PUNABIO

Puna Bio is an agricultural biotechnology company that develops biological inputs by harnessing extremophile microorganisms, which are bacteria that have evolved over billions of years in extreme environments like Argentina’s La Puna desert. The company creates seed treatment microbial inoculants—such as their Kanzama product for wheat and barley and Kunza for beans, cotton, and soybeans—designed to enhance nutrient uptake, increase stress tolerance, and boost crop yields by 10 to 15 percent. Their non-GMO technology is also used to revitalize degraded or saline soils, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers and pesticides.

These solutions address critical challenges in global food security and climate-resilient agriculture by enabling farmers to maximize productivity even in challenging environmental conditions. The company has deployed its products on over 800,000 acres in South America and is actively expanding its operations and R&D efforts into the United States and Africa, including collaborations with the Gates Foundation to adapt its technology for smallholder farmers. Backed by investors such as Corteva Catalyst, At One Ventures, and the Gates Foundation, Puna Bio focuses on science-backed innovation to promote long-term soil health and environmental sustainability.