A radical new approach to bee health
Restore vitality at the cellular level
Bees are under siege—not only from varroa mites but from a constant load of invisible stressors: climate extremes, pesticide exposure, transportation fatigue and poor nutrition. These challenges weaken their metabolism, impair thermoregulation and threaten colony survival. With Onibi™ Light, we introduce a breakthrough method to re-energise and protect bees using scientifically validated red light therapy—boosting immunity, mobility, and foraging activity, without any chemicals or disruption to beekeeping routines.
The problem
Stress and mitochondrial decline in bees
Bees are increasingly battling unseen dangers from a range of sources, that all negatively impact their health at a cellular level:
– Extreme weather and climate change related incidents disrupting their natural behaviours
– Toxic pesticides and less pollen diversity
– Stress and fatigue from transport
– Nutritional stress and immune system decline
These challenges strike hardest at the most important times in the colony’s life-cycle. In spring, when the bees build up their numbers, and before the winter, as they prepare for the cold season. This are the moments when the bees need to be at their strongest as they raise new bees, keep the hive warm, defend against intruders and work hard at foraging. But stress takes its toll. It degrades the tiny “power plants” inside their cells, the mitochondria, leading to inflammation, lower energy and reduced resilience. Without support, entire colonies struggle to survive these critical periods.
The solution
Red light therapy for bees
In collaboration with scientists from University College London (UCL), we have adapted a well-established bioscience: photobiomodulation, or red light therapy, for pollinators for the first time. Originally developed for human medicine, this light-based treatment is now being applied to support bee health and resilience. Widely used in neurology, sports medicine, and the treatment of chronic inflammation, photobiomodulation works by stimulating the mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouse. This process restores energy production, reduces inflammation, and accelerates recovery. “Our research shows that treated bees experience enhanced cellular respiration, improved visual acuity, and stronger immunity,” explains Glen Jeffery, Professor of Neuroscience at University College London.
Red light therapy: The science behind
Quantifiable and tangible results
In our research, we demonstrated clear improvements in the metabolism of individual bees, which translated into stronger overall colony performance. Bees treated with photobiomodulation showed higher energy levels, measured through increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and reduced cellular inflammation, measured through lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These physiological benefits correlate directly with the colony’s ability to maintain a stable and healthy hive temperature, a process known as thermoregulation.
Key benefits:
– Reactivates energy production in cells
– Supports immunity and recovery from stress
– Improves hive thermoregulation and brood health
– Increases foraging activity and pollination efficiency
How it works
Simple integration. Smart delivery. Real results.
Plug & play
Connect the battery, placing the device inside the hive above and below the brood frames. Simply make a small dent in the brood box or queen excluder frame to allow cables to exit the hive, making sure openings are not too large.
Invisible light
No heat or visible spectrum – no disruption to bee behaviour
Pre-programmed protocols
Scientifically validated light schedules tailored to bee biology
One time purchase
No recurring costs or subscriptions needed
The result? Healthier bees, stronger colonies, and more productive pollination – naturally.
Case studies & findings
Proven impact in the field
Spring 2021 in France saw an unusually warm March followed by a severe April frost that devastated vineyards and fruit crops. All control bee colonies failed to thermoregulate that spring, while light-treated hives maintained stable temperatures.
Treated bees are more effective at water collection and hive cooling. In the summer of 2021, colonies
treated with Onibi Light could keep the colony below 37C at all times, while the control group peaked at
temperatures close to and above 39C over many hours, 4 days in the row
Bees exposed to the commonly used neonicotinoid pesticide experienced mitochondrial collapse, but regained mobility under light therapy, which boosted ATP production and restored their energy levels.
Even short trips drain bee energy, with recovery taking over four days. Light therapy prevents ATP loss, helping transported bees retain energy and recover faster.
Who can benefit?
Beekeepers
Rewarding beekeeping with healthier bees
– Reduce colony loss
– Boost hive development
– Support bee vitality—all without chemicals
Who can benefit?
Farmers
& growers
Augment crop visitation with healthier and energised bees
– Maximize pollination naturally
– Improve fruit set and crop yield with more active bees and stronger colonies
– No extra labor, no chemical input
Who can benefit?
Pollination
services
Protect your bees & deliver a superior service with healthier bees
– Ensure hive strength during and after transport
– Improve foraging force
– Support resilience in nutrient-poor landscapes
Two editions available
Onibi light
Honeybee edition
Designed for standard hives (Langstroth, Dadant, etc.).
Onibi light
Bumblebee edition
Optimised for commercial bumblebee boxes for pollination (Koppert, Biobest, etc.).
product in development
Restore vitality at the cellular level with red light therapy
Installation
01.Place
Place two boards (one above and one below the frames) in the hive.
02.Notch
Cut small notches in the hive wall for the cables (two for beehives, one for bumblebee hives).
03.Power
Connect the power source with the controller.
04.Register
Register your location in the controller to enable optimized automated treatment.
Get in touch
Ready to help bees thrive?
We’re currently working with organisations and businesses only,
planning to open up our service to everyone soon.
