News
19th May 2025 - Bontia Bio chats with Kathryn Ryan about how we’re using synthetic biology tools to help us manufacture novel antiparasitics
Our CEO, Matt Nicholson, and CSO, Professor Emily Parker, recently joined Kathryn Ryan on air at RNZ to discuss the potential of synthetic biology and biomanufacturing in New Zealand. They discussed how Bontia Bio will deliver innovative, alternative antiparasitic treatments derived from fungi, and touched on what this could mean for the future of animal health, both in New Zealand and worldwide.
Tune in to hear how we're aiming to shake up the market with synthetic biology solutions 🌿 🍄🐾
🔗 RNZ - Nine To Noon - A scientific breakthrough for flea and tick treatment
March 2025 - Bontia Bio Secures $1.25 M NZD in Seed Funding
We’re excited to share that Bontia Bio has successfully closed a seed funding round of $1.25 million NZD. The round was led by Sprout Agritech and supported by Booster Innovation Fund.
This investment marks a significant milestone for our team and will accelerate the development of our platform and first commercial product as we continue working toward transforming animal health through synthetic biology.
A big thank you to our supporters and the wider community — we’re just getting started!
You can read more about the announcement here:
🔗 National Business Review - Bontia Bio Raises $1.25 Million To Scale Its Animal Flea Treatment
🔗 NZX Announcement - BIF Adds Bontia Bio To Its Investment Portfolio
August 2024 - The Bontia Bio team attended the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor Summit Meeting
Matt, Kelly, and Taylor were privileged to attend the KC Animal Health Summit meeting, a two day event for global industry leaders and researchers to help progress the technology used in the animal health industry. Despite being quite jetlagged, the team engaged in 1:1 meetings with over 20 people in this space and formed new connections that has informed Bontia Bio’s future commercial strategy. A highlight for the team was connecting with their commercial advisor Tony Simpson, as well as the amazing food and beverages on offer. They are looking forward to the next meeting in 2025!
Animal Health Corridor Annual Events
May 2024 - The Bontia Bio team participated in the Sprout Agritech accelerator programme
Matt, Kelly and Taylor have recently participated in the Autumn 2024 cohort of the Sprout Agritech accelerator. Over the two months of this accelerator the team performed further market validation, received advice from experts, mentors and other cohort participants, and met many amazing entrepreneurs who have some amazing ideas. The future of Agritech in New Zealand is looking bright! Many thanks to the Sprout team for the opportunity!