Orion Future Technology Ltd

What Orion Future Technology Ltd does

Orion Future Technology Ltd is a UK-based agronomy company founded in 2005 that develops and sells silicon-based biostimulants and complementary plant nutrient products for agriculture, horticulture, ornamentals, amenity turf, and forestry. Its core technical platform is the proprietary iNHiB™ technology, which converts silicon into stable, bioactive monosilicic acid — the only form of silicon plants can absorb — and is delivered across a portfolio of products that strengthen plant cell walls, stimulate natural defence mechanisms, and improve tolerance to drought, disease, pests, and abiotic stress. The product range spans silicon products (Sirius, Thuban, Pulsil, Silvanus, Phusion, Fossil, Deneb, Rigel-G), non-silicon plant nutrients (Pyxis, Trident family, Kohab, Glaia Fragaria), and a bacterial biostimulant (Pluton, based on Bacillus velezensis PGPR), supported by published trials with the Universities of Hertfordshire and Reading and independent research bodies (Richard Austin Agriculture, i2L Research, STRI, AHDB).

The company generates revenue through one-time product sales to growers, sold in the UK via a small in-house agronomy team and internationally through established distributor partners. Distribution covers 20 countries across Europe, Africa, Central America and the USA, with named channel partners including Dudutech (Kenya), GeoGreen (Greece), Siesa Group (Guatemala), Suplidora Verde (Costa Rica), SilicoTurf LLC (USA), and ProCam UK. End customers span large commercial growers (e.g., Barfoots of Botley, New Hall Wine Estate, Ancre Hill Estates) and fragmented farming operations, with no public pricing model disclosed.

Orion was acquired by the Milbank Group, a family-owned diversified conglomerate with approximately £33m in group sales and 250+ employees, on 15 May 2020, and now operates as a subsidiary alongside other Milbank agricultural businesses including ARK Agriculture and Thomas & Fontaine (Secure Covers). The company employs approximately seven staff, including four agronomists and an R&D Agronomist, with leadership comprising Managing Director Garth Bretherton and Commercial Director James Kennedy.

Name

Orion Future Technology Ltd

Legal name

Orion Future Technology Ltd

Website

https://orionft.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Orion Future Technology Ltd is a UK-based agronomy company that develops and sells silicon-based biostimulants and complementary plant nutrients under its proprietary iNHiB™ technology, serving growers in agriculture, horticulture, ornamentals, amenity, and forestry across 20 countries. It operates as a subsidiary of the Milbank Group.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Colchester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Biostimulant Product Sales: Orion generates revenue primarily through the sale of its silicon-based biostimulant products (Sirius, Deneb, Pulsil, Fossil, Phusion, Rigel-G, Thuban, Silvanus, Pluton, Trident, Trident Plus, Trident ZCM, Pyxis, Kohab, Glaia Fragaria). Products are sold to growers in agriculture, horticulture, ornamentals, amenity and forestry sectors through direct sales and distributor networks across 20 countries.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Orion Future Technology develops, manufactures, and sells silicon-based biostimulant and plant nutrient products that strengthen plant cell walls, stimulate natural plant defence mechanisms, and improve nutrient uptake. Its proprietary iNHiB™ technology delivers stable, plant-available monosilicic acid used across agriculture, horticulture, ornamentals, amenity, and forestry to reduce chemical input reliance and improve crop yield, quality, and stress resilience.

Product overview

Orion Future Technology Ltd is a pioneer in silicon-based biostimulant technology offering a diversified portfolio of plant nutrient solutions. The company's product lineup consists of three main categories: Silicon products (Sirius, Thuban, Pulsil, Silvanus, Phusion, Fossil, Deneb, and Rigel-G) that leverage the company's proprietary iNHiB technology to deliver bioactive, plant-available silicon for enhanced plant defence and stress resilience; Non-Silicon products (Pyxis, Trident ZCM, Kohab, Trident, Trident Plus, and Glaia Fragaria) comprising phosphite-based fertilizers and chelated micronutrients; and Bacterial products (Pluton) featuring plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. These products complement integrated pest management programs and support sustainable crop production across agriculture, horticulture, ornamentals, amenity, and forestry sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• iNHiB™: Orion's unique and advanced technology that delivers bioactive, plant-available silicon. iNHiB technology results in the formulation of stable, bioactive monosilicic acid within products.

