The funding round will accelerate Jord BioScience’s development and commercialisation of its microbial technologies to deliver next-generation crop inputs.
Founded on research from the University of Minnesota on over 30 years of deep microbial science for agriculture by Jord BioScience’s chief science officer Dr. Linda Kinkel, the company currently is partnering with agribusinesses to fast-track biological solutions by leveraging its expansive microbial bank of more than 6,500 microbial isolates.
Collected from diverse global soils, these isolates enhance, protect, or promote distinct modes of action in major crops, including corn, soybeans, canola, and wheat as well as some specialty crops. The company is currently conducting product development trials in the US, Argentina, and Brazil.
Jord’s proprietary technology and custom formulations are designed to extend product lifecycles, enhance crop performance, and expand market adoption of microbial solutions.
“This funding round marks a significant milestone for Jord BioScience, validating our partnership approach and the true potential of our microbial solutions to transform agriculture,” said Dr. Keri Carstens, president and CEO at Jord BioScience.
“With this investment, we’re poised to scale our operations to help biologicals and crop inputs companies accelerate product discovery and innovation for farmers worldwide.”
Jord BioScience’s approach aims to address modern farming challenges by optimising the microbial network that plants rely on for growth, which has been weakened due to the use of pesticides and fertilisers.
Its work represents a shift towards more sustainable and effective agricultural practices using biological solutions.
What’s key to enhanced performance and improved consistency?
Companies in the agricultural microbial industry face a host of challenges, however, such as inconsistent field performance, shelf-life, compatibility issues and regulatory hurdles.
Asked what’s key for improved consistency of performance in the biologicals sector, Jord BioScience responded: “For us, improved consistency comes from following a biology-based playbook; that means using our deep understanding of microbial science – that microbes are living things that have distinct needs and interact with one another. We leverage those interactions and find the right partner microbes to achieve enhanced performance and improved consistency.”
Lead investor Silver Blue LLC, a Maryland-based firm focusing on agrifoodtech, was joined by Discovery Capital Funding, a matching equity investment programme for University of Minnesota, Minnesota’s Small Business Credit Initiative Direct Investment, and existing investors.
“While biological innovation continues to evolve, Jord BioScience stands out by offering a fast and cost-effective approach to product differentiation, life cycle management, and revenue generation for agricultural companies,” said Francis Goelet, director, Silver Blue LLC.
“We believe Jord’s technology can bring improved consistency of performance to the biological industry at a time when farmers are under pressure to produce more food while navigating financial and environmental pressures.”
