A Year of Growth, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships
The plant science sector in 2024 experienced transformative growth driven by advancements in gene editing, biosolutions, and sustainable crop protection. Companies such as Pairwise, Syngenta, and Elicit Plant secured significant funding and expanded their global footprints, reinforcing the industry’s focus on resilience and sustainability.
Disclaimer: This article does not rank or compare plant science companies in terms of performance. It is intended to showcase notable projects and initiatives from 2024. The inclusion of specific companies does not imply superiority over others. To discover other news in 2024 from Plant Science Companies, visit this page.
Key Takeaways
- Plant Science Companies are expanding gene editing and biosolutions to enhance crop resilience and sustainability.
- Strategic partnerships and investments are accelerating the commercialization of innovative agricultural products.
- AI and micropeptide technologies are driving breakthroughs in crop protection and yield improvement.
- Regulatory advancements are fast-tracking new products, boosting market readiness and scalability.
- Companies are addressing climate challenges through biosolutions that reduce water use and improve pest management.
1. Pairwise: Gene Editing Expansion and Strategic Alliances
Series C Funding and Growth
Pairwise (Profile) raised $40 million in Series C funding, led by Deerfield Management, Corteva Inc., Aliment Capital, and Leaps by Bayer. This capital supports Pairwise’s gene editing initiatives, focusing on developing seedless berries, pitless cherries, and climate-resilient crops.
Fulcrum™ Platform and Crop Innovation
Pairwise’s Fulcrum™ Platform leverages CRISPR to engineer novel plant traits, producing seedless blackberries and thornless varieties. This platform enhances crop yield, flavor, and resilience to environmental stress.
Strategic Partnerships
- Corteva: Five-year joint venture to accelerate gene editing for climate-adapted crops.
- Bayer: Licensing deal to commercialize CRISPR-edited leafy greens.
- Solis Agrosciences: Collaboration to develop new plant traits.
- genXtraits: Partnership to improve crop stress tolerance and nutritional value.
Regulatory and Technological Advances
Pairwise secured 21 USDA exemptions, fast-tracking gene-edited berries and grains. Technologies like SHARC™ and REDRAW™ drive continuous innovation in crop breeding.
2. Syngenta and Enko: AI-Driven Herbicide Discovery
Tackling Global Weed Threats
Syngenta (Profile) partnered with Enko (Profile) to develop herbicides targeting resistant weeds such as Palmer amaranth and blackgrass, which contribute to $32 billion in annual crop losses. The initiative aligns with Syngenta’s “Safer by Design” sustainability strategy.
AI-Powered Herbicide Discovery
Enko’s ENKOMPASS platform uses AI to discover effective, safe herbicides, streamlining the development process. The collaboration has reached proof-of-concept, driven by earlier success in fungal control.
Leadership Perspectives
- Camilla Corsi (Syngenta): Emphasized innovation’s role in managing herbicide resistance.
- Jacqueline Heard (Enko): Highlighted the importance of novel solutions for securing global food supplies.
3. Micropep Technologies: Scaling Micropeptide Innovation
Series B Funding and Expansion
Micropep (Profile) secured $11 million in additional Series B funding, increasing total investments to over $60 million. Investors include Corteva and BPI Green Tech Ventures. This funding will accelerate biofungicide development and commercialization.
Scaling Innovation
Micropep appointed Gustavo C. Gonzalez to lead the scaling of its Krisalix™ micropeptide platform and Promisin biofungicide.
Leadership Insights
- Thomas Laurent (CEO): Highlighted Gonzalez’s expertise in driving sustainable solutions.
- Gustavo Gonzalez: Expressed optimism about the potential of micropeptides to reshape agriculture.
Key Innovations
- MPD-01 biofungicide classified by the US EPA as a “biochemical-like” ingredient, showing strong efficacy in trials.
- Krisalix™ accelerates micropeptide discovery, reinforcing Micropep’s leadership in sustainable crop protection.
4. Elicit Plant: Biosolutions for Climate Resilience
Series B Funding and U.S. Expansion
Elicit Plant (Profile) raised $48 million to expand in the U.S. Corn Belt and globally. The company’s phytosterol-based solutions reduce crop water usage by 20%, addressing drought conditions affecting U.S. farmland.
Bomafit Corn Launch
Bomafit Corn, approved in 12 states, will launch in 2024, with soybean solutions planned for 2027.
Global Expansion
Elicit Plant strengthens alliances with Bayer and BASF, expanding R&D and biosolutions development.
Leadership and Vision
- Jean-François Déchant (CEO): Positioned Elicit Plant as a global leader by 2028.
- Dr. Pam Marrone (Board Chair): Drives strategy to scale operations and biosolutions globally.
5. AgroSpheres and BASF: Bioinsecticide Innovation
Strategic Collaboration
AgroSpheres (Profile) partnered with BASF (Profile) to develop bioinsecticides targeting lepidopteran pests. The AgriCell platform delivers high efficacy at low doses.
Recent Developments
- $37 million Series B funding (2024) supports R&D and production scale-up.
- AgriCell® received OMRI certification, reinforcing organic standards compliance.
Leadership Insights
- Payam Pourtaheri (CEO, AgroSpheres): Stressed the collaboration’s role in advancing eco-friendly pest management.
- Stephanie Jensen (VP, BASF): Highlighted the focus on delivering sustainable crop protection solutions.
For more insights into plant science and agricultural innovation, subscribe to The AgTech Digest newsletter.
