Decibel Bio, Inc

Decibel Bio, Inc. is a plant biotechnology company that has developed a proprietary platform for reading and writing the plant epigenome to enhance crop traits without modifying the plant's DNA. By utilizing epigenetics—the biochemical patterns that regulate gene expression—the company's technology allows for real-time trait delivery via foliar sprays or seed treatments. This approach enables growers to dynamically adjust crops for improved yield, nutrient uptake, disease resistance, and stress tolerance during the growing season. The platform relies on foundational models derived from epigenetic and genetic data to identify key regulatory patterns, providing a scalable, non-genetic method to adapt crops to changing environmental conditions.

This technology offers farmers a way to respond to unpredictable environmental stressors, such as heat, drought, or extreme rainfall, by triggering existing, beneficial plant genes on demand. Unlike conventional breeding or genetic engineering, Decibel’s solutions are intended to be applied at any point during development, decoupling trait deployment from the physical seed. By preserving natural genetic diversity while enabling the precise tuning of gene expression, the company aims to provide more stable food systems and faster, more cost-effective trait development for seed breeders and agricultural partners. Founded in 2024 and based in Berkeley, California, Decibel Bio is supported by investors including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Future Ventures, Leaps by Bayer, and Syngenta.