A $7M grant from the Gates Foundation to support development of climate-resilient crops (focus on smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia). Spin-out from VIB–UGent; technology validated in corn. Exact valuations not disclosed.
About Rainbow Crops
Rainbow Crops leverages multiplex genome editing, precision breeding, and AI to engineer crops with the genetic superpower to adapt to climate challenges, reduce chemical inputs, and enhance nutritional value. By targeting complex traits and improving multiple characteristics simultaneously, its technology tackles plant traits that have historically been difficult to enhance. The company partners with seed companies and nonprofits to develop and make these advanced plant genetics accessible, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the environment, while driving sustainability and global food security.
Ghent, Belgium
Read Company ProfileFunding Rounds
| Amount | Date | Round | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $7 M | Mar, 2026 | grant Current | Viewing |
| €9.7 M | Jun, 2026 | unspecified | View |
Source: https://techfundingnews.com/gates-foundation-backs-vib-spinout-with-7m-for-resilient-corn-sorghum/
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of funding round did Rainbow Crops raise?
Rainbow Crops raised a grant round.
How much did Rainbow Crops raise in its grant?
Rainbow Crops raised $7,000,000 USD in its grant.
When did Rainbow Crops raise its grant?
Rainbow Crops raised its grant on 2026-03-04.
Who invested in Rainbow Crops's grant?
The investors in Rainbow Crops's grant are: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
What type of investment was Rainbow Crops's grant?
Rainbow Crops's grant was a equity investment.
How will Rainbow Crops use the funds from its grant?
Rainbow Crops plans to use the funds for: Advance Trait Foundry™ platform, Accelerate development of climate-resilient germplasm, Improve seedling performance under heat and drought, Research on corn, sorghum, and rice, Generate trait components for breeding pipelines.