THE TECHNOLOGY

Terraxy

Growing crops
where nothing grows

THE TECHNOLOGY

On a mission to grow crops where nothing grows.

A new kind of soil. Built for arid environments.

CarboSoil started as a PhD thesis at KAUST. It is now the world’s first biochar-based soil amendment engineered specifically for arid environments - and it’s scaling to industrial deployment across the Kingdom.

Terraxy, a KAUST spinout, has transformed that research into a product that does something conventional soil amendments cannot: it works in desert conditions. CarboSoil retains water, enhances nutrients, supports plant growth, and stores carbon for centuries - all in a single application.

Enabled through KAUST’s National Transformation Institute (NTI), Terraxy is translating this research into industrial-scale impact. Born from the lab and now backed by Wa’ed Ventures and KAUST Innovation Ventures, CarboSoil is moving from pilot production to a 30,000-square-metre commercial facility in Al Zulfi. The science is proven. The scale is next.

Discover the Innovation →

Technology Mission

MISSION IN MOTION

From Waste to Restoration

See how Terraxy’s CarboSoil technology is turning organic waste into permanent, productive soil — and unlocking agriculture in environments where nothing grew before.

IMPACT

Creating Impact
Where It Matters Most

01

Up to 70% more growth

CarboSoil increases plant growth and productivity by up to 70% using the same water and nutrient inputs - making it one of the most resource-efficient soil technologies available for arid environments.

02

Centuries of carbon storage

CarboSoil stores CO₂ stably in the soil for centuries - turning agricultural land into a permanent carbon asset and contributing to large-scale land restoration goals across the region.

03

Government-validated, field-proven

Terraxy has advanced through the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s Regulatory Sandbox - tested and validated under real Saudi conditions, with government backing.

04

Scaling to industrial deployment

A 30,000-square-metre commercial production facility is being established in Al Zulfi - marking the transition from pilot to full industrial scale across the Kingdom.

EXPLORE MORE MISSIONS

Every Breakthrough Begins
With a Bold Idea

KAUST was founded on the belief that science, innovation and collaboration can create a better future.

Whether you're a researcher, entrepreneur, industry partner, investor, or simply curious about the stories shaping tomorrow, we invite you to be part of the journey.

Terraxy

Growing crops
where nothing grows

On a mission to grow crops where nothing grows.

From Waste to Restoration