Ohmic Biosciences

Ohmic Biosciences is an agricultural biotechnology company that uses protein engineering and synthetic biology to develop disease-resistant crops. Founded in 2021 by PJ Steiner and Matthew Bedewitz, the company designs custom resistance genes to inhibit the effector proteins used by pathogens to infect plants. By moving away from traditional breeding and agrochemical reliance, the company aims to create durable, engineered traits that remain effective against evolving pathogens.

This approach addresses the significant economic losses caused by plant diseases, such as the soybean cyst nematode, which causes billions of dollars in annual damage. By providing robust, genetically-engineered protection, Ohmic Biosciences seeks to offer a more reliable solution for large-scale industrial agriculture than existing chemical interventions or conventional breeding methods. The company is backed by investors including Y Combinator and Climate Capital.