TanTao Labs is an innovative pilot program leveraging industry-leading experience from across the globe to significantly improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through the development of open source culturally tailored biochar solutions. 

​Currently, TanTao Labs is focused on supporting indigenous farming communities in the highlands of Thailand (e.g. Akha and Lahu) which are among the poorest, most marginalized (limited citizenship rights) communities in the region.

our partners

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Better biochar - for farmers, and the planet 

​The use of biochar is widespread among farmers across Asia and is widely recognised as offering important benefits, including improved soil health, quality of produce, reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers, increased carbon capture, and water retention. However, while some benefits are being realised, we feel that there are many more gains to be had by taking a holistic full-cycle approach to solution development and adoption. Already, TanTao has identified many areas within the biochar cycle which can be vastly improved, resulting in significantly enhanced benefits for both farmers and the environment.

Our capabilities and Approach

TanTao Labs is tapping into the deep expertise its team has developed with cookstoves over the past 20 years at award-winning Prakti, coupled with sector specific expertise from across the globe to co-design culturally tailored biochar solutions that meet the needs of users. 

Unlike broad initiatives, TanTao Labs give special attention to specific crops, soils, and farming communities. This way, we can create more targeted solutions and improve the outcomes for farming communities. 

​What’s more, we plan to open-source these solutions and innovations to expand the possibility of impact across those working in the space. The outcome being continuous improvement of biochar solutions and enhanced benefits for farmers and the environment. 

Your invitation

We are in the process of building our community of collaborators and supporters.

We invite enquiries from:

• Collaborators: we’re looking for designers, agronomists, soil scientists, engineers (mechanical, material, chemistry), communication experts, and researchers. We are also seeking people and/ or organisations already engaged with or working alongside farming communities so we can better understand the needs and challenges from the farmer's point of view. ​
  

• Funders: we are seeking funding to help us bring our pilot to the next phase. Specifically, we are looking for support to finance an in-depth audit and a design sprint. Further details can be shared after an enquiry is made.