BugBiome
Microbial-based biopesticides for targeted crop pest control.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | investor | €0.0 | round |
| N/A | €0.0 | round | |
| investor investor | €0.0 | round | |
* | £390k | Grant | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
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BugBiome is a biotechnology company developing natural and sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. Founded in 2021 by CEO Dr. Alicia Showering and CTO Chris Mosedale, the company is headquartered in Cambridge, UK. The founding was inspired by Dr. Showering's PhD research, which revealed that specific microbes could naturally repel pests. Mosedale contributed his background in microbiome commercialization and bioinformatics to translate this discovery into practical agricultural solutions.
The company's core technology is a proprietary high-throughput insect behavioral screening platform called AvidX. This platform combines microbiology, entomology, and advanced data analytics to analyze complex interactions between insects and microbes. By screening thousands of microbial candidates and their effect on insect behavior, BugBiome can identify microbes that act as effective biopesticides without harming beneficial insects like pollinators. This approach allows for the discovery of novel mechanisms of action beyond simple mortality, which is the focus of traditional pesticide discovery. The business model involves identifying and developing these microbial solutions for specific agricultural applications, with a go-to-market strategy that includes partnerships for development, commercialization, and distribution.
BugBiome has secured pre-seed funding from investors including Cambridge Angels, Discovery Park Ventures, SOSV, and IndieBio. This funding supports its research and the expansion of its product pipeline, which currently focuses on aphid protection for crops like oilseed rape, with plans for field trials in 2025. The company is also exploring solutions for other pests and crops, such as soybeans and cotton. In January 2025, BugBiome announced a strategic partnership with Isomerase to gain research access to its extensive microbial collection, aiming to accelerate the discovery of new bioactive compounds.
Keywords: biopesticides, microbial discovery, crop protection, sustainable agriculture, insect behavioral screening, AgTech, microbiome, natural pesticides, aphid control, biological pest control, entomology, bioinformatics, microbial solutions, bioinsecticides, agricultural biotechnology, crop health, biodiversity, bioprospecting, microbial screening, pesticide alternatives