Andrey Zarur
CEO
GreenLight Biosciences
GreenLight Biosciences produces RNA‑interference (RNAi) biopesticides that silence target genes in insects, fungi, and weeds, delivering species‑level specificity with rapid environmental degradation and no residue on crops. Their scalable manufacturing platform creates commercial‑grade foliar sprays compatible with standard farm equipment, offering growers a residue‑free, EPA‑approved alternative to conventional chemicals.
- Agriculture Technology
- Biotechnology
Updated 5 months ago
Funding
Funding not disclosed
+2Funding rounds are not available yet.
Founders
Andrey Zarur
CEO
Product
Problem
Conventional chemical pesticides increasingly face regulatory restrictions, consumer backlash, and resistance development, limiting their effectiveness and raising environmental concerns for growers. Farmers lack scalable, residue‑free alternatives that can protect crops while preserving beneficial organisms such as pollinators.
Solution
GreenLight Biosciences delivers RNA‑interference (RNAi) biopesticides that target specific insect, fungal, or weed genes, providing a biologically precise mode of action. Their proprietary production platform synthesizes complex RNA molecules at competitive cost and scale, enabling commercial‑grade foliar applications. Products such as Calantha, an EPA‑approved RNAi insecticide for Colorado potato beetle, demonstrate efficacy comparable to synthetic chemicals while degrading rapidly in soil and water, leaving no detectable residue. The technology’s selectivity spares non‑target species, supporting integrated pest‑management and resistance‑rotation programs. By replacing hazardous chemicals with biodegradable RNA solutions, GreenLight offers growers a sustainable tool that aligns with ESG objectives and regulatory trends.
Target Audience
Primary customers are commercial growers and agribusinesses—such as potato, fruit, and vegetable producers—seeking effective, residue‑free pest control solutions that meet regulatory and sustainability requirements.
Features
- RNAi‑based active ingredients that silence essential pest genes with species‑level specificity
- Foliar spray formulations compatible with standard farm equipment and existing application schedules
- Rapid environmental degradation (soil, water) and zero detectable residue on harvested produce
- EPA‑approved product pipeline covering insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides across multiple crop sectors
- Scalable, cost‑competitive manufacturing platform using recombinant or cell‑free RNA synthesis technologies
- Non‑impact on beneficial insects (e.g., ladybugs, bees) to preserve ecosystem services
- Integrated data support for resistance‑management planning and compliance reporting