Puna Bio Secures New Funding from Corteva Catalyst to Enhance Agricultural Solutions

Puna Bio's Innovative Leap with Corteva Catalyst

Puna Bio, an Argentina-based company at the forefront of agricultural technology, has successfully secured a new round of funding led by Corteva, Inc. This latest investment marks a significant milestone for the company, which specializes in biological solutions tailored for regenerative agriculture.

Creating Sustainable Solutions

With the growing challenges of soil degradation and extreme weather patterns, the need for innovative agricultural solutions has never been greater. Puna Bio’s core mission is to address these challenges through its unique product offerings that leverage extremophile organisms. Unlike conventional pesticides and fertilizers, which could harm the environment, Puna Bio focuses on natural solutions designed to enhance nutrient uptake, improve stress tolerance, and elevate crop quality.

The company's breakthrough lies in its use of extremophiles—organisms that thrive in extreme conditions—primarily isolated from La Puna, the driest desert on Earth, located in Argentina. As CEO Franco Martínez Levis emphasizes, the inspiration stems from ancient bacteria dating back 3.5 billion years, which have shown potential in maximizing productivity by 10 to 15 percent in fertile soils while rejuvenating soils that have become degraded due to acidity or salinity.

The Funding Journey

Puna Bio's courting of investment interest began in 2022, when it received its foundational funding from At One Ventures, a renowned venture capital firm rooted in Silicon Valley. This initial capital allowed the company to set up its first laboratory and build a dedicated team to pursue its goals.

Fast forward to 2025, and the new funding round is not just led by Corteva, one of the top agricultural technology firms globally, but also includes backing from previous investors like At One Ventures, SP Ventures, SOSV, Builders VC, along with new investor Dalus Capital.

Tom Greene, a senior director at Corteva, expressed confidence in Puna Bio's sustainable approach to enhancing agricultural productivity. He stated, "We remain encouraged not only by Puna Bio's unique approach to developing biological inputs but by strong field results that present an opportunity to enhance farmer profitability while promoting soil health and environmental sustainability."

Expansion Plans and Product Portfolio

The fresh influx of capital is set to enable Puna Bio to delve deeper into product innovation while also facilitating its expansion into key markets including the United States, Brazil, and Paraguay. The company has already made strides in obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for commercialization in these regions.

Puna Bio currently has two commercial products: Kunza, which caters to legumes and soy, and Kanzama, utilized for wheat and barley farming. In a short span of three commercial seasons, these products have made a substantial impact, being deployed on over 800,000 acres, underscoring their efficacy and market acceptance.

The Future of Agriculture

As agriculture faces unprecedented pressures from climate change and a growing global population, companies like Puna Bio are leading the charge for sustainable practices that not only feed the world but do so in a manner that protects the planet. The combination of cutting-edge science and a commitment to sustainability positions Puna Bio as a pioneer in the agricultural landscape. Through strategic partnerships and relentless innovation, they are paving the way for a more resilient agricultural future.

For further inquiries about Puna Bio and their innovative solutions, please visit www.puna.bio.