Grow more
with less water.
A drought-resilience system that pairs biodegradable hydrogel made from cashew gum, chitosan, and PVA with an offline-capable AI app to help farmers optimize water usage and protect yields under drought pressure.
Water scarcity is
squeezing farmers.
Across the globe, farming communities are being squeezed by water scarcity and more frequent extreme weather. The World Health Organization reports that water scarcity affects about 40 percent of the world's population and that roughly 55 million people live in drought-impacted areas each year.
Recent analyses show dry rainfall shocks have increased by about 233 percent in recent years, and more than 85 percent of droughts strike low to middle-income countries, where a single failed season can spiral into debt, migration, and hunger.
The Pain Points
- Groundwater pumping accelerates depletion and land subsidence
- Drip irrigation is expensive, difficult to maintain, and prone to failure
- Traditional irrigation wastes water and ignores shifting climate patterns
- High-tech alternatives cost tens of thousands per month, out of reach for most growers
Nature meets
neural networks.
1. Biodegradable Hydrogels
Powdered hydrogel made from cashew gum, chitosan, and PVA through cross-linking. Mixed into soil near roots, it absorbs rainfall or irrigation, holds nutrients in place, and releases moisture as the ground dries. 100% biodegradable.
2. Prebiotic-Loaded Blends
Optional prebiotic-loaded blends, such as inulin, support beneficial soil biology and strengthen crop defenses when drought stress would normally invite disease. Tailored by crop and region for maximum effectiveness.
3. Offline-Capable AI App
A companion AI app designed to function offline uses crop, soil, climate, and satellite information to recommend hydrogel timing, dosage, and water scheduling. Stores core guidance on-device and syncs when connectivity returns.
Field Zone A
Critical Drought Risk
Soil Moisture Projection
Stop guessing.
Start growing.
View Impact DataTraditional irrigation wastes water and ignores shifting climate patterns. Gelionyx addresses the gap by improving root-zone water retention and pairing it with clear, localized recommendations, so farmers can conserve water while protecting yields under drought pressure.
The Gelionyx Ecosystem
Cashew Gum
Utilizing agricultural waste for superior water absorption.
Prebiotics
Inulin and other prebiotics support beneficial soil biology and strengthen crop defenses.
AI Models
Offline-capable AI analyzes crop, soil, climate, and satellite data for optimal recommendations.
Circular
Fully biodegradable materials leaving zero trace.
Global Impact.
Field Validation Coming Q4 2026
Six pilot farms across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia in partnership with agricultural agencies
$44 per acre
Compared to $250 per acre for key competitors
Water Conservation
40%
Reduction in water usage.
Market Opportunity
Serving small to mid-sized farmers in drought-prone regions and the institutions that fund drought programs. With 350 million farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, and over 1.2 million agricultural cooperatives worldwide, the opportunity is vast.
350M+ Farmers
Sub-Saharan Africa & South Asia
1.2M+ Cooperatives
Worldwide
Hybrid Revenue-Impact Model
Commercial growth funds free distribution in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia
Three friends.
One mission.
Gelionyx formed when three friends from Illinois and Texas combined their interest in chemistry and computer science to address an important issue in agriculture.
Leroy
Biomaterials Design Lead
Leads biomaterials design and ran formulation experiments, from cross-linking chemistry to powder processing and biodegradation testing, building on advanced chemistry coursework and independent polymer research.
Tarunesh
AI & Mobile Experience
Built the AI and mobile experience, translating soil, weather, and satellite inputs into clear recommendations that can run without consistent internet, drawing on machine learning projects and mobile development skills.
Avyay
Business Logistics
Drove business logistics, including supplier research, pricing, partnerships, and the hybrid revenue-impact plan, while also supporting the AI workflow and data requirements.
As a team, we combine hands-on prototyping, practical software design, and program-style thinking about training, delivery, and impact measurement. We are motivated by the farmers who bear climate risk first, and by the belief that saving water should not come at the environment's expense.