Miraterra enhances platform with Trace Genomics acquisition

Miraterra, a Vancouver-based ag‑tech specialist in Raman spectroscopy, has acquired the assets of Californian soil‑biology pioneer Trace Genomics. The transaction includes Trace’s intellectual property, commercial products, and its operational lab in Ames, Iowa. The financial terms of the deal remained undisclosed.

Established in 2015 in the Bay Area, Trace Genomics raised a $10.5 million Series B in February 2024—led by S2G Ventures, Ajax Strategies, and Rabo Ventures—underscoring investor confidence in DNA‑based soil testing. The acquisition allows Miraterra to integrate DNA‑driven microbiome insights with its own mineralogical and hydrological measurements, providing a comprehensive soil‑to‑food analytics platform.

“This acquisition accelerates our ability to deliver breakthrough soil‑to‑table measurement at scale,” said Nate Kelly, CEO of Miraterra. “Trace’s lab and technology allow us to make advanced testing more accessible and actionable for growers, agronomists, and researchers.”

Trace’s flagship products—such as TraceCOMPLETE—empower agronomists with microbiome profiling that informs yield‑enhancing decisions. Farmers have reported revenue increases of $85 to $105 per acre using these insights.

Long‑time customer Miles Sorel of Terraforma commented, “Optimizing soil genomics testing is going to be an incredibly powerful tool … greatly improve a farmer’s profitability and the health of their soil.”

The acquisition cements Miraterra’s position in the ag‑tech ecosystem. With Trace’s integration, the company now offers capabilities across mineralogical, hydrological, and biological dimensions of soil health—working to capture market share in the precision‑ag segment.

Investor Tom Chi, founding partner at At One Ventures, noted: “Miraterra’s capability combined with Trace Genomics fill out the full suite of all three elements of soil health… at a massively improved cost structure.”

Miraterra plans to prioritize support for existing Trace clients while scaling its services. The Ames lab team will remain central to its operations, maintaining continuity, institutional knowledge, and capacity for collaboration with regional academic and ag‑tech partners. Local officials welcomed the move: Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, praised the investment in high‑quality jobs and innovation spill‑over in the region.

Over the coming months, Miraterra will integrate historical genomic and spectroscopic data to expand its digital platform—aiming to serve farmers, supply chains, and researchers seeking integrated measurement across soil, crops, and food systems.