Number 8 Bio secures US$5M to revolutionize methane mitigation in cattle feed

AUSTRALIA – Number 8 Bio, a Sydney-based startup led by scientists, has raised AUS $7 million (US$4.64 million) in its latest seed round, attracting investment from Main Sequence, Breakthrough Victoria, and The March Group. 

The funding will support cattle trials, team expansion, the construction of a production facility in Sydney, and the establishment of commercial partnerships. 

Number 8 Bio is focused on developing scalable, affordable feed additives to mitigate enteric methane emissions from cattle.

CEO and co-founder Dr Tom Williams and co-founder Dr Alex Carpenter are synthetic biologists who transitioned into entrepreneurship after working together in academic research. 

The company’s goal is to create products that not only lower methane emissions but also improve the production of volatile fatty acids, supporting cattle growth. 

Dr Williams shared that they are building a production unit capable of delivering 30,000 daily doses with a vision for highly scalable production.

The company began its journey by leveraging yeast to produce bromoform, a methane inhibitor found in seaweed. 

However, its approach has since evolved. After testing its engineered yeast, it discovered it could also produce other beneficial compounds, making the process more cost-effective and scalable. 

Number 8 Bio has since shifted focus toward creating a product mix that includes synergistic ingredients and prebiotics. This dual approach inhibits methane emissions while promoting beneficial bacteria that enhance nutrient production.

The company has been conducting trials in collaboration with the Queensland Animal Science Precinct (QASP) and the University of New England, with additional studies planned in partnership with Agriculture Victoria. 

Next year, Number 8 Bio will begin the process for international regulatory approval, aiming to launch its product first in Australia.

In Australia, methane mitigation claims are only required to be scientifically substantiated before expanding into global markets.

Dr Williams also highlighted the innovative landscape of Australian companies working on seaweed-based methane inhibitors, including Sea Forest, Rumin8, SeaStock, and CleanEyre Global. 

This innovation is driven mainly by Australia’s pioneering research in seaweed, particularly the work of FutureFeed, a company established by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). 

FutureFeed holds the global intellectual property for using Asparagopsis seaweed as a livestock feed ingredient, which has been shown to reduce methane emissions by over 80%.

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