In partnership with Bioversity International USA and Yale University, BiomEdit, an innovative animal health biotechnology company, has announced its selection as one of 15 global teams awarded nearly $2 million in funding from the Bezos Earth Fund's AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge. The funding will facilitate the development of the Rumen Digital Twin, an artificial intelligence (AI) foundation model designed to identify the most effective strategies for reducing methane emissions in cattle while also optimizing animal productivity and welfare.

BiomEdit plans to lead the effort to train a generative AI model on data from over 20,000 ruminants across more than 25 countries, including regions in the Global South. This model will combine both publicly available and newly generated data, producing over 10,000 microbiome profiles linked with methane emissions, diet, host genetics, and animal performance data. The project aims to replace lengthy and costly animal trials with AI-powered simulations that can pinpoint the exact conditions and animal traits where specific feed additives or interventions will be most effective. These tailored strategies are anticipated to reduce methane emissions by up to 75% compared to untargeted approaches, while maintaining or enhancing animal productivity.

"This project reflects the power of the microbiome and the use of AI to reduce methane and improve productivity in livestock," said Aaron Schacht, CEO of BiomEdit. "With the generous support of the Bezos Earth Fund and in collaboration with Bioversity and Yale, we aim to develop a better understanding of targeted interventions and share that knowledge to positively affect both climate impact and animal well-being."

The expected outcomes of the project include an open-access, cloud-based platform where users can generate and explore virtual ruminant populations, simulate interventions, and fine-tune strategies for methane mitigation and productivity. This platform and model will be accessible to research and non-profit organizations worldwide at no cost, with licensing pathways available for commercial developers.

Launched in 2024, the Bezos Earth Fund's AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge is a $100 million initiative designed to leverage AI to tackle the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. The program connects innovators with resources and mentorship from leading technology partners, including AWS, Google.org, NVIDIA Corporation, Microsoft Research, AI2, and Esri. "These projects show how AI, when developed responsibly and guided by science and local knowledge, can strengthen environmental action and ensure its overall impact on the planet is positive," stated Dr. Amen Ra Mashariki, Director of AI and Data Strategies at the Bezos Earth Fund.

The Rumen Digital Twin builds upon BiomEdit's initial methane-reduction initiative, which was supported by a $4.5 million grant from the Gates Foundation awarded in 2023. This earlier program focuses on microbiome-based feed additives to mitigate methane in cattle across Africa and South Asia while enhancing feed efficiency and food security for small-scale producers. Collectively, these two initiatives highlight BiomEdit's growing leadership in developing sustainable, microbiome-based climate solutions for agriculture.