Rainstick

About

Rainstick builds multi-chamber hardware that applies high-voltage, precisely targeted electric-field treatments—wireless, energy-efficient, frequency/waveform/duration-adjustable—to enhance seed germination, seedling vigor, and plant and microbial biomass.

Mission

Rainstick deploys super-high-voltage, precisely targeted electrical fields via a multi-chamber device to increase seed germination, seedling vigor and overall biomass in plants and microbes. Its hardware—described as resembling a large photocopier with treatment chambers—delivers wireless, energy-efficient electric-field treatments with adjustable frequency, waveform and duration. Cofounded by Mic Black and Darryl Lyons in early 2022 and based in Queensland, Australia, the company says it is well beyond the lab stage but likely a couple of years from commercialization. Preliminary trials cited include a 10% yield increase in one wheat trial, a 30% increase in wheat leaf size, and roughly doubled biomass in rockmelon; independent CSIRO Kick-Start experiments showed benefits for microbial biomass relevant to alternative proteins. Rainstick is pursuing academic validation with universities (James Cook University, National University of Singapore, University of Queensland) alongside practical farmer trials and is prioritizing IP protection and building a defensible business model. Financially, the company has raised about A$450,000 (~$299,000) in SAFE notes and is currently raising an A$1.6 million (~$1.1M) pre-seed round.

Quick Facts