January 5, 2024

By Lynda Kiernan-Stone, Global AgInvesting Media

Before we can even begin to discuss the funding, I think it would be helpful to first answer the question, what are bacteriophages? 

Coming from the root word “phagein” meaning “to eat”, bacteriophages are, in short, viruses that infect and replicate only in bacteria. Found nearly everywhere – in the soil, plants, animals, the ocean, and deep within the Earth’s crust – it is estimated that there are more bacteriophages on Earth than any other form of biological entity. They have long been the focus of scientific interest for their potential in advancing our understanding of molecular biology, antimicrobial resistance, and, in this case, their use as alternatives for combating agricultural bacterial diseases. 

With that in mind, UniFHAS, a pioneer in applying phage technology, announced it has closed on $1.4 million in Seed funding led by A2D Ventures with support from Asian Development Bank Ventures (ADB Ventures) and Thailand’s InnoSpace to support its mission to transform food production using environmentally sound and sustainable approaches. 

Co-founded by Cornell alumna Dr. Kitiya Vongkamjan and agribusiness marketing and sales expert Chalita Wongpukdee, UniPHAS’ patented phage-based solutions are at the cutting-edge of combating antimicrobial resistance and promoting climate-friendly agricultural production. 

“UniFAHS’s innovative solutions represent a transformative opportunity in the agriculture and food sectors, significantly reducing our dependence on antibiotics,” said Thitirat Sittakaradej, investment specialist, ADB Ventures. ”We believe UniFAHS has the potential to make a considerable impact on the climate in the region. We are enthusiastic about supporting UniFAHS’s expansion across Asia.”

Named as one of the Top 10 Livestock Management startups in the world by StartUs Insights in 2023, UniFHAS are redefining the biotechnology landscape as the team continues its groundbreaking research into sustainable food production. 

The overuse or irresponsible application of antibiotics in livestock and poultry production has been a well-known practice factoring into the growing challenge of AMR, which was responsible for 1.3 million human deaths in 2019. 

And due to UniFHAS’ game-changing approach to addressing the pressing need for bacterial control and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) issues in agriculture and animal health, the company has forged partnerships with some of the world’s top poultry producers.

As UniFHAS continues to grow, this investment will act as a catalyst enabling it to expand production capacity and to extend its reach across Southeast and South Asia by working closely with its distribution partners to increase its customer base by 20 percent in 2024. 

“We are thrilled to lead and syndicate this strategic investment opportunity in UniFAHS, recognising the synergies between their groundbreaking technology and the founders’ scientific prowess,” said Ankit Upadhyay, founder and CEO, A2D Ventures.

“This investment underscores our confidence in Thai founders and Thailand-based startups’ potential to redefine and recreate industries, offering solutions that can be exported to global markets and achieve substantial growth quickly.”

~ Lynda Kiernan-Stone is editor in chief with GAI Media, and is managing editor and daily contributor for Global AgInvesting’s AgInvesting Weekly News and  Agtech Intel News, as well as HighQuest Group’s Unconventional Ag. She can be reached at lkiernan-stone@globalaginvesting.com.

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