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GigaCrop Raises $4.5M to Boost Photosynthesis Efficiency
Slice of Agriculture Team
March 13, 2025
Key Highlights:
GigaCrop raised $4.5M in pre-seed funding led by Playground Global to enhance crop yields.
Using machine learning and enzyme engineering, GigaCrop aims to bypass slow Rubisco, the enzyme limiting photosynthesis efficiency.
Technology could double plant efficiency, improving food, fiber, and fuel production.
Founded by Chris Eiben, GigaCrop evolved from the Berkeley Lab Cyclotron Road program and received grants from ARPA-E, U.S. DOE, and the Grantham Foundation.
Source: Business Wire
Notable Quotes:
"Plants are part solar panel, part fabrication facility, which is pretty amazing."
"Imagine a planet where plants are twice as efficient. GigaCrop has the potential to change the world by doubling crop yields."
Why This Matters:
GigaCrop’s breakthrough in photosynthesis efficiency could revolutionize agriculture by enabling higher yields with the same resources. By enhancing enzyme performance with AI, the company is addressing food security, sustainability, and economic growth—critical issues in today’s climate-challenged world.