Bayer Crop Science | Innovation Ecosystem’s Post

Multi-sector competitions opening/closing March to May: Health, energy, transport, net zero, agritech and environment. HEALTH NHS Cancer Programme: Innovation Open Call 3 (closes 29 May): Projects will be 100% funded up to the total value of £4M (excluding VAT) over a maximum of 24 months. NIHR i4i & OLS Real World Evidence Programme (closes 27 March): The aim of the call is to support consortia to address real world evidence gaps to accelerate widespread adoption of technologies recommended for early use in the NHS through NICE Early Value Assessment (EVA). ENERGY Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) Phase 3: Spring 2024 (closes 19 April): The IETF supports industrial sites with high-energy use to transition to a low-carbon future. (Clinics running a fortnightly basis from 20 February to 16 April 2024. The online clinics are Q&A sessions only. DESNZ will not be presenting any information about the IETF programme or the competitions.) Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) Round 4 (EoI opens 1 May): Innovators will be invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI), outlining their idea to address the challenges. The EoI stage will give Innovate UK an opportunity to engage innovators in developing ideas before submission into the Call for Ideas. TRANSPORT SBRI: Accessible solutions for disrupted journeys (closes 3 April): Organisations can apply for a share of £1 million, inclusive of VAT. This is to develop an accessible and inclusive focussed solution, physical or digital, to support transport users when a journey is disrupted. Futurescope High Growth AI Accelerator for Transport sector (closes 13 March): A 14-week accelerator programme for UK-based startups, scaleups and SMEs to validate and develop AI and ML deep-tech solutions. NET ZERO EPSRC Prosperity Partnerships round six (opens 12 March): Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) wants business led, co-created and co-delivered projects by business and academic partners, address research areas based on EPSRC’s strategic delivery plan. Net Zero and Quantum prioritised areas. Net Zero Catalyst Fund (closes 20 March): Innovation Exchange are looking for SMEs with Net Zero technical innovation challenges, and offering up to £25k funding per challenge partnership. AGRITECH AND FOOD PROCESSING Diet and health innovation: Early stage feasibility projects (closes 08 May): UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2.5m for early stage feasibility projects working with Diet and Health Open Innovation Research Club hubs. Strengthening the resilience of the UK food system (closes 19 March): This funding opportunity aims to improve the resilience of the UK food system to a variety of potentially cascading risks. ENVIRONMENT Unlocking nature-positive private investment (closes 10 April): UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £2m to develop solutions that enable private investors to invest in nature positive projects.

Progress Update: Farmtopia's Sustainable Innovation Pilots (#SIPs) are progressing as planned 🚀🌱 In other words, the implementation of our 9 pre-selected SIPs is officially underway!  Several of our pilots have begun collecting data in the farm and field, and collaborating closely with farmers and stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of Agricultural Digital Solutions (ADSs), achieving key project milestones along the way. 📊🌾 As with any initiative, there are challenges, particularly extreme weather conditions. 🌧️ But rest assured, we’re addressing them through coordinated cross-team collaboration. 🤝 Great work! Thanks to all SIP leaders: NEUROPUBLIC S.A., University College Dublin, Wim Govaerts & Co,  ART21, ITC - Innovation Technology Cluster, Agricolus S.r.l., ANAMOB, ARVALIS - Institut du végétal, Agricultural University of Athens, Agricultural University of Athens AUA OFC. ⏭️Next on the agenda: Pilot Open Days, where digital solutions will be presented to small farmers. 🧷More updates coming soon - so stay in the know! If you are not familiar with it yet, here is the website page with all our current SIPs: farmtopia.eu/sips #FarmtopiaProject #HorizonEurope #ResearchImpactEU #Farmtopia NEUROPUBLIC S.A. | GreenSupplyChain Digital Innovation Hub | AgriFood Lithuania |Foodscale Hub | Politecnico di Milano | Agricultural University of Athens | ART21 | University College Dublin | Pilze-Nagy Ltd. | #SUBSTRATPRODUKTIONKYNASTLOCKEGMB | ANAMOB | SmartRDI | Agricolus S.r.l.| SATA - Servizi per la Filiera Agroalimentare | GAIA ΕΠΙΧΕΙΡΕΙΝ | KU Leuven | Wim Govaerts & Co | ITC - Innovation Technology Cluster | ARVALIS - Institut du végétal| Carbon Bee | FRcuma Ouest | Poios einai to Afentiko?

