UK startup gains momentum with clean-tech biosecurity solutions for Australian market

Residual Barrier Technology (RBT) is no stranger to Australian shores. Since first listing its opportunity on AgriFutures growAG. in 2024, the UK biosecurity startup has visited three times, forged early connections with prospective partners and research groups, and built momentum since its second evokeAG. appearance.

RBT aims to support Australia’s biosecurity efforts with innovative, sustainable disinfection solutions that reduce risk and environmental impact – all while helping producers protect animal health, maintain food safety standards, and improve on-farm outcomes.

“We’re effectively a biological disinfectant company – offering solutions for the human, animal and horticulture markets,” explains RBT CEO, Adam Shay. He says the business is focused on supporting rural industries with eco-friendly alternatives to harsh chemicals.

“We’d like to be in the Australian market selling before the end of 2025,” says Adam.

“Finding as many trial partners as possible is our first priority. And we’re looking to collaborate with those who have access to supply chains for selling and distributing our product.

“In doing so, we’re willing to offer exclusive distributorships to partners in Australia, as well as access to our full R&D team, science base and commercial modelling.”

RBT’s two flagship products — Protectus Air and the newly launched Protectus Aqua — are independently tested to kill 99.999% of viruses, bacteria and fungi while being 100% biodegradable and safe for human and animal inhalation for up to 51 hours.

Protectus Air uses patented dry nebulising technology to disperse disinfectant in a moisture-free mist that remains airborne for up to six hours. It disinfects both the air and surfaces, forming a residual barrier for ongoing protection.

“It’s a completely dry, airborne system,” Adam says. “We use it in poultry sheds to control viruses and bacteria, and we’re looking to expand that into food production facilities in Australia.”

The system has proven effective in South African poultry operations, not only improving sanitation but contributing to increased bird weight and reduced disinfection downtime, leading to better yields and potential cost savings.

Protectus Aqua addresses another major on-farm challenge – biofilm. This invisible layer builds up inside water lines and harbours bacteria that can be transferred directly into livestock or crops.

“If you don’t strip biofilm out of water pipes, the bacteria is transferred into the animal or onto the plant,” Adam explains. “Protectus Aqua strips it out — and stops it coming back.”

The solution is neutral in taste and pH, automatically dosed, and safe for long-term use in livestock drinking systems. Already used in poultry production, it’s now being trialled in grain silos, targeting fungal threats like Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium.

RBT sees potential applications across swine, ruminants, and post-harvest washing of fresh produce, particularly for growers seeking chlorine-free alternatives.

RBT’s disinfectants are alcohol-free, water-based, and shipped as a concentrated bulk solution, lowering transport emissions and enabling in-market dilution and bottling. 

The company has been operating for over a decade in the UK, with products launching in the UK and European markets in 2024, and South African trials now well established.

RBT applications extend across:

Agricultural: 

·       Fruit storage and distribution

·       Food production areas 

·       Medical cannabis (early-stage trials run)

Veterinary: 

·       Poultry 

·       Swine

·       Cattle

·       Dairy

·       Sheep and lamb

The opportunity: partners wanted

RBT is actively seeking partners in Australia to support its next phase of growth, including:

·       Trial partners across livestock, grain, horticulture, and post-harvest

·       Distribution and manufacturing partners

·       Regulatory support and investment partnerships

·       Collaborators in agtech or diagnostics to deliver integrated biosecurity solutions

Adam says the company isn’t just looking to sell a product, but to build long-term partnerships with people who understand the market, can help launch its solutions, and recognise the value RBT offers.

“The desire for innovation in Australia is massive,” Adam states. Since first connecting through grow^AG., RBT has received strong engagement across the Australian agrifood sector.

“This is my third trip to Australia in the last 12 months,” he says. “We’ve had a lot of interest from poultry farmers, food packaging facilities and horticultural companies – all of whom are keen to run trials.”

At evoke^AG. 2024 and 2025, RBT joined the Innovate UK delegation and connected with producers, researchers and government agencies — including discussions with CSIRO and Queensland government departments about how its technology could be integrated to support the National Biosecurity Strategy.

The National Biosecurity Strategy is a 10-year plan to protect Australia's unique ecosystems, agricultural sectors, and public health by managing and reducing biosecurity risks.

“One of the best things about being here [at evoke^AG. and in Australia] is finding other companies doing similar things – people who we can collaborate with,” Adam explains. “When we enter the market at the same time, we can accelerate things by working together.”

Australia’s biosecurity system has been valued at $314 billion over 50 years, with a 30:1 return on investment, according to the University of Melbourne’s Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis.

Recent incursions – including a recent highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in Queensland – underscore the critical importance of strengthening protective measures across the supply chain.

With tighter funding and increasing biosecurity risks, producers are seeking scalable, cost-effective solutions. For RBT, this presents a clear opportunity and a critical moment to meet market demand. 

By collaborating with global innovators like RBT, Australian producers will gain access to proven, planet-friendly technologies that tackle emerging threats, reduce chemical reliance, and improve operational resilience.

“Getting through the regulatory process is our next big hurdle, but we’re close to securing the right partners to help us get there,” Adam says.

He concludes, “It’s not just about launching a product – it’s about working with the right people who understand the needs of Australian agriculture and want to build something long-term.”