Catching every drop: How the evoke^AG. 2025 Startup Program helped WaterPearls turn evaporation into opportunity

Water scarcity challenge

Across Australian farms, up to 50% of water stored in dams can be lost to evaporation.  If you’re producing irrigation-dependent high-value crops like almonds, winegrapes, citrus, and avocados, the loss of every drop equals a loss of productivity, profitability, and resilience. Water scarcity is one of our sector’s defining constraints – a challenge mirrored globally, and intensified by unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures associated with climate change.

RELATED: Climate change’s effects on farming and agriculture

Canadian startup RHST Industries has developed a breakthrough solution: WaterPearls, a nature-inspired, “drop it and forget it” technology that eliminates evaporation at the molecular level. The product of 25 years of R&D, WaterPearls are grape-sized organic polymer beads with inherent superhydrophobic (or water-repelling) properties.

When applied during planting, WaterPearls form a water-permeable, breathable barrier on the soil surface. Highly versatile, they can be embedded in mats under fruit and nut trees, mixed into the growing medium for indoor farming, or spread over topsoil for potted crops. By reducing evaporation, WaterPearls allow plants to nourish themselves more efficiently with smaller root systems, redirecting biomass to above-ground growth. The result is up to 50% less water consumption and 30% higher yields – and with a lifespan of up to 50 years, the technology continues to deliver returns season after season.

RELATED: Agriculture & technology: Use cases of agriculture tech

Plus, WaterPearls:

• Optimises nutrient availability, reducing fertiliser inputs.
• Eliminates herbicides or cover crop maintenance, as mats provide a protective, breathable cover.
• Increases productivity on rainfed farmland, bringing yields closer to those of fully irrigated crops.

As founder Thomas Gradek puts it, “WaterPearls delivers more crop per drop.”

Redefining innovation

When RHST Industries applied for the evoke^AG. 2025 Startup Program, the company sought more than just exposure. They wanted to connect with investors, trial customers, and industry partners, and validate WaterPearls in the Australian market.

What they didn’t expect was how profoundly the experience would reshape both the company’s perspective on innovation, and the trajectory of the business. “Going in, we saw innovation primarily as a technology-driven process: developing a product that solves a specific problem, like water loss,” explained Thomas. “What evoke^AG. showed us is that true innovation in agrifood is ecosystem-driven. It’s not just about having a breakthrough technology – it’s about how startups, farmers, investors, researchers, and policymakers work together to make adoption possible at scale.”

“If this works the way you describe, it could change the economics of how we farm”

RHST Industries joined nine other international agrifood tech startups as in the Startup Program’s Agventure Downunder cohort – an immersive experience using the Australian market as a testbed for global agrifood technologies.

“Through our booth at Startup Alley, we gained direct access to decision-makers who share our urgency around water scarcity and climate resilience,” said Thomas. That access quickly led to a deeper strategic insight, which helped RHST reframe its go-to-market approach.

“A major Australian macadamia grower stopped at the booth, listened to how the technology could cut irrigation use by 50%, and said, ‘If this works the way you describe, it could change the economics of how we farm,’” explained Thomas. That conversation led to discussions about on-farm trials – a moment that validated the product and underscored the need to frame WaterPearls not as a bolt-on agritech, but as part of a farmer-focused, climate-ready solution.

Results from the program

“We left the program with a deeper appreciation that the most successful innovations are those that fit into existing farming systems, address real economic pressures, and build trust across the value chain,” explained Thomas.

By the end of the program, RHST had:

• Secured trial opportunities with growers across macadamias, agave and controlled-environment crops.
• Entered discussions with potential distributors for the Australian market.
• Built a pipeline of aligned investors interested in climate-smart water solutions.
• Established early-stage partnerships with universities and agritech firms for joint trials and co-funded R&D.
• Gained visibility in the international startup community, media coverage, and a platform to present WaterPearls to industry leaders.

Lessons for future participants

When asked what advice he would share with startups applying for the evoke^AG. 2026 Startup Program, Thomas reflected, “We wish we’d known just how fast-paced and opportunity-rich the program would be.”

“There are so many investors, growers, and partners to meet in a short time. You need to arrive with a clear ask and a focused story about your solution. For future participants, our advice is: come ready with sharp messaging, know exactly what you want, and be prepared to follow up quickly. The opportunities are there – but the ones who get the most out of evoke^AG. are those who show up ready to turn interest into action.”

Applications for the evoke^AG. 2026 Startup Program are now open

For RHST Industries, the Startup Program transformed concepts into concrete next steps. If you’re still on the fence about applying, Thomas’ advice is simple: take the plunge! “For a startup, it’s the fastest way to turn ideas into trials, partnerships, and funding. If you want to grow your impact, evoke^AG. is where you need to be.”

Ready to use Startup Alley as your launchpad into the Australian market? Applications for the 2026 evoke^AG. Startup Program close Friday, 24 October 2025 at 5.00pm AEDT. For more information and to apply, click here.

RHST Industries is currently seeking commercial, research, and industry partners for on-farm field trials. To connect and explore collaboration opportunities or learn how WaterPearls could solve evaporation challenges in your farm business, reach out to the grow^AG. Concierge team here.