Fintech company Trace Genomics develops a genetic testing platform for agriculture, securing $4 million in funding to enhance global food systems efficiency and sustainability.

The Problem with Current Soil Testing Methods

Farmers around the world face a daunting challenge: maintaining soil health while protecting their crops from disease. Traditional soil testing methods often take months to provide results, leaving farmers vulnerable to crop losses and economic devastation. In fact, according to Refactor Capital’s Zal Bilimoria, "Healthy soil breeds healthy crops. There are harmful pathogens and beneficial organisms that live in the soil and interact during the whole planting season and through harvest."

Introducing Trace Genomics’ Breakthrough Solution

Enter Trace Genomics, a San Francisco-based startup founded by Diane Wu and Poornima Parameswaran in January 2015. With $4 million in venture funding from Refactor Capital, Fall Line Capital, Viking Global, and Illumina, the company is poised to revolutionize soil testing with its innovative pathogen panel and soil testing kit.

The Science Behind Trace Genomics’ Technology

Trace Genomics has developed a rapid microbiome testing and data analysis platform that identifies harmful bacteria and fungi in soil samples. The technology uses Illumina’s genome sequencing capabilities to provide accurate results in a matter of weeks, rather than months. This allows farmers to make informed decisions about fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and crop selection.

The Benefits of Trace Genomics’ Testing Kit

The benefits of using Trace Genomics’ testing kit are multifaceted:

Faster Results: Get accurate results in a matter of weeks, rather than months.
Cost Savings: Make informed decisions about fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation to save costs.
Improved Crop Yield: Identify beneficial microbes and promote their growth for improved crop yield.

How Trace Genomics’ Testing Kit Works

The testing kit is simple to use:

Sample Collection: Collect soil samples from the field.
Shipping: Ship the samples to Trace Genomics’ laboratory.
Analysis: The company’s pathogen panel and data analysis platform identify harmful bacteria and fungi in the samples.
Results: Receive accurate results via a comprehensive report.

The Future of Soil Health: A Conversation with Diane Wu and Poornima Parameswaran

Diane Wu and Poornima Parameswaran, co-founders of Trace Genomics, shared their vision for the future of soil health:

"We want to build up our database until we have a ‘fingerprint’ of every farm on the planet," said Parameswaran.
"Our goal is to stabilize the world’s food system by providing accurate and actionable data to farmers," added Wu.

Conclusion

Trace Genomics’ breakthrough testing kit has the potential to revolutionize soil health. With its rapid microbiome testing and data analysis platform, farmers can make informed decisions about fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and crop selection. The company’s vision for a stable global food system is an exciting development that could have far-reaching implications.