FUNDASES
FUNDASES is a Colombian non-profit foundation and exclusive EMRO Japan licensee producing EM-1® microbial biotechnology, organic compost, and soil analysis services. It serves rural producers, municipalities, and food enterprises across Colombia through agricultural extension and the Colombia Sin Basuras program.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersBogotá, Colombia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What FUNDASES does
FUNDASES (Fundación para el Desarrollo Agroecológico, Social y Económico Sostenible) is a Colombian non-profit foundation founded in 1986 and affiliated with the Obra Minuto de Dios social organization. The foundation specializes in research, development, and transfer of agroecological biotechnologies, holding the exclusive license from EMRO Japan to produce and distribute EM-1® (Microorganismos Eficaces), a proprietary consortium of beneficial microorganisms developed by Dr. Teruo Higa used for soil regeneration, agricultural productivity improvement, and ecosystem balancing. The integrated business spans biotechnological products (EM-1®, Agroplux, Azobac, Fosforiz, Agrogreen, Agrocid, Vermiwash, biological control agents), the LAB soil analysis laboratory at UNIMINUTO's Parque Científico de Innovación Social (analyzing 40+ macro/micronutrients), the CORAFLOR Rural Sustainable Development Center in Subachoque with a 2,000 m² composting plant processing 400 tons/month, EPSEA-authorized agricultural extension services, and the Forma training program.
The revenue model is hybrid: product sales through a national distributor network covering ~20 Colombian departments, fee-based laboratory and training services, EPSEA technical assistance contracts, and donations supporting community programs. The foundation serves rural producers, municipal governments seeking waste management solutions (Colombia Sin Basuras program across ~37 municipalities), women rural producers, organic cacao growers, food-sector enterprises, and agricultural students. Products carry ICA registrations and CERES organic certification. Leadership is led by General Manager Milena Salgado with a Technical Director, Commercial Director, laboratory director, and project coordinators.
FUNDASES firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FUNDASES
- Legal name
- Fundación para el Desarrollo Agroecológico, Social y Económico Sostenible
- Website
- https://fundases.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- FUNDASES is a Colombian non-profit foundation and exclusive EMRO Japan licensee producing EM-1® microbial biotechnology, organic compost, and soil analysis services. It serves rural producers, municipalities, and food enterprises across Colombia through agricultural extension and the Colombia Sin Basuras program.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
FUNDASES industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- NAICS
- Fertilizer and Compost Manufacturing (32531), Pesticide and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing (32532), Pesticide, Fertilizer, and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing (3253)
- SIC
- Agricultural Chemicals (2870), Agricultural Services (700), Wholesale-Farm Product Raw Materials (5150)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Soil Health Activators & Biostimulants (Humates, Amino Acids, Seaweed Extracts) (AFABAKAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Compost Tea, Extracts & Microbial Inoculants (AFABAKAD), Bio-based Fertilizers, Soil Amendments & Biostimulants (Digestate-derived, biochar-based inputs) (EUAAAIAH), Organic & Bio-based Fertilizers (Manure/Compost/Biochar) (IMAEAEAF), Natural Antimicrobials & Clean-Label Preservatives (Plant Extracts, Essential Oils, Fermented Extracts) (AFAJAFAF), Organic & Biological Input Retail (Biostimulants, Biopesticides, OMRI) (AFABAJAK)
Keywords
Where FUNDASES is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bogotá
- HQ country
- Colombia
- HQ region
- Latin America
Offices3 records
Markets served
FUNDASES business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Biotechnological Products: Sale of biotechnology products including EM-1®, Agroplux, Azobac, Fosforiz, Vermiwash, Agrogreen, Agrocid, and Coraorganic compost. Products are distributed through national network of authorized distributors and directly to producers.
- Laboratory Services: Physical, chemical, and microbiological soil analysis services for producers, municipalities, and agricultural enterprises. Includes water quality and foliar material analysis.
- Training and Education: Courses, workshops, and technical training in organic agriculture, composting, vermiculture, urban agriculture, essential oils, marketing, and extension services under EPSEA certification.
- EPSEA Extension Services: Agricultural extension services as authorized EPSEA under Resolution 635/2025, providing technical assistance to rural producers across Colombia.
