UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Leaders from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Phospholutions Inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance their collaboration in research and education.
This partnership is aimed at improving global food security through more efficient use of phosphorus fertilizers and reducing phosphorus runoff that contributes to harmful algae blooms and water-quality issues that threaten aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, the partners will collaborate on how best to steward remaining supplies since phosphorus is a limited natural resource in the United States.
The agreement creates a framework for Phospholutions and the College of Agricultural Sciences to explore shared interests in crop nutrition, materials science and engineering.
Mutual interests include joint research projects within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Materials Research Institute, supported by state-of-the-art facilities such as greenhouse space and specialized research buildings, including the college’s Mendels Way facility in Benner Township, Centre County. It also outlines initiatives for community outreach, workforce development and fundraising to support shared objectives.
“We are excited about the possibilities that this collaboration brings,” said Troy Ott, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences. “By combining Phospholutions’ innovative capabilities with Penn State’s academic and research excellence, our vision is to drive advancements in agricultural technologies that benefit both industry and society.”
Hunter Swisher, founder and chief executive officer of Phospholutions, embarked on the development of the company’s RhizoSorb technology during his undergraduate studies in plant sciences at Penn State. RhizoSorb is a fertilizer additive that increases nutrient use efficiency, cutting costs for farmers and reducing the environmental impact of phosphorus fertilizers.
The company recently announced the results of a study proving that the product reduces runoff potential by 78% compared to conventional phosphorus fertilizers. Phospholutions is actively commercializing throughout the Americas, Europe and India.
Inspired by technology pioneered by one of his professors, Jonathan Lynch, distinguished professor of plant nutrition, Swisher recognized RhizoSorb’s market potential and collaborated with the college’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program and the Penn State Office of Technology Transfer to secure the intellectual property rights and establish Phospholutions.
Following graduation, Swisher and his team built Phospholutions into a successful startup, garnering support from the agricultural technology sector and securing investments of more than $30 million to date. Today, Swisher, who was recognized in 2023 in the Forbes 30 under 30 social impact class, oversees a management team comprising eight executives, leading a company employing 28 staff members.
He also is credited as the inventor or co-inventor on six patents, either issued or pending. He serves on the entrepreneurship and innovation advisory board for the College of Agricultural Sciences and as a North American Ambassador for the International Fertilizer Association.
“Expanding our partnership with Penn State is an exciting milestone for Phospholutions as we continue to deliver on our mission to make global phosphorus use more efficient,” Swisher said. “This memorandum of understanding reflects a broader commitment from both parties to expand research efforts to ensure we offer farmers the most economical and sustainable solutions grounded in science.”
The partnership underscores the college’s commitment to translating research into impactful solutions, noted Blair Siegfried, associate dean for research and graduate education and director of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.
“Collaborating with Phospholutions allows us to expand our research capabilities and provide valuable experiential learning opportunities for our students,” he said. “The memorandum is a testament to a shared commitment to innovation and sustainable agricultural practices. Both parties look forward to the collaborative projects that will emerge from this agreement, with the goal of making significant strides in agricultural research and education.”