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BioLumic

About

Programming Plants With Light

BioLumic is an agricultural biotech company that programs plants with light to unlock growth, quality and disease-resistance.

The company's Light Signal Recipe platform combines biological insights and genetic marker knowledge to mediate genetic expression with a one-time application of light signals. These treatments are scalable and require no chemical application, genetic modification, facility expansion or large input costs.

Location
Palmerston North
Website
Visit website 
Founded
2013
Employees
11-50
Industry
AgriTech
Funding stage
Series B

Culture

Our space

The Matchstiq Top 2025

Snapshot of BioLumic

Unlocking Plant Potential to Power Low-Emissions Farming

BioLumic is an agri-biotech company using ultraviolet (UV) light to unlock the natural potential of plants, improving yield, resilience and, now, reducing emissions.

Their light-based treatments, developed in New Zealand and used globally, regulate genetic expression at the seed stage to enhance crop performance without genetic modification or chemicals.

Having already demonstrated significant gains across major crops like corn, soy, and rice, BioLumic is now applying its breakthrough UV light technology to pasture. Backed by a $5 million investment from AgriZeroNZ, the company is developing high-fat ryegrass to reduce methane emissions from livestock, offering farmers a simple and scalable tool to meet climate goals.

Founded in 2013 by Dr Jason Wargent, and based in Palmerston North with a presence in the United States, BioLumic combines deep plant biology with precision photonics to solve some of agriculture’s biggest sustainability challenges.

Why BioLumic Is a Great Place to Work

Science with Purpose You’ll work on cutting-edge plant biology and light science to address global food and climate challenges, from improving crop yields to reducing agricultural emissions.

Innovating for Impact The technology is proven and scaling. With new applications in sustainable pasture farming, BioLumic’s work is at the intersection of biotechnology, climate action and primary industries.

Mission-Led With support from AgriZeroNZ and a track record of collaboration with growers and multinationals, BioLumic is creating a future where farmers can increase productivity while lowering environmental impact.

Working with us

Values

  • High Expectations

    We are comfortable with setting high expectations for ourselves.

  • Supportive Collaboration

    We back each other in difficult moments.

  • Mission Critical

    We agree that we are here because we want our company to succeed in its mission.

  • Kindness

    We always operate in circles of safety.

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