NuCicer uses a two‑decade‑old global genetic library of wild and cultivated chickpeas to breed high‑protein, non‑GMO varieties through nature‑based precision breeding. Their chickpea ingredients—whole beans, functional flours, protein powders, and custom trait packages—offer up to 75% more protein, improved nutrition, and better functional properties while requiring less water and supporting regenerative agriculture, enabling food and beverage brands to create affordable, gluten‑free, plant‑based products.
Funding
$11.5M 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.
3OFounders
Product
Problem
Conventional chickpea production relies on a single, mass‑bred variety that offers limited protein, nutrition, flavor, and sustainability, restricting the ability of food manufacturers to create high‑protein, nutritious, and environmentally friendly plant‑based products.
Solution
NuCicer leverages a 20‑year‑old, world‑leading genetic library of wild and cultivated chickpeas to develop new, high‑protein varieties through nature‑based, non‑GMO precision breeding. By selecting traits such as up to 75 % more protein, enhanced fiber, improved taste, texture, and color, the company creates chickpea ingredients that are richer in nutrition and require less water while regenerating soil health. These ingredients—whole beans, functional flours, protein powders, and custom trait packages—are supplied to food and beverage brands, enabling them to formulate affordable, gluten‑free, plant‑based products with superior functional and sustainability profiles. The platform also supports regenerative agriculture practices, delivering resilient crops that benefit both growers and ecosystems.
Target Audience
Food and beverage manufacturers seeking high‑protein, nutritious, and sustainable plant‑based ingredients, as well as growers interested in cultivating regenerative, high‑yield chickpea varieties.
Features
- Largest global chickpea genetic library compiled over two decades, providing extensive trait diversity.
- Nature‑based precision breeding using genomic models and bioinformatics to accelerate trait selection without genetic modification.
- High‑protein chickpea lines delivering up to 75 % more protein than conventional varieties.
- Enhanced nutritional profile with increased fiber, micronutrients, and improved gut‑health benefits.
- Improved functional attributes: better flavor, texture, color, and gluten‑free suitability for flours and protein powders.
- Regenerative agronomy: low water use, soil‑health improvement, and climate‑resilient crop performance.
- Bespoke trait packages allowing customers to tailor ingredient profiles for specific product applications.