliser use by around 30%. The technology could provide a more stable local supply while lowering agricultural emissions.
Team
Tanay Kumar
Dr. Tanay Kumar is the Founder and CEO of Aqtiva Inc., an Alberta-based agricultural technology company commercializing activated water technology for commercial greenhouse production. He completed his PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta under Dr. Xuehua Zhang, where he developed and field-validated the device that forms the basis of Aqtiva's commercial product. Tanay is the recipient of the Innovation Catalyst Grant from the Government of Alberta, was named YEG Best New Startup in 2026, and is the finalist for the Innovator of the Year by the Astech Awards.