NZ’s Methane Reducing Vaccine Selected As Global Finalist For Innovation Showcase In Boston, USA

New Zealand agricultural biotech company Lucidome Bio has been selected as one of just fourteen global finalists to pitch at the Animal Health, Nutrition and Technology Innovation USA event this week in Boston - a significant opportunity to showcase its world-first methane-reducing vaccine on the international stage.

The Innovation Showcase is a premier global platform for breakthrough companies in animal health and agtech to present game-changing innovations to a live audience of industry leaders, investors and collaborators with attendees voting for the most promising 2025 ventures.

Lucidome Bio’s pioneering solution has been hailed as a potential ‘holy grail’ for climate action in agriculture - a low-cost, high-impact tool that could dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock.

“As a nation globally renowned for agricultural excellence and innovation, it’s fitting that New Zealand is stepping onto the world stage with a breakthrough that could help reshape the future of farming. Lucidome Bio’s selection as a global finalist is more than a recognition of scientific achievement; it’s a signal that New Zealand is leading the charge in practical climate solutions for agriculture. Lucidome Bio is proud to represent the strength of Kiwi science, the power of partnership, and the potential of a vaccine that could transform farming systems around the globe,” said David Aitken, Chief Executive Officer of Lucidome Bio.

How it works: microbiome meets methane

Lucidome Bio’s vaccine aims to trigger an animal’s immune system to produce antibodies in saliva that suppress the activity of methane-producing microbes (methanogens) in the rumen. These microbes are responsible for the majority of methane emitted through livestock burps which is a significant contributor to climate change.

From research to reality: bringing the vaccine to farmers

Lucidome Bio was established by AgriZeroNZ, with the support of the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre and the New Zealand government, to accelerate the commercialisation of this breakthrough - consolidating New Zealand’s intellectual property, scientific talent and funding into a single high-growth venture. The company continues to work closely with AgResearch, with leading scientists seconded into the business and providing access to research facilities. The Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium remains a shareholder, alongside AgriZeroNZ.

“A vaccine that reduces methane would be transformative for farmers worldwide. What we’re developing has the potential to fundamentally shift how livestock emissions are managed - offering farmers a practical, cost-effective tool that doesn’t compromise productivity. It’s a solution that works with nature, not against it. Being recognised on the global stage affirms not just the calibre of New Zealand science but the urgency and relevance of what we’re building. It isn’t innovation for innovation’s sake - it’s a critical lever for climate action in agriculture and we’re proud to be leading from the front,” concludes Lucidome Bio’s Chairman Bridgit Hawkins.

Other finalists in the ‘Production animal health showcase’ category include Barnwell Bio, Flox, Fluxergy, Tribe Biotech and Verility.

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