Pioneering the Science of Self-Healing Infrastructure
Born from world-class research at the University of Embu, Kenya, Cracksfox is prepared from a mix of milled activated clay-based materials where active microbial agents have been mounted on each particle of clay. The active ingredients will prevent cracks or repair cracks in concrete or mortar.
Our Vision
A world where infrastructure heals itself — where bridges, buildings, and roads are designed not just for strength, but for self-sustaining resilience across their entire lifecycle.
Our Mission
To deliver scientifically validated, affordable self-healing concrete technology to builders, engineers, and governments — starting in East Africa and scaling globally — while developing intelligent decision-support systems for infrastructure lifecycle optimization.
Where Biology Meets Engineering
Traditional concrete is inherently brittle — it cracks under stress, thermal expansion, and chemical attack. Every crack accelerates deterioration, increasing maintenance costs and shortening the lifespan of critical infrastructure.
Cracksfox approaches this challenge differently. Inspired by biological healing systems found in nature, our additive embeds dormant cracksfox agents directly into the concrete matrix. When cracks form and moisture enters, these agents activate — precipitating calcium carbonate crystals that physically seal the crack from within.
The result is concrete that doesn't just resist damage — it responds to it. Autonomously. Repeatedly. Without human intervention.
Infrastructure That Endures
We don't just focus on the pour — we engineer for the entire lifecycle. From initial mix design to decades of service, Cracksfox extends the performance window of every structure.
Design Phase
Integrate Cracksfox into your mix design from day one. Our additive is compatible with standard concrete formulations and requires no specialized equipment.
Service Life
Self-healing activates automatically throughout the structure's service life, sealing micro-cracks before they escalate into structural failures.
Reduced Maintenance
Dramatically lower repair frequency and lifecycle costs. Structures treated with Cracksfox require up to 60% fewer maintenance interventions.
The Minds Behind Cracksfox
A cross-functional team of scientists, strategists, and operators united by a shared belief: infrastructure should be engineered to heal.
Prof. Jackson Wachira
Founder & Chief Scientist
A distinguished materials science researcher at the University of Embu, Prof. Wachira has dedicated over two decades to advancing concrete durability and cracksfox self-healing systems.
Eric C. Smith
Co-Founder, CEO & President
Eric leads capital formation, strategic partnerships, and commercialization at Cracksfox — bridging industry, academia, and government to accelerate the global adoption of self-healing infrastructure technology.
Brenda Apiyo
Operations & Partnerships
Brenda ensures operational excellence across research programs, partner relationships, and product logistics — keeping the Cracksfox engine running smoothly.
A glimpse at Cracksfox Inc fraternity
Milestones & Progress
From a university lab to a commercialized technology platform — the key moments that shaped Cracksfox.
Research Genesis
Cracksfox self-healing concrete research initiated at the University of Embu under Prof. Wachira's materials science lab.
Proof of Concept
First laboratory-validated results demonstrating autonomous crack sealing in standard concrete specimens.
Cracksfox Founded
The company was formally incorporated to commercialize self-healing concrete technology for the Kenyan and East African markets.
Field Trials Begin
First commercial-grade field trials launched with regional construction partners, yielding 95%+ crack prevention rates.
Product Launch
Cracksfox self-healing additive (500g / Ksh 200) enters the market — affordable, effective, and engineered for local conditions.
CAISS Initiative
Development of the Cracksfox AI Support System begins — a future intelligent decision-support platform for infrastructure resilience.
Recognitions to the Founder
Celebrating the groundbreaking work of Prof. Muthengia and the impact of Cracksfox on sustainable construction.
International Recognition (Research Funding & Keynote)
Prof. Muthengia was awarded an international Networking Grant Scheme by the Academy of Medical Sciences through the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) focused on sustainable building designs. In July 2021, his pioneering insights earned him an invitation to present his research at the University of Padua in Italy during the Global Partnership for Sustainable Construction and Resource Efficiency forum.
National Recognition (Presidential Commendation & Incubation)
During the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) Innovation Week in Nov 2023, Prof. Muthengia directly demonstrated the technology to President William Ruto, who publicly lauded it as a "game-changing innovation" essential for the longevity and cost-efficiency of Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme. The project was also integrated into the national Research 2 Commercialization (R2C) Accelerator program.
Internal Recognition (University of Embu)
The University of Embu heavily backed the commercialization phase, investing KES 10 million in specialized heavy equipment to move Cracksfox from a tight laboratory pipeline to a scaled industrial enterprise. Prof. Muthengia was officially awarded the prestigious "Inventor of the Year" (2024) by the university in recognition of his groundbreaking work.
National Recognition (Funding and Awards)
Cracksfox secured the First Runners-Up spot in Climate Action and Green Energy at the Presidential Innovation Challenge and Award (PIA) 2024, which came with KES 3 million in direct state scaling funds.
International Fellowship (NSF COMPASS)
Prof. Muthengia was awarded the prestigious COMPASS - CERA Fellowship by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Center for Complex Particle Systems. He was invited to the University of Michigan under the tutelage of Prof. Nicholas Kotov as a recognized "rising star" in complex particle systems research.
National Innovation Grant (KNEIL)
Awarded an innovation grant under the Institutional Funding Framework (IFF) by the Kenya Network of Entrepreneurial Institutional Leaders (KNEIL), developed through the Research-to-Commercialisation (R2C) Program with support from the RISA Fund.
International Keynote (Science in the Savannah)
Prof. Muthengia served as an organizing committee co-chair and delivered a keynote lecture on Cementitious Materials at the annual US-Africa Science in the Savannah Conference, connecting his materials science breakthroughs with global solutions for sustainable infrastructure.
International Keynote & Co-Chair (Science in the Savannah)
Prof. Muthengia co-chaired the organizing committee alongside professors from North Carolina State University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Michigan at the 2026 Science in the Savannah Conference in Nairobi. He delivered a keynote at the event, which focused on nanotechnology and engineered human environments.
Discover the Science
Prof. Muthengia's pioneering work continues to redefine sustainable infrastructure. Dive into his extensive research publications or connect professionally to stay updated on the latest breakthroughs in cracksfox engineering.
What We Stand For
The principles that guide every decision, every product, and every partnership at Cracksfox.
Scientific Rigor
Every product and recommendation is grounded in peer-reviewed research and validated experimental data.
Accessibility
World-class materials technology priced for emerging markets — because resilient infrastructure shouldn't be a luxury.
Sustainability
Fewer repairs, longer lifespans, lower carbon — our technology directly supports circular economy principles.
Innovation
We combine biological systems, advanced chemistry, and AI to push the boundaries of construction materials science.
Collaboration
Open research partnerships with universities, governments, and industry create accelerated paths to impact.
Integrity
Transparent communication, honest performance claims, and ethical business practices define our organizational DNA.
Ready to Build Smarter?
Whether you're an engineer exploring self-healing concrete, an investor seeking high-impact opportunities, or a partner looking to collaborate — we'd love to connect.