NC State University Spinout Hoofprint Biome Raises $15M to Cut Methane in Livestock
08 October 2025, New Delhi: In an era when agriculture faces rising pressure to reduce its environmental footprint while meeting growing demand for food, one North Carolina startup is showing how science-driven entrepreneurship can deliver both sustainability and profitability. Hoofprint Biome, a spinout from NC State University, has emerged as a promising ag-tech company developing enzyme-based feed additives that cut methane emissions from cattle while simultaneously improving productivity in both dairy and beef operations.
A Startup with Global Relevance
Founded by NC State Ph.D. graduates Kathryn Polkoff and Scott Collins, Hoofprint Biome is part of a new wave of ag-tech companies that grew out of the university’s innovation ecosystem. Its early success has been nurtured through Seed2Grow, the entrepreneurship program of the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative (N.C. PSI), which provides startups with access to specialized laboratories, business mentorship, and exposure to corporate partners.
The company recently raised more than $15 million in investment capital, signaling investor confidence in the scalability of its technology. The funding will allow Hoofprint Biome to expand its team, accelerate research and development, and prepare for market entry — all while transitioning out of Seed2Grow’s incubator space into facilities of its own.
Tackling Agriculture’s Climate Challenge
Livestock methane emissions are one of the most pressing challenges in global agriculture. Cattle alone are responsible for a significant share of greenhouse gases, raising concerns about climate change, regulatory pressures, and the sustainability of meat and dairy supply chains. Hoofprint Biome’s enzyme-based feed additive is designed to directly address this challenge by inhibiting methane-producing microbes in the cow’s digestive system.
What sets the company’s solution apart is that it not only reduces emissions but also enhances animal productivity. Early trials have shown improvements in milk yields for dairy herds and weight gain in beef cattle, creating a dual benefit: lower environmental impact and higher economic returns for producers. This value proposition positions Hoofprint Biome at the intersection of climate-smart agriculture and farm profitability.
Scaling Through Ecosystem Support
Hoofprint Biome’s journey highlights the role of institutional and corporate support in building ag-tech ventures. The company has benefited from the mentorship and resources of N.C. PSI’s Seed2Grow program, which is explicitly designed to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and commercial application. By situating startups within a collaborative ecosystem that includes academic researchers, entrepreneurs, and corporates such as Bayer Crop Science, Seed2Grow enables young companies like Hoofprint Biome to accelerate their development and attract investment.
As co-founder Kathryn Polkoff notes, joining Seed2Grow “was a no-brainer.” The program provided not only laboratory and technical resources but also access to a supportive community of entrepreneurs and advisers. That combination has allowed the company to grow “quickly and thoughtfully,” building the foundations for long-term success.
Implications for Global Agribusiness
For agribusiness leaders and investors, Hoofprint Biome represents more than just a single startup. It is an example of how university-driven innovation can be commercialized into scalable technologies with direct market impact. With its recent funding round, the company is now positioned to move from pilot projects into commercial adoption, offering solutions that address both climate commitments and farm-level economics.
The significance extends beyond North Carolina. As global agriculture seeks pathways to reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency, companies like Hoofprint Biome illustrate the type of innovation that can redefine productivity standards. For corporates seeking climate-smart partnerships and for investors targeting sustainable technologies, it offers a case study in how science-based startups can transition into high-growth enterprises.
From Incubator to Industry
Hoofprint Biome’s graduation from Seed2Grow is symbolic of a broader trend: the maturation of agricultural startups from academic spinouts to fully independent companies capable of reshaping markets. Its move to larger facilities will open opportunities for new companies to enter the incubator, extending the cycle of innovation.
As the company scales, its dual focus on sustainability and profitability could make it a model for the livestock sector worldwide. Reducing methane while improving yields is no small achievement, but with a clear pathway to commercialization and strong investor backing, Hoofprint Biome is well placed to deliver on that promise.
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