BiomEdit, a leading animal health biotechnology company, has received nearly $2 million from the Bezos Earth Fund’s AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge. In partnership with Bioversity International USA and Yale University, the company is developing the Rumen Digital Twin — an artificial intelligence (AI) model designed to cut methane emissions and improve dairy cow performance.
The project will use data from more than 20,000 ruminants across 25 countries. By combining microbiome profiles, feed data, methane emissions, and genetics, the model will identify the most effective nutrition and management strategies for reducing emissions while supporting milk production and animal welfare.
Instead of relying on long, costly animal trials, the Rumen Digital Twin will run AI-powered simulations. These virtual tests can show which feed additives or diet changes work best in different environments. Early estimates suggest targeted strategies could reduce methane by up to 75% compared to traditional methods.
“This project shows how AI and microbiome science can work together to make dairy more productive and sustainable,” said Aaron Schacht, CEO of BiomEdit.
The team will also build a cloud-based, open-access platform where users can explore virtual herds, simulate diets, and test emission-reduction strategies. The tool will be free for researchers and nonprofits, with licensing options for industry use.
This project builds on BiomEdit’s earlier $4.5 million Gates Foundation grant to lower methane in cattle through microbiome-based feed additives — reinforcing the company’s role in climate-smart dairy innovation.
