Miraterra, a British Columbia-based technology company renowned for its breakthroughs in Raman spectroscopy, has significantly expanded its capabilities by acquiring Trace Genomics Inc., a Bay Area-founded Ag-tech pioneer. This strategic move encompasses Trace Genomics' entire suite of Intellectual Property (IP), its established in-market products, and its analytical laboratory located in Ames, Iowa. This acquisition isn't just about combining companies; it's about merging two cutting-edge technology platforms to rapidly advance the field of soil-to-table measurement and insights, a critical step in supporting modern agriculture and fostering the global resilience and restoration of soil health.
Miraterra is committed to continuing exceptional service for existing Trace Genomics customers and expanding its offerings to new audiences. This continuity is underpinned by retaining the talented staff at the Ames, Iowa lab, who bring invaluable historical knowledge and unique skillsets to the combined entity.
Trace Genomics earned its reputation by recognizing that soil hosts 59% of all life on Earth. It revolutionized soil testing by leveraging DNA sequencing to unveil the hidden biology and microbiome beneath our feet. This innovation allowed growers and agronomists to gain unprecedented insights into their fields, leading to improved crop yields and enhanced soil health through tailored recommendations.
Looking ahead, Miraterra sees the current Trace products and lab as merely the starting point. The company plans to extensively leverage Trace's research and vast historical data to solidify its position as the leading measurement technology and insights platform across the entire system, from soil to plants and food. Tom Chi of At One Ventures, an early investor in Miraterra, emphasized how this acquisition completes the picture for comprehensive soil health assessment. While Miraterra's Raman spectroscopy dramatically improved the scope of mineralogical, hydrological, and biological elements, Trace Genomics' capabilities now allow for a full, cost-effective evaluation of all three aspects of soil health.
By combining Miraterra's advanced sensor technology, chemometrics, bioinformatics, and AI with Trace Genomics' powerful products, the company is poised to empower farmers, food producers, and industries to make smarter, more efficient, and sustainable decisions for both their businesses and the planet. This collaboration represents a significant step towards a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between healthy, resilient soil and nutritious, sustainable food systems.