Key Takeaways:
- Biolumic has closed an oversubscribed $8.3M Series B Extension, with new backing from Ki Tua Fund (Fonterra), Azolla Ventures, and iSelect Fund to accelerate commercialization of its proprietary xTraits™ platform.
- xTraits™ are the world’s first seed traits activated by UV light, offering a non-GMO, non-GE method to improve yield, stress resilience, and nutritional content in crops like corn, soy, rice, and forage grasses.
- The technology shortens the trait development cycle by up to 90%, helping seed companies and farmers bring improved varieties to market faster and at lower cost.
- Biolumic aims to capture 10% of the non-transgenic seed trait market within five years, beginning with U.S. commercialization of hybrid corn traits for the 2026 planting season.
- Field results show yield gains of up to 20%, and the company is developing additional traits to support climate-smart agriculture, including methane-reduction strategies in dairy systems.
Biolumic Secures Series B Extension to Advance Non-GMO Seed Trait Innovation
Biolumic Inc., a seed trait technology company pioneering non-genetically engineered innovations, has announced the close of an $8.3 million Series B Extension to expand its xTraits™ platform. The funding round was led by Ki Tua Fund—backed by global dairy leader Fonterra—and joined by Azolla Ventures, iSelect Fund, and other investors from Biolumic’s existing syndicate including DYDX Capital and Rabo Ventures.
The capital will support Biolumic’s rapid expansion into major crop segments and the commercial rollout of its light-activated seed traits.
BioLumic’s xTraits™ Platform: Seed Traits Without Genetic Modification
Light-Based Trait Activation for Faster, Safer Innovation
Biolumic’s xTraits™ platform uses targeted ultraviolet light to trigger gene expression in seeds without modifying DNA. This approach bypasses the time, cost, and regulatory hurdles of traditional genetic modification or editing.
According to CEO Steve Sibulkin, “The xTraits™ platform dramatically shortens the discovery-to-market timeline while stacking on top of existing varieties and trait packages. It’s a breakthrough solution to close the gap and meet urgent demand.”
The technology enhances crop productivity, improves nutritional content, and boosts tolerance to stress—while maintaining compatibility with existing biotech stacks.
Commercial Traction and Field Results
From Corn to Forage Grasses: Broad Crop Pipeline Underway
In 2025, Biolumic deployed its first commercial xTraits Activation System at Gro Alliance’s U.S. seed production facility. The technology was used to treat elite corn hybrids, delivering:
- Over 20% yield gains in light-activated hybrid corn
- 8% gains in treated inbred lines used for hybrid seed production
These gains are expected to underpin the first commercial launch of xTraits in the U.S. for 2026, with more than 10 new traits in development for rice, soy, and forage crops.
BioLumic: Focus on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Dairy Sustainability
Supporting Productivity and Methane Reduction Goals
Biolumic is also accelerating development of traits for forage grasses, a key component of pasture-based dairy systems. These traits aim to:
- Increase pasture productivity and energy density
- Reduce supplemental feed use
- Improve milk output and sustainability for farmers
Komal Mistry-Mehta, Director of Ki Tua Fund and Chief Innovation and Brand Officer at Fonterra, said, “BioLumic’s technology represents a potential game changer. In future, it could help Fonterra—and by extension NZ Inc—boost milk solids for high-value exports.”
Johanna Wolfson, General Partner at Azolla Ventures, added, “Biolumic delivers real-world climate advantages, from reducing rice paddy methane to reshaping forage grasses for lower enteric fermentation.”
Positioning for Global Impact and Market Share
Targeting 10% of the Non-GMO Trait Market
Backed by new capital and commercial partnerships, Biolumic aims to capture a 10% share of the non-transgenic seed trait market within five years. The company plans to scale its xTraits platform globally across crops and geographies.
