A groundbreaking treatment traditionally used for human wellness is now being deployed to address one of agriculture's most pressing challenges: the dramatic decline of bee populations critical to global food production.
Beefutures, an agritech company based in France and Norway, has developed the Onibi light, described as the world's first in-hive therapy light for bees. The device applies red and near-infrared light therapy—a treatment long used by humans to improve skin health and accelerate tissue healing—to strengthen bee colonies facing unprecedented environmental pressures.
The technology operates by stimulating mitochondria, the cellular structures responsible for energy production in living organisms. This process boosts cellular efficiency and catalyzes tissue regeneration. According to company research, bees exposed to this light therapy demonstrate improved resilience against multiple stressors including heat, extreme weather conditions, and pesticide exposure.
The innovation arrives at a critical moment for pollinators worldwide. According to Ecowatch, nearly 60 percent of United States honeybee colonies were lost last winter, while French beekeepers reported losses reaching up to 50 percent. These alarming statistics underscore the urgency of interventions to protect species responsible for pollinating a significant portion of the world's food crops.
"When the bees stop buzzing, our food stops growing. That's the real story. And this is what Onibi Light is all about," said Christophe Brod, CEO of Beefutures. The company developed the device in partnership with University College London, lending academic credibility to the commercial application.
Trials conducted by University College London demonstrated measurable benefits for colonies under stress. Bees exposed to pesticides or experiencing transport-related stress returned to normal activity levels within days when supported by the light therapy device. The research revealed multiple physiological improvements in treated colonies.
"Our research shows that treated bees experience enhanced cellular respiration, improved visual acuity and stronger immunity," said Glen Jeffery, professor of neuroscience at University College London. These improvements translate directly to enhanced pollination capabilities and colony longevity, according to company studies.
The practical implications extend beyond individual hives to the broader agricultural system. Brod emphasized the technology's potential impact on food security: "Stronger bees mean stronger food systems. With Onibi Light, we are giving beekeepers and growers a practical tool to protect the very foundation of agriculture."
The device represents a shift toward proactive colony management rather than reactive treatment of bee populations already in decline. By addressing cellular health at the mitochondrial level, the technology aims to build resilience before colonies encounter the environmental stressors that have devastated populations in recent years.
As beekeepers and agricultural producers face mounting challenges from climate change, pesticide use, and habitat loss, innovations like the Onibi light offer a potential tool for stabilizing pollinator populations essential to food production. The technology's effectiveness in controlled trials suggests promise for broader application across commercial and hobbyist beekeeping operations.