Harnessing the Power of Lightning: Rainstick’s Journey from Ancient Knowledge to Global Innovation

Darryl Lyons has always believed in the power of nature. As a proud Maiawali man, he carries with him the deep-rooted knowledge of his ancestors—knowledge that has shaped the way he views the land and its potential. Now, as the Chief Rainmaker at Rainstick, he’s turning that wisdom into a world-first agritech innovation, harnessing the energy of lightning to transform modern farming.

A Flash of Insight

Growing up in southwest Queensland, Darryl was familiar with the ancient belief that lightning could enhance plant growth. Scientists later confirmed what Indigenous people had observed for millennia—electrical energy from storms can stimulate biological processes that promote stronger, healthier crops.

With this knowledge in mind, Darryl set out to develop a way to replicate these effects without relying on unpredictable weather. The result? Rainstick, a revolutionary technology that uses bioelectricity to enhance crop resilience, improve germination rates, and reduce reliance on chemical treatments.

Lightning as a Service: A New Era for Agriculture

Rainstick’s innovation, coined as “Lightning as a Service,” offers farmers a clean, scalable alternative to traditional agricultural inputs. The technology applies controlled bioelectric stimulation to seeds, activating their natural defences and improving their ability to thrive in diverse conditions. The benefits are clear—higher yields, stronger crops, and a significant reduction in chemical use.

But getting a novel solution like this to market is no small feat. As Darryl explains, “We’re doing something truly unique on a global scale, but breaking through in the industry requires more than just great technology—it’s about refining your message, finding the right partners, and making sure your strategy is solid.”

The Farmers2Founders Effect

That’s where Farmers2Founders came in. Darryl and the Rainstick team joined the F2F Queensland VCDF Accelerator to sharpen their go-to-market approach and prepare for their next stage of growth. The program provided not only funding support but also access to expert mentors who helped them articulate their vision and build meaningful industry connections.

“The quality of mentors in the Farmers2Founders program is next-level,” says Darryl. “They helped us cut through the noise, refine our messaging, and focus on what really matters. Having that kind of support has been a game-changer.”

Through the program, Rainstick also solidified its approach to investment, securing investor interest for its seed funding round ahead of evokeAG 2025. With a clear pathway to scale, the company is now gearing up to take its technology global.

From Trials to Triumph

To prove the impact of Rainstick’s technology, the team focused on three key crops:

• Pak choy in vertical farming systems

• Tomatoes in protected cropping environments

• Canola in conventional broadacre farming

  
  

Trials with commercial partners are already underway, and early results are promising. With a data-driven approach, Rainstick is demonstrating how bioelectric stimulation can boost yields while reducing input costs—a win for both farmers and the environment.

The Road Ahead

As Rainstick moves towards global expansion, the focus remains on scaling sustainably and delivering real impact. With a successful funding round, strong industry backing, and the support of Farmers2Founders, Darryl and his team are well on their way to revolutionising agriculture.

“We’re taking a Queensland-based philosophy and technology to the world,” Darryl says. “It’s about honouring the past, embracing innovation, and making a difference for farmers everywhere.”

Want to Learn More?

Rainstick is on a mission to transform agriculture through bioelectricity. To stay updated on their journey, visit Rainstick’s website and follow their progress as they scale this groundbreaking technology.

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