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Q1 2025
Tech Landscape: Plant Biotech
March 20, 2025
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CRISPR and AI technology unlock new frontiers in plant biotech
The plant biotech segment remains resilient despite broader challenges in agtech. In 2024, startups in this space secured $1.2 billion in VC funding, marking a 78% YoY increase—in contrast to the overall downturn in agtech deal activity. Investor confidence remains strong, particularly in early-stage deals, as cutting-edge gene-editing technologies and biological inputs gain traction.
CRISPR and AI are reshaping agriculture. Startups leveraging gene-editing technology bypass costly GMO regulations, enabling the creation of climate-resilient, high-yield crops at unprecedented pace and affordably. Meanwhile, AI is accelerating microbial screening and identification of bioactive compounds, further driving innovation in biological inputs.
As the next wave of plant biotech products nears commercialization, they could play a defining role in the future of sustainable agriculture. Rising input costs are accelerating the shift toward biological alternatives, while AI is streamlining research & development and fast-tracking innovation. With regulatory barriers easing in key markets around the world and investor interest holding strong, the stage is set for biotech breakthroughs in agriculture.
For a deep dive into the latest trends, funding activity, and emerging opportunities in plant biotech, check out our full report.
CRISPR and AI technology unlock new frontiers in plant biotech
The plant biotech segment remains resilient despite broader challenges in agtech. In 2024, startups in this space secured $1.2 billion in VC funding, marking a 78% YoY increase—in contrast to the overall downturn in agtech deal activity. Investor confidence remains strong, particularly in early-stage deals, as cutting-edge gene-editing technologies and biological inputs gain traction.
CRISPR and AI are reshaping agriculture. Startups leveraging gene-editing technology bypass costly GMO regulations, enabling the creation of climate-resilient, high-yield crops at unprecedented pace and affordably. Meanwhile, AI is accelerating microbial screening and identification of bioactive compounds, further driving innovation in biological inputs.
As the next wave of plant biotech products nears commercialization, they could play a defining role in the future of sustainable agriculture. Rising input costs are accelerating the shift toward biological alternatives, while AI is streamlining research & development and fast-tracking innovation. With regulatory barriers easing in key markets around the world and investor interest holding strong, the stage is set for biotech breakthroughs in agriculture.
For a deep dive into the latest trends, funding activity, and emerging opportunities in plant biotech, check out our full report.
Table of contents
| Key takeaways | 1 |
| Overview | 2 |
| Plant biotech market map | 6 |
| Technologies and processes | 7 |
| Opportunities | 9 |
| Risks and considerations | 11 |
| Recent deal activity and market outlook | 11 |
| Recommended reading | 13 |