About Neobio
An agrochemical startup that began with a plant disease probe
Neobio develops molecular diagnostics that find high-risk plant pathogens. We want to help farms catch plant disease early as the climate changes.
[01]
The start
It began with one probe
Fire blight has no cure, so keeping it out is the only defense. But the bacteria can't be seen.
A fluorescent probe that glows only in response to fire blight bacteria was developed at Kyung Hee University, published in iScience and STAR Protocols, and patented. Neobio was founded in November 2024 and licensed the technology in May 2025.
[02]
Today
Our first product, MIRIVA
Fire blight bacteria travel between orchards on shears and saws. MIRIVA turns our probe into a spray, so growers can check a tool for contamination just by spraying it and shining a UV light.
In 2026 we are running field trials in 10 cities and counties, and within three months of launch MIRIVA was being supplied to public agencies, cooperatives, and grower groups.
[03]
Next
More diseases, more markets
Building on fire blight, we plan to extend detection to diseases such as anthracnose, wilt, Phytophthora blight, and brown leaf spot, and to enter Japan, Europe, and the United States.
We are also using AI to discover new agrochemical materials.
- 01
Better technology
Improve detection and ease of use, and set a standard field procedure.
- 02
More products
Launch three or more probes for other diseases by 2030. Candidates include anthracnose, wilt, Phytophthora blight, and brown leaf spot.
- 03
Global markets
Expand to fruit-growing regions in Japan, Europe, and the United States.
AI for agrochemical discovery
We use AI to find new fluorescent probe and agrochemical candidates faster.
Team
CEO
Hyunjun Hong
- MS, Sixth Industry Convergence Management, Kyung Hee University
- Young successor farmer with three years of farming
COO
Youngrae Lee
- PhD, Advanced Technology Business, Kyung Hee University
- Secretary General, Korea New Intellectual Farmers Association, for 16 years
Chief AI Officer
Donggyu Lee
- Principal Researcher, LG AI Research
- MS, KAIST Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI; NeurIPS author
Advisors
Biomarker diagnostics
Dokyoung Kim
Director, Innovative Medical Materials Lab, Kyung Hee University; PhD in Chemistry, POSTECH
Plant pathology
Changsik Oh
Associate Professor, Seoul National University; PhD in Plant Pathology, Cornell University
Microbiology
Sunghwan Kim
Professor, Dankook University; PhD in Molecular Mycology, University of British Columbia
Public procurement
Jongsoon Lee
CEO, Metalcraft Korea
Milestones
2024.04
Selected as a pre-startup in FACT's agri-food venture program
2024.11
Neobio Inc. founded
2025.05
Selected for Korea Credit Guarantee Fund's Easy-Start program
2025.05
Technology transfer agreement with Kyung Hee University
2025.05
Selected as an early-stage tech startup by Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator
2026
Selected for FACT's industry–academia cooperation program for field trials
2026.04
Selected as a startup in FACT's agri-food venture program
2026.04
Four-party agreement with FACT, Gunsan Horticultural Cooperative, and the Gunsan Innopolis project group
2026.05
Selected for Korea Credit Guarantee Fund's NEST, cohort 19
At a glance
- Company
- Neobio Inc.
- Founded
- November 28, 2024
- Location
- Pangyo Techno Valley, Seongnam, Korea
- Focus
- Fluorescent probe detection of plant disease · AI for agrochemical discovery
- Product
- MIRIVA fire blight check spray
Sources
- Jung Y. et al. On-site applicable diagnostic fluorescent probe for fire blight bacteria. iScience 26(4), 2023
- Jin J. H. et al. Protocol for diagnosing Erwinia amylovora infection using a fluorescent probe. STAR Protocols 4(3), 2023
- Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Republic of Korea
A solution that protects your farm from plant epidemics. See the threat early with MIRIVA, and prevent it.
MIRIVA is sold through our online store. For bulk orders from cooperatives or local governments, field trials, research, or investment, write to us.