Agrobiomics turns 3 - hear about the origins from our visionary & innovative co-founders
- jacob1213
- Jul 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 9
On July 7th 2025, Agrobiomics turned 3.
As is the case for many science based companies, the foundation was laid at the university. A blend of innovative thinking and rigorous research is what eventually lead to the incorporation of Agrobiomics. In fact, that period of research was as long as the period Agrobiomics has existed.
Here, we take a trip down memory lane and hear from our visionary founders about their first memories and experiences with what would later become a growing venture working at the forefront of sustainable agriculture.
Ling Ding Co-founder of Agrobiomics Associate Professor, Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
“As we know, many microbes are small friends for plants. I became curious how their friendship develops. Six years ago, we discovered some remarkable molecules produced by a soil bacterium. I bought a practical plant growth lamp from Amazon and used it to test the molecule’s effects on mung beans and barley. Those early experiments laid the foundation for the first data supporting our DTU patent.
Meanwhile, I was quite fortunate to meet and team up with inspiring colleagues to transform this discovery into a business case. Behind every successful company is a dedicated team—and it’s no surprise to see how Agrobiomics develops. Our amazing team is driven, dedicated, and brings together a unique blend of strengths.”
Andreas Hougaard Laustsen-Kiel Co-founder of Agrobiomics Professor & Head of Section, Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
"I am exalted to see how much Agrobiomics has grown over the last 3 years. It all started with me reading an email from Ling in my basement while doing laundry during covid lockdown. After seeing her preliminary data in the email, I immediately got more interested in her ideas than the laundry and told her that I thought this could really become something big!
Today, I am super proud of the Agrobiomics team that have created a successful company based on basic research done at a Danish public university (DTU)."
Ejner Bech Jensen Co-founder and member of the BoD Former CEO of Agrobiomics
"I was approached by Andreas Laustsen in May 2022 about starting as CEO of Agrobiomics. It looked like a cool idea, but i was concerned with the very early stage and limited data.
From my former job as VP of R&D and application at Novozymes (now Novonesis), I had experienced how difficult it was to succeed with consistent field validation for biologicals in agriculture.
But, after meeting Ling, Jonas and Andreas while considering the huge sustainability potential for a well performing compound for Ag, I came to the conclusion that this was too good an opportunity to say no to.
Hereafter we were lucky to get BII funding and hire Mathilde (Nordgaard, red.), which enabled us to put 110% focus into delivering evidence for valuable, relevant and good field performance for our initial crops of interest.
After this we reached a point where I began to really believe in these biomolecules that trigger the plant to become more resilient.
As in many startups, everything was quite chaotic at first, funding limited, but we worked well together and overcame the hundreds of challenges to get to where we are today.
I am proud to have contributed to build a strong base for a future success and tell my grandchildren about the huge positive climate effect we can deliver with Agrobiomics' technology. This is in large thanks to Ling believing and being so curious from the beginning."
Jonas Arnold Jürgensen-Breum Co-founder and Executive advisor of Agrobiomics CEO & Co-founder at VenomAid Diagnostics
“As one of the founders invited on board by Ling and Andreas, I still remember the thrill of those early strategy sessions - huddled over messy slides, brainstorm documents, and literature, sketching out where our unique biomolecules could deliver the greatest impact. Together, we zeroed in on a few staple crops, building the first version of a venture narrative.
When the BioInnovation Institute stepped in with their belief and funding, it was nothing short of a turning point: that support formalised Agrobiomics’ founding and financed our first proof-of-concept trials, moving us from hypothesis to measurable results.
Transitioning from the lab bench toward real-world farming wasn’t without its growing pains. We spent countless hours translating scientific data into a compelling venture narrative, ensuring that farmers could actually integrate into their workflows and ensuring our story resonated, not only in the boardrooms of potential backers, but also with incoming individuals who wanted to take part in building Agrobiomics. The investor dialogues taught me the art of balancing technical rigor with entrepreneurial vision, and I’ll never forget the elation of closing our seed round with Noon Ventures.
Now, three years on, I look back with pride at how those early milestones - identifying our initial markets, securing critical financial support, and bridging science and business - have charted a path toward pioneering resilient agriculture. Here’s to the team, to the supporters who’ve placed their trust in us, and to many more seasons of innovation ahead.”
Mathilde Nordgaard
Co-founder and R&D Director of Agrobiomics
"In Spring 2022, while working in academia, I was approached by Andreas (Laustsen, red.) about the opportunity to join a startup. This startup was based on limited lab data from Ling’s group on the effect of a small biomolecule on plants. Meeting Ejner, Jonas, Andreas and Ling (I knew Ling from my PhD time) and hearing their vision for this startup, as well as looking at the promising lab data, I was intrigued. Intrigued about the opportunity for this small biomolecule to really make an impact on crop performance under challenging conditions, and excited to get to work with such an experienced and visionary person as Ejner.
I therefore decided to leave my Postdoc position in academia and joined Agrobiomics in the fall 2022. Ejner, Jonas and I worked hard together to obtain the first field performance data as well as pitching the story to potential investors. After our first successful season of field data we closed a seed round with Noon to continue Agrobiomics’ journey.
On my journey so far in Agrobiomics I have learned a lot about how, even with limited funding and resources, it is possible to develop a startup into a real company with promising potential to make a transformative difference within the BioAg space. Along the journey I have met a lot of great people with inspiring visions and dedication. I am so happy that, 3 years ago, I took this leap of faith and joined Agrobiomics, and I am so excited about the journey and work we have ahead of us to also make Agrobiomics a success for the farmers."