Farmers grapple with soil compaction, reducing yields by up to 60%. Enter the Aeropod, a tiny device that aerates soil naturally, cutting tilling costs by half. Built like a seed, it’s dropped alongside planting, promoting better soil health.

Co-founder Ifeoluwa Afolayan, formerly of Imperial College London, likens it to 'the most equitable practice across every farmer'. Initially targeting U.K. onion growers, the startup aims to revolutionise farming with minimal disruption.

Muju Earth, one of 200 startups at TechCrunch Disrupt, has seen nine farmers sign up for trials, with more waiting. The device costs £100 per hectare, significantly cheaper than traditional tilling, which can cost up to £400.

Exciting developments include interest from companies developing biologic amendments, which thrive in aerated soils. However, early adopters are farmers, who see the intuitive appeal of a solution that requires no heavy machinery.