A&B Smart Materials

A&B Smart Materials is a deep tech startup based at the University of Oxford, developing sustainable, bio-based superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) to replace synthetic, petroleum-derived SAPs in agriculture and hygiene applications.

SAPs are high-performance materials that can absorb and retain hundreds of times their weight in water. While widely used in soil conditioners, nappies, and moisture control products, conventional SAPs are petroleum-based and non-biodegradable, raising growing environmental and regulatory concerns. Our biopolymer-based SAPs are biodegradable, cost-effective, and made from natural materials, offering a scalable and environmentally safe alternative.

We contribute to innovation and investment in the Australian agrifood sector by enabling solutions that tackle water efficiency, drought resilience, and soil health, critical challenges for growers in a changing climate. Our SAPs improve water retention and reduce irrigation requirements, supporting yield stability and input cost reduction in dryland and horticultural systems.