Funding for fermentation start-ups focused on alternative proteins has seen a significant drop, falling from $632 million in 2024 to $357 million in 2025. Despite challenges, companies like Liberation Bioindustries and The EVERY Company continue to invest in fermentation facilities, while biomanufacturing hubs are expanding globally. However, intellectual property conflicts may slow sector growth, raising questions about the future of innovation in this field.
Elaine Watson, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "Funding dip for alt protein fermentation signals shift from ..." - 23 April 2026
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Pairwise, an agricultural biotechnology company, has entered into a licensing agreement with Wild Bioscience, granting the latter access to the Fulcrum® genomic editing tools. This collaboration aims to integrate CRISPR tools in the development of resilient crops that address climate challenges while improving yields and contributing to carbon removal. The license applies to various row crop programs, thereby enhancing innovation in the agritech sector.
MADISON HONG, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Pairwise Licenses Fulcrum® Genome Editing Tools to Wild Bios..." - 22 April 2026
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ICICI Venture invests $20 million in Agrow Allied Ventures, an Indian agrochemical manufacturer, aiming to enhance production capacity and develop specialized molecules. With 40% of its revenue coming from exports, Agrow Allied positions itself in the global market with over 400 product registrations. This funding injection underscores confidence in the company's growth strategy and its commitment to innovation in the crop protection sector.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "ICICI Venture invests $20 mn in agrochemical exporter Agrow ..." - 22 April 2026
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Euroseeds expressed its satisfaction following the adoption by the Council of the European Union of the compromise text on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). This decision marks a significant advancement in the legislative process, paving the way for greater innovation in plant breeding. Euroseeds looks forward to the final votes from the European Parliament, which are expected to conclude this crucial legislative procedure for competitiveness and food security in Europe.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Euroseeds welcomes Council adoption of NGT trilogue agreemen..." - 22 April 2026
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On April 21, 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted a favorable position on the deregulation of GMOs and NGTs, ending months of debate. This text, which still needs to pass through the European Parliament, could transform the landscape of agriculture and biotechnology in Europe by facilitating the use of new genetic modification techniques.
Source: Info Ogm, published under the title "Le Conseil de l’UE favorable à la déréglementation des OGM/N..." - 21 April 2026
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Swiss startup Planetary has recently raised $28 million to strengthen its fermentation infrastructure and licensing platform, aiming to produce low-cost mycoproteins in India, in collaboration with Dhampur Bio Organics. Its business model, based on B2B ingredient sales and licensing its 'BioBlocks' fermentation platform, aligns with a market trend where control over production infrastructure is crucial for competitiveness.
Elaine Watson, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "Planetary nets $28m to scale fermentation infrastructure and..." - 21 April 2026
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Lomon Biotech has unveiled BIMIE, an innovative bacterial acaricide, during an online conference. This product, based on Bacillus velezensis, stands out for its unique mode of action that targets the digestive system of mites, providing an effective alternative to chemical acaricides. Tests show a control efficacy of over 95% within 24 hours, with a lasting effect of approximately 20 days.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Lomon launches BIMIE®—the world's first registered bacterial..." - 21 April 2026
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A team of researchers has identified the Xa48 gene, providing a new avenue for the selection of rice varieties resistant to bacterial blight (BB), a disease threatening rice production in Asia. This breakthrough enhances understanding of the trade-offs between yield and resistance, while establishing a research platform to bolster crop protection. The findings, published in Nature, open new prospects for the genetic improvement of rice in the face of phytosanitary challenges.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Gene discovery opens new path for disease-resistant rice bre..." - 20 April 2026
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Chinese researchers have identified the Xa48 gene, capable of protecting rice from a threatening bacterial disease, a crucial advancement for global food security in the face of climate challenges. By combining this gene with an ancient one, they have created a strengthened immune network, enabling the development of more resilient rice varieties while reducing pesticide use and maintaining high yields even under extreme climatic conditions.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "New gene found to shield rice from global pathogen" - 15 April 2026
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Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), crucial for infants' immune development, are currently produced through costly microbial fermentation. Emerging from the ecosystem of the University of California, Berkeley, startup Totality Biosciences is developing a plant synthetic biology approach to transform plants into 'factories' for HMOs, aiming to reduce costs, expand diversity, and extend their use beyond infant formulas.
Elaine Watson, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "🎥Totality Biosciences bets on plants to scale human milk ol..." - 28 March 2026
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