Key Takeaways:
- Miraterra has acquired Trace Genomics’ intellectual property, products, and Iowa-based analytical lab.
- The acquisition strengthens the company’s capabilities in delivering soil-to-table measurement technologies.
- Trace Genomics’ expertise in DNA-based soil biology complements Miraterra’s Raman spectroscopy platform.
- The Ames, Iowa lab will continue operations, with a focus on servicing legacy customers and expanding offerings.
- The company plans to integrate technologies to address biological, mineralogical, and hydrological aspects of soil health.
Miraterra Acquires Trace Genomics’ Assets and Operations
Acquisition adds IP portfolio, analytical lab, and product line to Miraterra’s platform
British Columbia-based Miraterra has acquired the assets of Trace Genomics Inc., a California-founded agtech firm known for its genomic soil testing solutions. The acquisition includes Trace’s full suite of intellectual property, its in-market products, and an analytical laboratory based in Ames, Iowa.
The strategic acquisition is intended to expand Miraterra’s ability to deliver measurement and insights across the soil-to-food spectrum. Miraterra’s existing platform, which applies Raman spectroscopy for soil and plant analysis, will now be complemented by Trace’s genomics-driven data and tools.
Integration Targets Comprehensive Soil Health Assessment
Miraterra aims to broaden its technology stack with genomic and spectral tools
Trace Genomics pioneered the application of DNA sequencing to soil analysis, offering a biological view of the soil microbiome that supports tailored agronomic recommendations. With this acquisition, Miraterra seeks to unite mineralogical, biological, and hydrological data to deliver more comprehensive soil health insights.
“Miraterra’s integration of Trace’s technology, lab, and team accelerates our ability to deliver breakthrough soil-to-table measurement at scale,” said Nate Kelly, CEO of Miraterra. “We invite customers to explore Trace’s proven products and our expanding offerings.”
Tom Chi of At One Ventures, an early investor in Miraterra, noted the complementary nature of the acquisition: “Current approaches to soil health mostly focus on mineralogical elements. Both companies can now address all three key dimensions — mineralogical, biological, and hydrological — at a much lower cost.”
Continued Operations in Ames and Customer Support
Miraterra to retain staff and services at Trace Genomics’ Iowa lab
The analytical lab in Ames will remain operational, staffed by Trace’s existing team. Miraterra emphasized its commitment to serving Trace’s existing customer base while expanding its service offerings. The facility’s continuation is also supported by local leadership.
“The lab’s presence not only creates high-quality jobs and attracts top-tier talent, but it also sparks collaboration across industry, academia, and startups,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance.
Looking Ahead: Soil-to-Table Measurement Expansion
Miraterra positions itself as a multi-dimensional platform for agricultural insight
With Trace’s data and technologies now under its umbrella, Miraterra plans to expand its reach across the agricultural measurement ecosystem — from soil biology and chemistry to plant and food insights. The company views this acquisition as a key step toward building a broader platform for research, agronomy, and food system sustainability.
Miraterra’s roadmap includes leveraging the historical data from Trace’s platform and scaling integrated technologies to deliver actionable, science-based insights to growers, researchers, and food system stakeholders.
