Company deepens its global footprint as South American partners begin testing light-programmed seed traits in top corn-producing regions.
BioLumic is taking another step in its global strategy to bring light-activated seed traits to major grain markets. The company announced it is expanding its Corn xTraits Licensing Program into South America through early testing with GDM, a collaboration with Tropical Melhoramento & Genética (TMG), and regional seed production and nursery support with Gro Alliance.
The move builds on the momentum BioLumic has generated in the United States and reflects the company’s plan to establish xTraits hubs in high-production regions around the world.
“To meet the global demand and reach of innovative seed partners and their customers, South American deployment is essential,” says Steve Sibulkin, CEO of BioLumic. “Our seed partners see an opportunity to drive higher performance in a fraction of the time and cost of alternative approaches.”
GDM is evaluating the technology within its genetics as part of early-stage testing. BioLumic will work with TMG to accelerate field evaluation and adapt its platform for South America’s most productive corn areas. Grupo Scheffer, a major agricultural producer in Brazil and a preferred TMG customer, will run multi-location field trials across its network in Mato Grosso and nearby grain regions. This direct alignment among seed companies and one of their largest customers creates a clear path to validate BioLumic corn xTraits and ensure regional farmers gain access through trusted partners.
“We are enthusiastic about exploring BioLumic’s technology within our genetics as part of early-stage testing,” says Tomas Tresca, Global NGT Traits Business Partner at GDM. “This is an important step toward understanding how light-activated traits could enhance performance and complement our breeding strategies in the future.”
Off-season nursery activities in Chile support year-round seed production, trait matching, and hybrid development for partners in both hemispheres. BioLumic expects these efforts to support a broader Latin America rollout over the next 12 to 15 months as expansions align with partner commercial strategies.
The company is currently evaluating Brazilian inbred germplasm with field trials and hybrid nursery production slated for 2026. Light-activated hybrids will be tested across both the first Safra and second Safrinha growing seasons to measure performance across Brazil’s major cycles and partner-aligned test sites. Data generated through 2026 and into 2027 will guide commercial launch timing for new corn xTraits. BioLumic also anticipates future expansion into soybean and ryegrass as partner needs develop.
“TMG is evaluating BioLumic’s light-activation technology with interest,” says Anderson Meda, Head of Research and Development – Biotechnology and Genetics at TMG. “The approach has the potential to complement our efforts to enhance stability and performance in corn hybrid development, particularly in environments where rapid product advancement adds value for growers.”
