Pluton Biosciences is the 2022 winner of the Radicle Carbon and Soil Challenge competition and a $1 million investment. The competition is held by Indian agri-giant UPL and the VC fund Radicle.

“This recognition…validates our company’s mission and approach,” said CEO Steven Slater in a release. The St. Louis startup beat out more than 150 other participants.

Pluton is a microbial testing and discovery company, focused on finding unique microbes to replace synthetic chemical applications in agriculture. The startup was founded in 2017, has raised a little over $8 million (before today), and is headquartered in the Center for Emerging Technologies in the Cortex district of St. Louis. Founder Charlie Walch did not immediately respond to a request for an interview for this story. ‘

Links:

Pluton Bio

On the 4thEst8:

Pluton hires (another) CFO

Pluton closes seed round; musical chairs in the C-Suite

Meet Pluton’s new CEO (note: this is no longer their CEO)

Pluton inks deal with Bayer