Iyris commercializes SecondSky, a proprietary additive for polyethylene and other greenhouse materials that blocks near‑infrared radiation while allowing photosynthetically active radiation to pass through. The company sells SecondSky polycarbonate, polyethylene, nets and soon‑to‑launch shade screens through manufacturers and local distributors and serves both large international growers and smaller farmers via partners. Iyris says its technology (including resilient plant genetics) can reduce energy and water consumption by up to 90%, extend growing seasons, increase yields and deliver a payback within a year. The business originated from innovations at KAUST and was co‑founded in 2018 by CEO Ryan Lefers, plant scientist Mark Tester and Derya Baran; it initially grew and sold tomatoes before commercializing the tech. Iyris has expanded from Saudi/UAE beginnings into markets across 11 countries — including the UAE, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, the U.K., the U.S., Portugal, Spain and Mexico — with clients such as Silal, Armando Alvarez Group and Criado & Lopez. The company reports it brought in more customers and sold more products (or made more revenue) in Q1 2024 than it did in the whole of 2023 and plans to grow hectares covered, regions served (including India and China) and square meters installed.

Total raised

$16M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

May 2024