Novozymes announced the acquisition of the microbiome R&D team and data science platform of Biota. Based in San Diego, US, Biota pioneered industrial genomics using microbiome insights, impacting the economics and sustainability of several industrial sectors including energy, water, and manufacturing. As part of Novozymes, the R&D team and data science platform will strengthen Novozymes’ ability to discover and deliver beneficial microbes to the world with unique and scientifically proven health and sustainability benefits. The addition of Biota’s R&D team and data science platform will give Novozymes a technical edge for pursuing new opportunities and further strengthen existing solutions in OneHealth, Novozymes’ human health unit. Furthermore, the acquisition will act as a foundational enabler for many of its key industries, including Animal Health, BioAg and Household Care. The acquisition will not only advance Novozymes’ ability to discover new beneficial microbes, but also help prove the application performance of those microbes, for example through clinical trials, for the benefit of people, animals and farmers. The inclusion of Biota’s microbiome analysis software and R&D team into these activities will accelerate and de-risk timelines, and ensure complete and efficient knowledge extraction from trials by bringing unique expertise, best-in-class data pipelines, AI methods and new ways of working into Novozymes. Novozymes has acquired this data science platform for an undisclosed amount that is immaterial to Novozymes financials. Biota will retain a commercial license to apply the data science platform for genomic diagnostics.