Key Takeaways:
- Enko Chem has developed a systems approach to rapidly identify new modes of action (MOA) for addressing pest resistance issues in agriculture.
- New MOAs are critical to providing innovative, sustainable solutions for pest management.
- Enko’s AI-powered platform, ENKOMPASS™, recently identified a new weed control target and biologically active chemical inhibitors in just four months.
- The discovery platform holds promise for helping farmers combat crop losses due to pests, weeds, and diseases.
Enko Chem Announces Breakthrough in Crop Protection Through AI-Driven MOA Discovery
Enko Chem, Inc., an AI-informed crop health company, announced the successful validation of a unique capability to rapidly discover new modes of action (MOA) through its systems-based approach. This development represents a critical step in providing solutions to pest resistance challenges that growers face globally. The ability to identify novel MOAs is vital to creating innovative and safe pest control options.
Addressing a Shortage of Effective Solutions
“There are simply not enough alternatives on the market today,” says Jacqueline Heard, CEO and Co-founder of Enko. “Farmers face the harsh reality of losing 40% of their crops to weeds, insects, and disease annually and are stuck using decades-old products that no longer work effectively, where continued reliance is not sustainable.”
The agricultural sector’s reliance on outdated products has limited its ability to effectively manage pests, leading to reduced crop yields and increased resistance to existing treatments. Enko’s newly developed systems approach aims to address these problems by using cutting-edge technologies to discover novel modes of action.
ENKOMPASS™: Rapid Discovery of New Weed Control Targets
Enko’s AI-driven discovery platform, ENKOMPASS™, recently demonstrated its ability to identify a new mode of action, including a novel weed control target and biologically active chemical inhibitors, within just four months. This rapid discovery process highlights the platform’s potential to revolutionize the development of pest control solutions by offering more targeted, efficient, and sustainable products.
The AI-assisted data analysis techniques employed by ENKOMPASS™ allow for faster identification of biological targets and chemical solutions, paving the way for more effective pest management strategies. This capability can be applied to various crop health needs beyond weed control, expanding its utility across the agricultural sector.
Potential to Address Global Agricultural Challenges
Enko’s discovery platform holds significant potential in addressing the pressing issues of crop loss and the impacts of climate change on global food production. The rapid pace at which the company can identify new modes of action could help farmers mitigate crop losses and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
“Enko’s rapid rate of target discovery has the potential to help the world get ahead of the rate of failing crops, stay abreast of the negative effects of climate change, and feed its growing populations safely,” Enko noted.
Enko Chem Latest News
Secures Additional Funding From Eight Roads Ventures, Nufarm, Endeavor8 and Akroyd LLC (2023/02/01)
Enko, a leading crop health company, has secured $80 million in additional funding from top investors, bringing its total capital raised to $150 million. The funding will help advance Enko’s product pipeline of novel crop protection chemistries, which use advanced DNA-encoded library screening, machine learning, and structure-based design. The company’s proprietary technology platform, ENKOMPASS, uses advanced DNA-encoded library screening, machine learning, and structure-based design to find new and improved chemistries for crop protection. Enko’s innovative approach to crop protection has already attracted attention from major players in the agriculture industry, including Bayer, Syngenta, and Nufarm.
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