Introduction: Who and When?
Terrana Biosciences is an ag‑biotech company officially launched on July 1, 2025, by Flagship Pioneering, the Cambridge‑, Massachusetts‑based venture firm best known for founding Moderna and other biotech startups AgTechNavigator.com+7AgTechNavigator.com+7LinkedIn+7. Founded in 2021 and unveiled publicly in mid‑2025, Terrana received an initial US $50 million funding commitment from Flagship after four years in stealth development Flagship Pioneering+7Flagship Pioneering+7Stock Titan+7.
Key founders include Noubar Afeyan (Co‑founder, CEO of Flagship), Ignacio Martinez (Executive Chair, General Partner at Flagship), and Ryan Rapp (Co‑founder and CEO of Terrana), supported by a leadership team with deep expertise in RNA biology, plant pathology, regulatory affairs, and agricultural science AgFunderNews+6Flagship Pioneering+6Stock Titan+6.
What Is Terrana Biosciences? RNA Technology + RNAi
Terrana is pioneering a proprietary RNA‑based technology platform for agriculture. This platform delivers RNA solutions that interact with plant biology to provide protection, resilience, and trait enhancement without altering plant DNA or the genome AgTechNavigator.com+13Flagship Pioneering+13Stock Titan+13.
Key Features of the Platform
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Generative RNA design: Using AI and advanced computational modeling, Terrana has built a vast library of self‑replicating, plant‑derived RNA molecules and a design system that can engineer new functional traits rapidly and precisely Stock Titan+2iGrow News+2Stock Titan+2.
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Non‑GMO, transcript‑based action: The RNA molecules can be applied as foliar sprays or seed treatments, enter plants naturally (through micro‑tears in leaves), and persist internally to replicate within plant tissue—unlike conventional RNA sprays that degrade quickly on surfaces AgFunderNews+2Chemical & Engineering News+2New AG International+2.
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Three product classes—“Prevent, Protect, Improve”:
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Prevent: Small RNAs act like “plant vaccines”, priming immune systems to recognize viruses before infection.
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Protect: Delivers RNA cargos such as peptides or protein precursors (e.g. Cry proteins) to fight ongoing bacterial, fungal, or viral threats.
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Improve: Carries RNA that promotes desirable traits like drought tolerance, cold or heat resilience, or development regulators Tech News 180+8AgFunderNews+8New AG International+8.
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This approach is often compared to software in plants—load the RNA “code”, and the plant responds accordingly in real time.