TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: EcoFite
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
EcoFite is an innovative microbial consortium designed to improve crop productivity and stress resilience for a variety of agricultural applications, including greenhouse and field environments. Currently at Technology Readiness Level 5-6, this biologically based formulation is under validation through ongoing trials on tomatoes, lettuce, and sorghum in regions of New Mexico and Texas. EcoFite utilizes beneficial bacteria that colonize plant tissues to enhance nutrient uptake, stimulate growth, and improve tolerance to environmental stressors such as drought, salinity, and temperature fluctuations. This technology can be applied flexibly as a seed coating or foliar spray, making it compatible with both conventional and organic farming practices. The product offers multiple advantages including increased crop yields, reduced dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, improved soil health, and greater nutrient use efficiency beyond nitrogen inputs. Its ability to promote healthier soil microbiomes and support carbon sequestration further aligns with sustainable agriculture goals. The technology, developed through a rational design platform, supports diverse crop species and soil types, enabling broad market applications spanning greenhouse growers, open-field producers, organic farmers, and seed and input companies. This patent-pending technology, with a PCT application filed, presents a scalable, multi-functional solution to evolving agricultural challenges. Interested parties may contact LANL's licensing team for more information.
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Response Deadline
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
EcoFite: Microbial Formulation for Resilient Crop Performance
A versatile microbial consortium that enhances plant productivity and stress tolerance across greenhouse and field applications
Technology Readiness Level 5-6
EcoFite is being validated in active greenhouse and field trials on tomatoes, lettuce, and sorghum in northern New Mexico and western Texas.
IP Information: This technology is patent pending and PCT filed.
Overview
Modern agriculture faces persistent challenges including declining soil fertility, extreme weather, and rising input costs. EcoFite is a biologically based alternative that addresses these issues using a consortium of beneficial bacteria to promote plant growth, improve nutrient access, and enhance resilience to stressors like salinity and drought. Designed for flexible application, EcoFite can be
delivered as a seed coating or foliar spray. Current trials include lettuce, sorghum, and tomatoes under both greenhouse and field conditions, with promising early results across diverse crop types.
Advantages
• Enhances crop yield, stress tolerance, and growth consistency
• Reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides
• Improves nutrient use efficiency beyond nitrogen-based inputs
• Increases tolerance to drought, salinity, and temperature fluctuations
• Promotes healthier soil microbiomes and soil carbon sequestration
• Compatible with organic agriculture practices and application systems
• Enables growers to apply via multiple delivery methods for operational flexibility and ease of use
Technology Description
EcoFite is a curated microbial consortium developed using LANL’s rational design platform for microbial communities. The selected endophytes colonize internal plant tissue and promote performance through multiple mechanisms including enhanced nutrient uptake, stimulated growth, immune system activation, accelerated/synchronized flowering, and the release of plant metabolites that enrich soil microbial activity. The formulation is compatible with organic systems and can be adapted to meet crop-specific needs. Its ability to operate across soil types and plant species supports wide adoption for both conventional and regenerative agricultural systems.
Market Applications
EcoFite addresses the growing need for scalable, biologically based crop support tools. The formulation can benefit:
• greenhouse growers looking to maximize space and resource efficiency;
• open-field producers seeking to reduce chemical inputs and water use;
• organic farmers needing multi-pathway biostimulants compatible with certified systems; and
• seed companies and input providers aiming to expand their microbial product portfolios.
Contact Information:
For inquiries, contact FCI at licensing@lanl.gov.
LA-UR-25-27105