$15M Fuels Hoofprint Biome’s Plan to Tackle Livestock Emissions from the Inside Out

Courtesy: Hoofprint Biome

In an era when global agriculture is under mounting pressure to cut emissions while maintaining food production, a startup out of North Carolina is proving that sustainability and profitability aren’t mutually exclusive. Hoofprint Biome, a spinout from NC State University, is developing enzyme-based feed additives that reduce methane emissions from cattle and boost productivity across both dairy and beef sectors.

It’s an innovation that hits two of the livestock industry’s most pressing pain points: reducing greenhouse gases and increasing margins.

Founded by Ph.D. graduates Kathryn Polkoff and Scott Collins, Hoofprint Biome is one of a new generation of ag-tech ventures emerging from academic ecosystems and designed for global relevance. With over $15 million in investment secured and strong early trial results, the company is now preparing to scale up, move into its own facilities, and bring its product to market.

A Biological Approach to Methane Mitigation

Methane emissions from ruminants account for roughly 30% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas footprint. As pressure mounts from regulators and supply chain commitments, farmers are increasingly seeking feed-based interventions to reduce emissions without compromising performance.

Hoofprint Biome’s approach targets the root of the problem: methane-producing microbes in the cow’s digestive system. Their enzyme-based feed additive is designed to inhibit those microbes without affecting nutrient absorption or animal health.

The result? Early trials show not only a reduction in methane emissions, but also increases in milk yields and weight gain. In one dairy pilot, milk production jumped by 8% over just a few months, a significant return for producers under cost pressure.

This dual benefit makes the additive an attractive climate tool that doesn’t rely on subsidies or regulation to drive adoption. It simply works better for business.

Carving Out a Distinct Position

While other companies like DSM (with its chemical-based Bovaer) and Rumin8 (working on methane-inhibiting compounds) have garnered attention, Hoofprint Biome stands out with a biological precision approach. Its enzyme platform offers a natural solution aligned with increasing demand for clean-label, science-based interventions that don’t disrupt animal health or production cycles.

And importantly, the company isn’t just focused on emissions; it’s focused on the entire productivity equation.

From Seed to Scale

Hoofprint Biome’s early growth was supported by Seed2Grow, an entrepreneurship program under the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative (N.C. PSI), which provides laboratory infrastructure, technical mentorship, and industry partnerships. Startups in the program have access to a community of researchers and corporates, including Bayer Crop Science.

Polkoff describes the program as “a no-brainer” for turning research into impact. “It gave us the scaffolding to grow quickly and thoughtfully,” she says.

Now graduating from the incubator into a standalone facility, the company is hiring, expanding R&D, and preparing for commercial rollout. The move also opens space for a new cohort of ag-tech startups to enter the Seed2Grow pipeline, continuing the cycle of innovation.

A New Model for Livestock Tech

Hoofprint Biome’s trajectory reflects a broader shift: from academic deep-tech to commercially viable climate solutions. With agriculture under pressure to decarbonize, and livestock often cast as the climate villain, the sector is ripe for transformation. Feed-based methane reduction is increasingly being viewed as a “low-hanging fruit” in national climate plans, especially when paired with economic upside.

For farmers, that upside is key. Many are open to sustainable practices, but not if it threatens profitability. Hoofprint Biome’s enzyme additive turns that tension on its head, showing that emissions reduction and better performance can go hand in hand.

Beyond North Carolina

Though born out of NC State, the company’s relevance is global. The challenges of livestock emissions, climate regulation, and food demand are not confined to the U.S, they’re shared by producers from Brazil to India to New Zealand.

For agribusinesses and food companies seeking science-backed solutions that align with net-zero commitments, Hoofprint Biome offers a tangible, scalable tool. For investors in climate tech and sustainable food systems, it presents a rare win-win: emissions impact with a clear commercial pathway.

As the company enters its next chapter, the implications extend well beyond methane. If successful, Hoofprint Biome could help redefine the role of livestock in a climate-conscious food system, not as an unavoidable burden, but as a site for intelligent, biological innovation.