Deliplant was founded by Sarosh Ramachandra, a molecular biologist with over 16 years of experience as a researcher at SLU. His work has focused on molecular genetics and plant biology, areas in which he has developed a deep understanding of how plants respond to different environments, nutrient systems, and growing conditions.
This very expertise forms the foundation of Deliplant’s cultivation technology. During his research, Sarosh worked with controlled environments and hydroponic systems, where plants are grown not in soil, but in water with precisely balanced nutrient supply. Years of experimentation, optimisation, and genetic insight made it possible to develop a technology that maximises growth, quality, and resource efficiency.
It is this research-based method that Deliplant is now commercialising with the help and guidance of UIC Accelerate; an automated, high-tech hydroponic system that enables the year-round cultivation of fresh vegetables and herbs, completely independent of climate.
The importance of UIC Accelerate in Deliplant’s commercialisation
When Sarosh took the step from researcher to entrepreneur, UIC became a central part of the company’s development. Through the business development program Accelerate, he learned the fundamentals of business, from pitching and business planning to investor dialogues. Sarosh also received the support needed to shape a sustainable business model, designed to enable the company to scale.
– When I began my journey, I came directly from the research world, where I had worked for over sixteen years in molecular biology and genetics. Thanks to UIC, I gained the knowledge I lacked about pitching, business plans, and how to actually build a company, says Sarosh.
“UIC has been absolutely crucial in our commercialisation journey. They have not only supported us with coaching and structure but also opened doors that we would never have accessed on our own.“
UIC opens doors for companies that want to expand
Experienced coaches provided Sarosh with both strategic guidance and business structure. The coaching helped him complement his technical and scientific expertise with market insight, customer focus, and long-term business planning.
Through UIC Accelerate, Deliplant also gained access to investors, advisors, and potential partners, something that proved crucial for a young, research-driven company. UIC’s network was particularly important in the early stages, when resources were limited and every contact mattered.
– UIC has been absolutely crucial in our commercialisation journey. They have not only supported us with coaching and structure but also opened doors that we would never have accessed on our own. Through their network, we connected with investors, Business Sweden, and the Swedish Energy Agency, Sarosh explains.
It was precisely this network and the connections established that led to opportunities to scale internationally, both in Singapore and India.
Customer relationships that shaped the product
Deliplant’s first customer came in 2018, when Sarosh contacted Uppsala Frukt & Grönt after reading an article about the shortage of fresh vegetables during winter. The visit led to a direct collaboration, demonstrating that the technology worked in real-world conditions and not only in a research environment.
During the pandemic, additional opportunities emerged when imports of herbs and spices were halted, and Deliplant was able to quickly deliver samples to Grönsakshallen Sorunda. These early customer relationships were crucial in shaping the company’s offering and in confirming real market needs.
A journey full of lessons
For Sarosh, entrepreneurship has involved a steep and educational learning curve. He emphasises the importance of not building a company alone, as multiple perspectives and complementary competencies facilitate development.
Another key insight is the importance of meeting customers early, understanding their challenges, and allowing their needs to guide development. And perhaps most importantly, daring to pause and appreciate progress, even when the journey is long.
The future: licensing and international expansion
With a commercial facility in place, a well-developed technical platform, and a growing network, Deliplant is now aiming for licensing and international expansion.
What began as advanced research in a laboratory has, with support from UIC, evolved into a company with the potential to transform the future of food production.