“Biofertilizers”, or fertilizers that use living soil microbes to help plants grow, are an alternative to chemical fertilizers, but some of the most useful microbes—delicate, non-sporing bacteria—dry out and die on the shelf before they can be put in the ground.
Inspired by the silk produced by silkworms and by the tardigrades, also known as water bears - the microscopic animals that can survive the most extreme conditions - Ivu Biologics developed a seed coating solution that extends the shelf-life of the microbe-embedded seed coatings, ultimately increasing crop yields, restoring soil health, reducing need for conventional fertilizers and pesticides while being biodegradable.
The Ray of Hope Accelerator (formerly Prize) supports nature-inspired solutions addressing the world's biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. Created in honor of Ray C. Anderson, founder of Interface, Inc. and a business and sustainability leader, the $100,000 Ray of Hope Prize (2020-2023) shone a light on the innovative, nature-inspired solutions that we need to build a sustainable and resilient world. Ivu Biologics was selected as a finalist for the 2022 Ray of Hope Prize. Starting in 2024, the Ray of Hope Accelerator, built upon 8 years of programming, continues to support and foster a vibrant global community of innovative startups inspired by nature.
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