News & Insights

As part of our ‘Meet Our Founders’ series today, we introduce Tahira Pirzada, President and CEO of Soteria Formulations based in Raleigh, NC. Soteria Formulations develops microplastic-free, biodegradable formulations to enhance pesticides performance in the field while minimizing environmental footprints of agriculture.

Q: What problem are you trying to solve and what influenced you to start your company?

A: The increasing number of crop pests leads to an annual global crop yield loss of 20–40%. Current pest control methods are becoming ineffective due to environmentally and economically unsustainable practices. Overuse of pesticides has resulted in higher production costs, pest resistance, and growing concerns over environmental and regulatory compliance. With EPA coming harsh on pesticides over-use and some chemistries, there is a need for innovative formulations to reduce pesticide use, and enhance the performance of more sustainable solutions – biologicals.

Q: What are you most excited about right now? What keeps you up at night?

A: We are most excited about expanding the impact of our technology globally. It is deeply rewarding to contribute to reducing the overuse of agrochemicals while maintaining or enhancing their performance by ensuring precise delivery to the target. This approach substantially reduces environmental and regulatory challenges, fostering more sustainable agricultural practices.

What keeps us up at night is that our scaled-up products will be able to replicate the same amazing performance displayed by generation-1 product in dozens of field trials.

Q: What does the road ahead look like for your company?

A: Exciting and full of adventures!

Q: How will your NC IDEA grant funds advance your company?

A: To speed up our business growth, secure funding and find collaborations with agrochemical manufacturers we need IP protection. While we have licensed the patent pending foundational technology from NCSU, securing the NC IDEA grant will help strengthen our intellectual property which will protect our innovations, attract investors, and create a competitive edge. By securing patents and trademarks, we can establish barriers to entry for our competitors, monetize our ideas through licensing and partnership and increase our valuation for future funding or acquisition. A well-planned IP approach also reduces legal risks and helps safeguard international expansion opportunities, positioning us well for long-term success.

Q: When did you know you wanted to take an entrepreneurial path?

A: Our journey started few years back when we started developing our platform technology at NCSU as part of Gates Foundation funded project for establishing sustainable crop protection in Africa. Successful completion of multiple field trials with different crops and agricultural compounds and more than 100 customer discovery interviews with various stakeholders in agritech ecosystem convinced us that our technology is providing a sustainable solution needed by modern agriculture, which will also help minimize agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

Q: What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?

A: What I enjoy the most about starting Soteria Formulations is the freedom to expand the impact of our technology globally. I also like how our team with diverse background is working together to scale the technology validated in smallholder farms into large-scale farming.

Q: What is one thing you wish you understood about entrepreneurship before you ever got started?

A: Probably a better understanding of how to maintain work-life balance.

Q: Who do you look to for advice and mentorship?

A: My husband , my co-founders especially Dick Guenther, our advisors Howard and Bala and NC PSI commercialization council especially Lisa and Kathleen.

Q: What other passions do you have besides your business?

A: Reading and traveling.

While visiting Raleigh, Tahira recommends:

• If you are visiting the City of Oaks, a day is not enough to get to know Raleigh. I would recommend starting your day with a southern breakfast at First Watch then head to William B. Umstead Park for a hike. While Umstead Park is an interesting mix of long and short hikes of various difficulty level, I’d suggest the 3 mile Sycamore and Graylyn trail with a moderate difficulty level and amazing views, including the Umstead Park lower lake. In case hiking is not on your list for a short trip, I would also recommend a stroll in JC Raulston Arboretum. Explore downtown Raleigh, especially the NC Museum of Natural Science with free entry. Head to Mordecai Historic Park and historic Oakwood if you want to appreciate the historic beauty of Raleigh. Spend the evening enjoying European style Lafayette Village in North Raleigh, winding up the day with dinner at Brewery Bhavana in downtown.

Support Soteria Formulations and Tahira by:

• Your support can take many forms—following our journey on social media, sharing our mission, and introducing us to your networks can amplify our reach and help us connect with stakeholders who share our vision.
  
  If you are in a position to partner with us or know individuals or organizations interested in advancing sustainable agriculture, your introductions and collaborations can play a pivotal role in expanding our efforts. Additionally, your feedback and insights are invaluable in helping us refine our solutions to better serve the agricultural community and beyond.
  
  Every referral, every mention, and every partnership strengthens our ability to drive innovation and create lasting change. Together, we can shape a more sustainable and resilient future for agriculture.