- Donations: As a social entity of the Minuto de Dios organization, FUNDASES receives donations to support sustainability projects, environmental education, and community development initiatives.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Direct sales and distributor pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
FUNDASES product offering
Product offeringCore offering
FUNDASES researches, develops, manufactures, and distributes agricultural biotechnology products — primarily the EM-1® Effective Microorganisms consortium and related bio-inputs (Agroplux, Azobac, Fosforiz, Agrogreen, Agrocid, Vermiwash), biological control agents (Metarhizium, Beauveria, Trichoderma, Paecilomyces), and certified organic compost (Coraorganic, Bokashi EM-1®). As the sole licensed EM-1® producer and distributor in Colombia under a 25+ year agreement with EMRO Japan, it sells products directly and through a national distributor network spanning ~20 departments. It complements the product line with physical, chemical, and microbiological soil analysis at its LAB laboratory, agricultural extension services as an authorized EPSEA, training courses through Forma, and the CORAFLOR rural development center with a 2,000 m² composting plant processing 400 tons of organic waste per month.
Product overview
FUNDASES offers a comprehensive portfolio of biotechnological solutions centered on EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms) technology, representing the exclusive license for EMRO Japan in Colombia. The core offering includes EM-1 microbial consortium and specialized formulations (Agroplux, Azobac, Fosforiz, Agrogreen, Agrocid, Vermiwash) for agricultural applications, complemented by biological control agents (Metarhizium, Beauveria, Trichoderma, Paecilomyces). The service ecosystem comprises the CORAFLOR Rural Development Center with a 2,000 m2 composting plant producing Coraorganic certified fertilizer, the LAB soil analysis laboratory offering physical, chemical, and microbiological testing, EPSEA agricultural extension services, and the Forma education program. Key programs include the Colombia Sin Basuras municipal waste transformation initiative operating across 37 municipalities. Products are certified by ICA and CERES for organic production.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CORAFLOR: Centro de Desarrollo Rural Sostenible - rural sustainable development center for agroecological training, research and demonstration
- LAB de FUNDASES
- Coraorganic
Products and services
- EM-1® (Microorganismos Eficaces / Effective Microorganisms)
Quantifiable outcome
- 90% of organic waste avoided going to landfills through Colombia Sin Basuras program
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use FUNDASES
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
FUNDASES technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
FUNDASES partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and supporting.
- EMRO Japón (EM Research Organization)coreExclusive licensing partnership for EM-1® (Effective Microorganisms) technology in Colombia. FUNDASES is the only authorized entity in Colombia for production and distribution of this biotechnology, representing the technology for over 25 years.
- Minuto de Dios (Obra Minuto de Dios)flagshipFUNDASES is a social entity of the Obra Minuto de Dios, part of a 70-year-old organization dedicated to social development. This affiliation provides institutional backing, community trust, and access to the broader Minuto de Dios network including UNIMINUTO, COMD, and CEMD.
- UNIMINUTO (Universidad Minuto de Dios)coreAcademic partnership including hosting the laboratory at Parque Científico de Innovación Social UNIMINUTO, collaboration in Ecoescuela community programs, and TV UNIMINUTO media partnership. Joint initiatives in environmental education and social innovation.
- TV AgrocoreMedia partnership for production of 9 specialized agricultural programs showcasing FUNDASES laboratory services, CORAFLOR center, and sustainable agriculture techniques. Programs broadcast nationally on TV Agro channel.
- JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency)supportingDevelopment cooperation agency supporting agricultural extension and rural development initiatives in Colombia, collaborating with FUNDASES EPSEA programs.
- Municipio de CajicáflagshipFlagship municipality partner for Colombia Sin Basuras program since 2009. First municipality to implement comprehensive organic waste separation, composting with EM-1®, and community education. Model case replicated across 37 municipalities.
- ECOSIECHA S.A. E.S.P. (Guasca)coreWater and sanitation company of Guasca implementing Colombia Sin Basuras program since 2012. Processing 40+ tons/month of organic waste with EM-1® technology, serving population growth from 2,660 to 5,630 users.
- Gobernación de CundinamarcasupportingDepartmental government partner supporting rural development and agricultural extension programs through PDEA (Planes Departamentales de Extension Agropecuaria) in Cundinamarca region.
- AsohofrucolsupportingColombian association of fruit and vegetable producers partnering for agricultural extension and market access programs for rural producers.
- CERES CertificationcoreOrganic certification body providing CERES certification for Coraorganic compost and other FUNDASES products, ensuring compliance with organic production standards for national and international markets.
- EMSER GuatavitacoreMunicipal public services company of Guatavita implementing Colombia Sin Basuras program adapted for tourism-driven economy with circular economy solutions for restaurants and fishing clubs.
Scale indicators19 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights1 record
FUNDASES competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Agrinos: Microbial agricultural input company focused on biological crop solutions and soil health products. Operates in Latin America and globally, with comparable biological input positioning but a for-profit, venture-backed structure.
