New Zealand agri-biotech firm Lucidome Bio has named Bridgit Hawkins (pictured above) chairperson while advancing its breakthrough methane-reducing vaccine towards global commercialisation.

The 2025 Animal Health, Nutrition and Technology Innovation Showcase recognised Lucidome Bio’s methane vaccine for its potential to transform livestock methane reduction at scale. 

Unlike feed-based interventions, the vaccine is designed for use across diverse animal production systems, with global reach and accessibility at its core. 

Bold vision, sharp execution

As the former founder and CEO of Regen Ltd, a precision irrigation company acquired by CropX in 2020, Hawkins brings deep experience in leading technology-driven companies.

She is now chief sustainability officer at CropX Technologies, where she guides the company’s environmental impact strategy and oversees global product development.

Hawkins’ leadership has helped shape the intersection of commercial viability and sustainability across the agri-tech sector, both in New Zealand and internationally.

“We’re at a pivotal point in our journey,” says David Aitken, Lucidome Bio CEO. “We’ve built strong scientific and operational foundations and are now focused on making technology breakthroughs, progressing regulatory pathways and strengthening our commercial roadmap into the future.

“Bridgit has navigated this transition many times and understands how to balance bold thinking with tight execution. She is set to play a critical role in helping us move with clarity and intent,” Aitken adds.

A purpose-led mission

Hawkins is widely respected for helping early-stage teams transition from ‘startup mode’ to scaling operations.

Her work has spanned startup governance, capital raising, intellectual property strategy, commercial partnerships and measuring climate tech impact for global clients.

With a Master’s in Agricultural Science, she has also completed executive training at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and founded Fields of Change, an initiative focused on industry-wide solutions to systemic agricultural challenges.

“Early-stage governance is very different from conventional business-as-usual,” Hawkins explains.

“You’re dealing with high potential, limited resources and a very fast-moving market. The skill is knowing where to focus – what truly matters – and how to use the resources you have to maximise their effect.

“This is where I can add value: by being a sounding board and ensuring strategic direction isn’t just clear, but actionable too,” she adds.

What drew her to Lucidome Bio, she says, was a rare combination of breakthrough science, a purpose-led team and a shared sense of urgency.

“The impact potential is enormous, the science is sound and the belief is real. Now we need to show the world we can execute.”

Drive innovation on the global stage

As Lucidome Bio moves into its next chapter, the company will continue working closely with AgResearch, whose scientists have led the way in methane vaccine research.

The vaccine targets methanogenic archaea – the microbes in a ruminant’s gut responsible for methane production – by priming the animal’s immune system to produce antibodies that suppress their growth. This cost-effective approach helps reduce emissions without compromising animal health or productivity.

Lucidome Bio’s platform also integrates advanced digital tools – such as genomic analysis, bioinformatics, advanced molecular analyses and AI assisted biological modelling – to accelerate development.

These technologies enable greater precision and scalability, ensuring the solution is robust across real-world farming environments.

“In many parts of the world, feed additives or high-cost delivery systems simply aren’t viable,” says Hawkins.

“A vaccine levels the playing field. It’s scalable, cost-effective and equitable. I look forward to ensuring Lucidome Bio gains traction both locally and on the global innovation stage.”