Lucidome Bio has raised $9 million in new funding to speed development of a methane vaccine for grazing livestock. The Auckland-based company announced the round on November 11, 2026. Investors include Bezos Earth Fund, Meat & Livestock Australia, AgriZeroNZ, and the NZ Ag Emissions Centre.
Funding purpose
The new capital will support continued research and a series of cattle trials. Those trials are scheduled to begin within the next 18 months. The company will also advance its vaccine development platform.
Company focus
Lucidome Bio targets methanogenic archaea, the microbes that produce methane in ruminants. Its vaccine aims to use an animal's immune system to lower methane output. The company says the approach avoids harming animal health or productivity.
Technology approach
The company uses AI tools such as AlphaFold to predict protein structures. This helps researchers identify and improve vaccine targets more efficiently. A partnership involving the Bezos Earth Fund, British researchers, and Lucidome Bio uses monoclonal antibodies to reverse engineer antibody targets.
Lucidome Bio is developing a solution for pasture-based farming systems. The vaccine approach is designed for dairy, beef, and sheep operations. The NZ Ag Emissions Centre said it will support the next stage of development.