Number 8 Bio wins DFI challenge to scale methane-cutting feed tech

The company will receive a $120,000 grant.

DFI Retail Group and venture capital firm The Mills Fabrica said they have named Australia-based Number 8 Bio the winner of the DFI Sustainability Innovation Challenge 2026 for its BetterFeed additive.

The programme received more than 40 submissions from five continents focused on reducing emissions in beef and dairy supply chains, particularly methane from cattle and sheep. The final pitching event was held on 5 June, World Environment Day, DFI and The Mills Fabrica said.

The company will receive a $120,000 grant and access to pilot opportunities across DFI’s regional beef and dairy supply chains. This includes potential collaboration with suppliers such as Mengniu Dairy and Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF), according to their joint statement.

BetterFeed is a feed additive based on proprietary organic small molecules that reduces enteric methane emissions in grazing livestock whilst improving feed energy retention and overall feed efficiency, supporting productivity outcomes, the press release said.

Thomas Williams, CEO and Co-Founder of Number 8 Bio, said engagement through the programme provided access to industry feedback.

“The conversations alone have accelerated our thinking in ways that months of independent work could not,” he said.

Scott Price, Group chief executive of DFI Retail Group, said the initiative is designed to support emissions reduction across supply chains.

“Tackling Scope 3 emissions requires collaboration across the value chain, and we are pleased that the Challenge has created opportunities for innovators to test and scale practical solutions within real operating environments,” he said.

The challenge is intended to connect climate technology developers with retail supply chains to support pilot deployment opportunities, according to the release.

Through scouting by The Mills Fabrica across 30 countries, the programme received submissions spanning feed additives, genetics, biomanufacturing, artificial intelligence systems, and waste-to-energy technologies. Nearly half were described as commercially ready, the companies said.

Cintia Nunes, General Manager, head of Asia at The Mills Fabrica, said the focus is shifting toward scaling deployment-ready technologies.

“The next phase of climate innovation is not just about discovering new technologies but helping them scale in ways that create tangible change,” she said.

Finalists included Australia-based Provectus Algae, New Zealand-based AbacusBio, India-based eVerse.AI, and South Korea-based Kinava.

Provectus Algae presented a seaweed-based feed supplement designed to reduce methane emissions from ruminants whilst AbacusBio presented a genetic selection tool aimed at reducing methane intensity in livestock breeding programmes.

eVerse.AI presented digital platforms for methane measurement and herd management and Kinava presented a waste-to-energy system converting organic waste into biofertiliser, biochar, biocoal, and biogas.

Finalists pitched to industry and academic experts alongside DFI management and supply chain partners, the companies said. A product and technology showcase was also held to explore pilot opportunities.

DFI Retail Group and The Mills Fabrica said they will continue to support the winner and finalists through mentorship, ecosystem access, and pilot development opportunities across supply chains.