Key Takeaways
- Puna Bio secures funding led by Corteva to develop biological solutions for agriculture.
- Products focus on enhancing soil health and crop productivity using extremophile organisms.
- Expansion plans include the U.S., Brazil, and Paraguay with ongoing regulatory approvals.
Puna Bio Secures New Funding for Expansion
Argentina-based agricultural technology firm Puna Bio has announced successful funding round led by Corteva, Inc., through its Corteva Catalyst platform. This capital infusion, which also includes contributions from existing investors like At One Ventures and new investor Dalus Capital, will further enhance Puna Bio’s innovative product portfolio centered on biological solutions for regenerative agriculture.
Puna Bio specializes in creating non-GMO seed treatments derived from extremophile organisms found in La Puna, the highest and driest desert in Argentina. These natural products improve nutrient absorption, crop quality, and provide tolerance against environmental stresses, unlike traditional pesticides and fertilizers. Franco Martínez Levis, CEO and co-founder, highlighted that their biological solutions can boost productivity by 10 to 15 percent in fertile soils and help revitalize degraded lands with challenging conditions.
The new funding allows Puna Bio to deepen its innovation efforts and accelerate product development. As a result, the company is poised to expand into new international markets, specifically the United States, Brazil, and Paraguay, where it is navigating regulatory approval processes and preparing for commercialization.
Puna Bio’s journey began in 2022 with initial funding from At One Ventures, enabling the establishment of its first laboratory and team. The latest investment from Corteva is seen as a validation of Puna Bio’s potential to significantly impact agricultural productivity sustainably. Tom Greene, senior director at Corteva, expressed optimism about Puna Bio’s unique approach and its ability to enhance farmer profitability while promoting environmental stewardship.
With operations now spanning across the USA, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, Puna Bio has already deployed its products—Kunza, targeted for soybeans, cotton, and beans, and Kanzama for wheat and barley—across over 800,000 acres in just three years. The company’s commitment to strategic partnerships and relentless innovation positions it at the forefront of shaping a sustainable agricultural future. For more details, visit Puna Bio’s official website.
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