The biotechnology aquaculture company NaturalShrimp, developer of the first shrimp-focused commercially operational Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), has signed a licensing agreement with Niterra (formerly NGK Spark Plug) that allows for the trial use of the company’s patented shrimp growing technologies. Under the terms of the agreement, NaturalShrimp will provide Niterra access to its proprietary Electrocoagulation (EC) and Hydrogas technologies to test the suitability and viability of the patented technology in shrimp cultivation within small-scale, locally owned aquacultural farms.
“Niterra Ventures Company’s mission to pursue innovative solutions and tackle tomorrow’s challenges makes them an ideal partner for our technologies,” assured Gerald Easterling, CEO of NaturalShrimp. “Niterra is the first company in Asia to license our technology, expanding our opportunity to provide fresh, naturally grown shrimp in one of the world’s largest seafood markets”.
“We expect a successful initial trial that will lay the groundwork for additional agreements with different species. We look forward to building a strong collaborative relationship with Niterra as they explore how our easily controlled technologies electronically remove ammonia and nitrites, reduce the bacteria load, and improve the overall health of animals within an aquaculture system,” he added.

Just the beginning
Both companies have recognized that the trial serves as a foundation for potential future collaborations, joint business relationships and ventures, transactions, or other business combinations. The trial period is expected to take up to six months from the deployment of the required equipment at the chosen trial location.
This equipment includes Electrocoagulation equipment, Hydrogas and water dosing equipment, assorted connectors and other necessary components. Upon successful completion of this initial trial, Niterra will consider conducting further studies and trials to evaluate the efficacy of NaturalShrimp technologies on additional aquatic species, under separate agreements.
Spark plugs for virtually every automotive
Niterra is a world leading maker of spark plugs for virtually every automotive, motorcycle, marine and small engine application, and also possesses and operates a research facility dedicated to advancing the techniques and practices of shrimp cultivation.
Niterra Ventures Company, a division of Niterra actively explores opportunities to generate new revenue streams within various business sectors, including mobility, food, medical, energy and environment. The group fosters growth through partnerships, investments, internal developments and collaborations. Within Niterra Ventures Company, an important endeavor is the development of sensor-enabled RAS.
Dirk Schapeler, President of Niterra Ventures Company, said: “Land-based food production plays an increasingly important role to provide healthy food to the world’s growing population and this requires water quality management. We currently have a team working on a land-based aquaculture system that detects changes in ammonia levels to stabilize the environment for healthy shrimp growth and production. We believe the use of NaturalShrimp’s proprietary technologies will further advance our capabilities to produce premium quality shrimp using a high degree of automation within an indoor environment.”
First commercially viable system
NaturalShrimp is a publicly traded aquaculture company headquartered in Dallas with production facilities located near San Antonio, Texas, and Webster City, Iowa.
The company has developed the first commercially viable system for growing shrimp in enclosed salt-water systems using patented technology to produce fresh, naturally grown shrimp, without the use of antibiotics or toxic chemicals. NaturalShrimp systems can be located anywhere in the world to produce gourmet-grade Pacific white shrimp.
Niterra, for its part, is a manufacturer of ceramic products headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. The company is a world leader in the production of spark plugs and automotive sensors for internal combustion engines and offers a wide range of components for semiconductor production equipment, cutting tools, and industrial ceramics under the NTK brand name.
A global network of sales and production organizations and over 16,000 employees ensure that value is created worldwide.
The Group’s new English company name (Niterra) is a coined word, which combines the Latin words “niteo” meaning “shine” and “terra/earth”. It expresses the Group’s desire to be a company that not only contributes to a sustainable society, but also one that makes the earth shine. Niterra’s focus lies in successfully transforming its portfolio towards environmentally sustainable business fields, specifically Next Generation Mobility, Medical, Environment & Energy, and Communications.
To drive innovation and address societal challenges, Niterra Ventures Company has established three Venture Labs located in Tokyo, Japan; Silicon Valley, USA; and Berlin, Germany. These labs serve as hubs for open innovation, where solutions and services are developed using technology to address social issues and promote a sustainable society.