AgFunder, an online investment platform, just announced its innovation award winners.
Topping the list was Biome Makers, a startup company that takes advantage of the natural agricultural microbiome-community of microorganisms. It does this by testing soil to determine what microbial species – microscopic organisms such as bacteria – are present. It then uses the information to offer recommendations about how to improve the quality and yield of the crops.
Of course, that they won does not come as a surprise. Microbial-based solutions for agriculture are among some of the new innovations making waves in the sector in the developed world. The market for these products is valued at $2.3 billion globally). Biome Makers raised $2.2 million in seed funding in 2016 alone.