P e w a s

About P e w a s

In the world of materials science, sometimes the biggest innovations come from looking at existing technologies in a new light. This is the story of Pewas, a Slovakian research and trading company founded in 1992. For years, the company focused on a range of products, but a key shift occurred when they began to explore the novel applications of superabsorbent polymers. The company, led by CEO Ivo Krpelan, zeroed in on a critical global challenge: water scarcity in agriculture. Their playbook centered on developing a product called Aquaholder. This innovative substance is applied directly to cereal seeds and can absorb atmospheric and soil moisture up to 500 times its own weight. This creates a hydrogel layer around the seed, providing essential moisture during germination, which is a crucial tool against drought and climate change. A significant moment in the company's journey came in February 2021. Pewas secured an investment from the Slovak Investment Holding (SIH) as part of a program to support innovative companies. This funding, provided as a convertible loan, was earmarked to finalize the research and development of Aquaholder, signaling a strong vote of confidence in the product's global potential. Today, Pewas continues its work in innovative chemistry, leveraging its research to create solutions for agriculture and beyond.