Products and services

• Sirius A 21% bioavailable silicon biostimulant formulated with iNHiB™ technology to enhance plant health, improve nutrient uptake, and protect against environmental stresses such as drought, lodging, and disease. Used by growers across broadacre crops.
• Thuban A 0-28-18 %w/v + 3% Si potassium phosphite fertiliser formulated with silicon using iNHiB technology to improve crop health and stress resilience with zero nitrogen.
• Pulsil A 0-28-18 %w/v + 3% Si silicon co-formulated with phosphite and potassium to enhance and stimulate natural plant defences.
• Silvanus A unique dual-action silicon-potassium phosphite plant nutrient formulated specifically for arboriculture to improve tree health and protect against Phytophthora, bacterial and fungal stresses.
• Phusion A 3-11-20 %w/v + 3% silicon advanced formulation combining plant health promoting phosphite and silicon with additional nitrogen and potassium to stimulate natural plant defences.
• Fossil A 0-10-0 %w/v + 15% Si dual-action silicon-phosphonate formulation to enhance and stimulate natural plant resilience.
• Deneb A 3% silicon product enhanced with naturally derived plant extracts, formulated for broadacre crops. Stimulates plant signalling volatiles to trigger immune responses.
• Rigel-G A 4% silicon product with naturally derived plant extracts that improves root mass, dry matter content, and pest repellence while alleviating environmental stresses.
• Pyxis A 0-28-19 %w/v highly available potassium phosphite fertiliser for arable, vegetable and horticulture crops, delivering all 28% P as available phosphite.
• Trident ZCM A triple-action Zinc, Copper and Manganese (Cu 2%, Zn 4%, Mn 2% w/v) micro-nutrient chelated using a natural citric polymer to boost uptake.
• Kohab A 4-0-50 %w/v highly available chelated potassium product with added nitrogen for fruit and vegetable crops, formulated to ensure rapid uptake.
• Trident A Cu 2%, Zn 4% w/v copper and zinc micronutrient product chelated using a natural citric polymer to boost uptake and stimulate plant health.
• Trident Plus A Zn 4%, Cu 2%, Co 0.08% copper, zinc and cobalt micronutrient product chelated using a natural citric polymer to boost uptake and stimulate plant resilience.
• Glaia Fragaria A biostimulant using synthetic carbon-based nano-materials to increase photosynthetic efficiency in strawberry plants, converting more solar energy into biomass. Produced by Glaia Ltd and distributed exclusively by Orion.
• Pluton A liquid plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) biostimulant containing naturally occurring Bacillus velezensis bacteria that germinate in the presence of root exudates to improve germination, rooting, growth, nutrient mobility, yield, and plant resistance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Yield increase of 9% in sugar beet trials using Sirius and Pluton combination, with sugar content increasing from 17.3% to nearly 18%
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Glaia LtdcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerGlaia Fragaria is produced by Glaia Ltd and distributed by Orion Future Technology. Orion acts as the exclusive distributor for Glaia Fragaria, a biostimulant that uses synthetic carbon-based nano-materials to improve photosynthetic efficiency in strawberry plants. This gives Orion access to a unique photosynthesis-enhancement technology through a distribution agreement.
• University of HertfordshirecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExtensive collaborative research with the University of Hertfordshire on silicon biostimulant technology. Research by Dr Avice Hall has demonstrated how iNHiB-formulated silicon results in thicker cuticles, increased leaf hair density, and improved plant resilience. Studies on strawberries showed reduced powdery mildew infection and reduced two-spotted spider mite feeding.
• University of ReadingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing research partnership with the University of Reading. The founders of Orion noted friendship and loyalty developed over many years with the university. Orion is dedicated to broadening understanding of silicon benefits through collaboration with leading universities.
• Richard Austin AgriculturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent trials company that has conducted multiple trials on Orion products including sugar beet trials (9% yield improvement, improved disease tolerance) and potato blight trials (reduced blight impact, increased yield). Michael Rodger serves as trials manager.
• i2L ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNewcastle-based research organisation that has conducted trials on Orion products including slug feeding damage trials (wheat seedlings treated with Deneb and Sirius showed significantly reduced feeding damage), CSFB mortality trials, and cherry pest resistance studies.
• STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTRI conducted a study showing how increasing silicon in turf grass can improve leaf density, increase root mass, and enhance overall green colour. Results used to support turf management product claims.
• ProCam UK LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProCam UK Ltd distributes Deneb, manufactured by Orion FT. This is a distribution partnership for the Deneb product line.
• AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAHDB published a report reviewing available literature on biostimulants, citing multiple benefits of silicon including greater aphid resistance, reduced mildew severity, reduced rabbit grazing, reduced slug feeding damage, and reduced lodging.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Valagro (Syngenta Biologicals): Italian biostimulant specialist now part of Syngenta Biologicals; directly comparable as a pioneer in plant nutrition and biostimulation products sold across global row crops and horticulture.
• Hello Nature (formerly Italpollina): Italy-headquartered biostimulant and biofertilizer producer offering humic acids, seaweed extracts and microbial products with similar international distribution and crop-input focus.
• Biolchim: Italian biostimulant and specialty fertilizer manufacturer with a comparable product portfolio of biostimulants, micronutrients and fertigation products serving agriculture and horticulture worldwide.
• Lallemand Plant Care: Canadian-based biological crop input specialist offering biostimulant, biocontrol and PGPR products globally; comparable as a microbial and plant-health focused input supplier with international reach.
• Koppert Biological Systems: Dutch biological crop solutions provider combining biostimulants, biocontrol agents and pollination products; comparable as a multi-category biological input specialist selling through international distribution.

Emerging players

• BioConsortia: US-based agtech company developing microbial biostimulants and nitrogen-fixing products via advanced microbial screening; partially comparable as an emerging biological-input specialist with overlap in plant health and PGPR categories.
• Biostadt India (Bioprime): Indian specialty crop input company offering biostimulants, micronutrients and biofertilizers; partially comparable as a growing biological-input player serving horticulture and broadacre agriculture in emerging markets.

Broad incumbents

• UPL Limited: India-headquartered global agrochemical major with an expanding biostimulant portfolio (incl. via Advanta); comparable as a large incumbent entering the silicon/microbial biostimulant space alongside traditional crop protection.
• Bayer Crop Science: Global crop protection and seed leader with a growing biologicals/biostimulant offering (including via Biolchim acquisition); comparable as a major incumbent crowding into the specialty biological-input category.
• Syngenta Crop Protection: Global agrochemical giant with a dedicated biologicals unit (formerly Valagro); competes in the same biostimulant category as Orion but at vastly greater scale and with broader product breadth.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/OrionFutureTech
• Facebookfacebook.com/OrionFutureTech
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/orion-future-technology-limited
• Instagraminstagram.com/orionfuturetech

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Orion Future Technology Ltd