AMES, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Trace Genomics, the pioneering soil science, genomics and machine learning company, was selected among hundreds of candidates as one of the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers. Forging an entirely new field, Trace Genomics is the leading biotech company to use deep science and technology to tackle one of the world’s biggest challenges – soil degradation. Trace Genomics delivers the most comprehensive soil intelligence to help farmers produce food resiliently and profitably, to feed growing populations while preserving the planet.
The World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers include early to growth-stage companies around the world focused on the design, development and deployment of new technologies and innovations that have a significant impact on business and society.
“Being named one of the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers validates our investment to change how we farm and nurture soil, our most important agricultural asset,” said Trace Genomics co-founder and senior executive Poornima Parameswaran. “This planet can easily feed 10 billion people, but we need to collaborate across the food and agriculture system to get there. Every stakeholder in food and agriculture – farmers, input manufacturers, retail enterprises, consumer packaged goods companies – needs science-backed soil intelligence to unlock the full potential of the last biological frontier, our living soil. Together, we can discover and implement new and improved agricultural practices and solutions that serve the dual purpose of feeding the planet while preserving our natural resources and positioning agriculture as a solution for climate change.”
Trace Genomics partners with agronomists to make crucial input and planting decisions that maximize yields while optimizing the use of inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. The company’s technology can help to enhance production, utilize integrated disease and nutrient management, and mitigate soil degradation.
“We’re excited to welcome Trace Genomics to our 20th cohort of Technology Pioneers,” says Susan Nesbitt, Head of the Global Innovators Community, World Economic Forum. “Trace Genomics and its fellow pioneers are developing cutting edge technologies all over the world. Beyond their innovations, these firms are contributing greatly to improving the state of the world.”
Trace Genomics will contribute to Forum initiatives over the next two years, working with policymakers and private sector leaders to help define the global agenda on key issues. Trace Genomics executives are invited to participate in World Economic Forum activities, events and discussions throughout the year.
Technology Pioneers, which are part of the larger Global Innovators community of start-ups at the World Economic Forum, have been chosen based on the community’s selection criteria, which includes innovation, impact and leadership as well as the company’s relevance with the World Economic Forum’s Platforms.
About Trace Genomics: Trace Genomics has developed the first analytics engine that learns as it maps the living soil. Founded in 2015 by two Stanford PhDs, Poornima Parameswaran and Diane Wu, Trace Genomics helps agricultural industry professionals including agronomists and growers maximize the value of every acre. The company is building the largest, most actionable body of soil intelligence, making their customers experts on what’s underground. Working collaboratively across the agriculture ecosystem, Trace Genomics has operations in Ames, Iowa and Silicon Valley. Dan Vradenburg joined the Company in 2019 as CEO, and brings four decades of farming knowledge and two decades of business expertise. The company has raised over $35 million in funding.
About World Economic Forum: The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. (www.weforum.org).
About the Global Innovators: The Global Innovators Community is a group of the world’s most promising start-ups and scale-ups that are at the forefront of technological and business model innovation. The World Economic Forum provides the Global Innovators Community with a platform to engage with public- and private-sector leaders and to contribute new solutions to overcome current crises and build future resiliency. Companies who are invited to become Global Innovators will engage with one or more of the Forum’s Platforms, as relevant, to help define the global agenda on key issues.
