The startup develops biomimetic peptides, biofertilizers, and bioherbicides that manipulate plant genetics to enhance agricultural yields. By utilizing micro-peptides and their influence on plant phenotypes, the company enables farmers to control germination rates, improve disease resistance, and accelerate flowering.
Funding
$69.3M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
SFounders
Product
Problem
Conventional crop protection relies heavily on synthetic chemicals, which can lead to pest resistance, environmental damage, and concerns about food safety. Farmers need sustainable and effective alternatives that minimize ecological impact while maintaining crop yields.
Solution
Micropep Technologies develops biological crop protection solutions based on micropeptides, short protein molecules naturally produced by plants to regulate their biological processes. Using a proprietary AI-powered discovery platform, Micropep identifies and optimizes micropeptides that can control plant diseases and weeds. These micropeptides are then manufactured through a bioengineering process, making them cost-effective for farmers. The resulting biofungicides and bioherbicides offer a targeted mode of action, reducing the risk to beneficial organisms and the environment compared to broad-spectrum synthetic chemicals.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes farmers seeking sustainable and effective crop protection solutions, as well as agricultural companies looking to expand their portfolio of biological products.
Features
- Proprietary AI-powered discovery platform for identifying micropeptide sequences with specific functions in plants
- Bioengineering manufacturing process that reduces production costs compared to chemical synthesis
- Micropeptide-based biofungicides for fungal growth control and plant immune response activation
- Micropeptide-based bioherbicides for selective growth inhibition of resistant broadleaf and grass weeds
- Formulations designed for easy application and compatibility with existing farming practices
- Targeted mode of action that minimizes impact on non-target organisms and the environment
- Pipeline of micropeptide candidates progressing through research, development, and commercialization stages