Philom Bios

Philom Bios was a pioneering Canadian agricultural biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of microbial inoculants to improve crop productivity. Established in 1980 and based in Saskatoon, the company specialized in biological solutions that enhance nutrient uptake, particularly phosphate and nitrogen, in crops like wheat, pulses, and canola. Their portfolio included well-known products such as JumpStart, which utilizes the fungus Penicillium bilaiae to solubilize soil phosphate. In 2007, the company was acquired by the Danish enzyme leader Novozymes for approximately $147 million CAD, serving as a cornerstone for Novozymes' expansion into the global bio-agriculture sector.