Direct peers
- Symborg: Spanish-origin agricultural biotechnology company (now part of Corteva) producing microbial solutions, biostimulants, and biocontrol products. Comparable product portfolio (microbial inoculants + biostimulants) with established Latin American and global distribution.
- EM Research Organization (EMRO): EMRO Japan is the licensor of EM-1® technology and the parent organization of the global EM-1 distribution network. While not a commercial competitor, EMRO and its affiliated country distributors are the closest direct comparables in terms of technology stack and product portfolio — and they are the alternative channel through which Colombian customers could access EM-1® if FUNDASES lost exclusivity.
- TeraGanix: TeraGanix is an EM-1® licensee in the United States, distributing the same Effective Microorganisms technology for agricultural and home/professional applications. Functions as another country-level peer within the EM-1® licensee network, with a comparable product mix.
- Rizobacter: Argentine biological input company producing microbial inoculants, biological pest control, and biofertilizers for Latin American agriculture. Closest for-profit Latin American comparable in biological agricultural inputs with regional scale and ICA-equivalent registrations.
- SCD Probiotics: SCD Probiotics is a US-based EM-1®/Effective Microorganisms distributor offering similar probiotic blends for agriculture, livestock, and waste treatment. Most directly comparable to FUNDASES' biotechnological product line and microbial inoculant portfolio.
Broad incumbents
- Novonesis (Novozymes BioAg): Global leader in industrial enzymes and microbial solutions with a substantial BioAg division producing inoculants and biocontrol products. Overlaps with FUNDASES' biostimulant/biological-control portfolio but at a vastly larger scale with global distribution.
- Pivot Bio: US-based agricultural biotech company producing microbial nitrogen-fixes for cereal crops. Comparable biological-input product category but operates at significantly greater scale with substantial venture and strategic capital.
Regional players
- Biomax (Peru): Peruvian organic fertilizer and soil amendment producer focused on Andean smallholder agriculture. Comparable organic/biofertilizer positioning but operates in Peru rather than Colombia, making it a regional rather than direct competitor.
Others
- Asohofrucol-equivalent: Biocosta: Colombian agricultural biotechnology and biological inputs producer serving the fruit and vegetable sector. Adjacent ecosystem participant operating in the same Colombian regulatory and producer environment, useful for benchmarking biological input positioning in Colombia.
Market position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
FUNDASES social profiles
Digital presenceFUNDASES financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FUNDASES leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
FUNDASES funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FUNDASES M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about FUNDASES
What does FUNDASES do?
FUNDASES researches, develops, manufactures, and distributes agricultural biotechnology products — primarily the EM-1® Effective Microorganisms consortium and related bio-inputs (Agroplux, Azobac, Fosforiz, Agrogreen, Agrocid, Vermiwash), biological control agents (Metarhizium, Beauveria, Trichoderma, Paecilomyces), and certified organic compost (Coraorganic, Bokashi EM-1®). As the sole licensed EM-1® producer and distributor in Colombia under a 25+ year agreement with EMRO Japan, it sells products directly and through a national distributor network spanning ~20 departments. It complements the product line with physical, chemical, and microbiological soil analysis at its LAB laboratory, agricultural extension services as an authorized EPSEA, training courses through Forma, and the CORAFLOR rural development center with a 2,000 m² composting plant processing 400 tons of organic waste per month.
Is FUNDASES a public or private company?
FUNDASES is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was FUNDASES founded?
FUNDASES was founded in 1986. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is FUNDASES based?
FUNDASES is headquartered in Bogotá, Colombia, in the Latin America region.
How does FUNDASES make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Biotechnological Products are the primary driver. The others are laboratory Services, training and Education, EPSEA Extension Services and donations.
Who are FUNDASES's main competitors?
Agrinos is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Symborg, EM Research Organization (EMRO), TeraGanix, Rizobacter and SCD Probiotics. Broad incumbents are Novonesis (Novozymes BioAg) and Pivot Bio. Biomax (Peru) is listed as a regional player. Asohofrucol-equivalent: Biocosta is listed as an others.
Does FUNDASES have an API?
No public API is recorded for FUNDASES.
What industry is FUNDASES in?
FUNDASES's product category is Agricultural Biotechnology. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFABAKAJ, Soil Health Activators & Biostimulants (Humates, Amino Acids, Seaweed Extracts), with a secondary code of AFABAKAD, Compost Tea, Extracts & Microbial Inoculants. Its NAICS code is 32531 and its SIC code is 2870.