Switch Bioworks engineers naturally occurring microbes formulated into a powder that farmers apply at sowing. These microbes colonize plant roots and produce nitrogen fertilizer directly where it is needed. This process reduces input costs, minimizes agricultural runoff, and mitigates supply chain risks associated with traditional fertilizer.
Funding
$23.6M 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.
CCFounders
Product
Problem
The production of traditional nitrogen fertilizers relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to CO2 emissions (over a gigaton annually) and exacerbating food insecurity due to rising costs and supply chain vulnerabilities. Excess fertilizer use also leads to environmental pollution, threatening aquatic life and biodiversity through runoff into rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Solution
Switch Bioworks engineers symbiotic microbes to act as sustainable, in-situ nitrogen fertilizer producers directly at the roots of plants. These microbes are formulated into a powder, which farmers rehydrate and apply at crop sowing. Once applied, the microbes proliferate alongside germinating plants and then, through a proprietary mechanism, convert to nitrogen fertilizer production. This approach reduces the reliance on fossil fuel-based fertilizers, mitigates environmental pollution, and enhances food security by providing a more sustainable and accessible fertilizer solution.
Target Audience
The primary customers are farmers and agricultural businesses seeking sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional nitrogen fertilizers.
Features
- Engineered symbiotic microbes that convert to nitrogen-producing bio-factories.
- Microbes formulated into a powder for easy storage and application.
- Simple application process: rehydration and application at crop sowing.
- Proprietary mechanism to switch on nitrogen fertilizer production.
- Reduced reliance on fossil fuel-based fertilizers.