Showcases Impact Expo: Maxairea & Insectsense 💡 To show and celebrate the more than 20 years of entrepreneurship and societal impact by WUR and its partners, a Wageningen Impact Expo is organised on the 28th of August. Read more about this event here: https://lnkd.in/eyWYAiKx  The 20 years of entrepreneurship are celebrated with many inspiring examples of start-ups connected to WUR. These cases are situated in different stages of development: from idea generation, to validated propositions and scaling up for societal impact. Today, two of the showcases already get introduced to you. And make sure to keep an eye on the page, because more cases will be highlighted. #WURImpactExpo maxairea is working on a pilot project at WUR to integrate its CO2 filtration technology into an existing HVAC system.  Co-founder Rabih Hamid, M.Sc (Eng) is very excited about the pilot project; “Maxairea is my third company and my background in engineering and ten years in construction has significantly shaped my entrepreneurial journey.”  Together with Co-founder William Janssen, who has a longtime experience in the ventilation industry and with that build up an extensive network in this industry, Rabih and William are currently working on the commercial validation of Maxairea. For Rabih, the work has focused on the physics of building management and energy efficiency of HVAC systems. 🌐 InsectSense leverages insect biomimicry to develop innovative solutions. By mimicking insect senses, which have evolved over 300 million years, they created devices and biochips that work like insect antenna for flavour measurement, disease diagnosis, water quality monitoring and the development of novel nutraceutical and pharmaceutical ingredients. Initially, they trained bees as biosensors to detect COVID-19, then advanced to a biochip that replicates insect sensing. This biochip works with different DNA from humans and insects, enabling the objective measurement of taste and smell, as well as identifying the health effects of ingredients. For instance, it can identify the cause of off-taste in novel food products, help improve flavour and evaluate potential health effects, all on a single chip. Their first product, ReceptomiX, is a benchtop device for lab-use expected to launch in late 2025. Their second product, LumiNose, applies this biochip technology for field use, such as inline measurements in factories. By use of these technologies, companies can bring sustainable, tasty and healthy products to market more quickly, reducing both time and costs while making a significant impact.  The company’s mission is to develop accessible, cost-effective diagnostic solutions, particularly for low-income countries. Make sure to be there on the 28th of August to hear their stories! Register here: https://lnkd.in/eRjae4_M #entrepreneurship #innovation

Integration of technologies and resources ie establishment of ecosystem - Agrispecific Biome can only shape sustainable agriculture.

#DearPartners #BusinessStrategy #SmartAgriculture #CaseStudy - 37 In the arena of agricultural innovation, the seed funding milestone achieved by ONO, totaling an impressive 11 crores, marks a significant moment for India's agritech sector. To me, ONO's journey emerges as a standout narrative of technological advancement and strategic acumen. 🌾 ONO's approach, characterized by its strategic use of technology to tackle core industry challenges such as access to formal credit and enhancing operational efficiencies, serves as a prime example of how marrying innovation with deep market insight can lead to substantial impact. As the agritech landscape in India flourishes, with startups like ONO at the helm, it's imperative to delve into the strategic implications and market dynamics that such significant seed funding heralds. ONO's expansion across states and Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) is not just about scaling; it represents a broader movement towards redefining traditional sectors with technology. In this evolving landscape, the presence of peers like Fasal - Grow More, Grow Better™, which recently garnered notable funding to pursue carbon-negative agricultural value chains, and Farmtheory, which is making its mark in specific agri-food sectors, highlights the critical importance of strategic positioning and differentiation in an increasingly competitive environment. For startups and entrepreneurs threading through this fertile territory, the path charted by ONO offers invaluable insights: 🌱 Embrace Data-Driven Decision Making: Follow ONO's lead by harnessing technology to gain sharper insights into market trends and operational efficiencies. 🌱 Cultivate Strategic Funding Partnerships: Look for funding partners who offer more than just capital. Mentorship, market access, and technological support can prove to be invaluable assets. 🌱 Carve Your Niche with Market Differentiation: In a sector brimming with potential, defining your unique value proposition is crucial. Innovation, operational efficiency, or a specific market focus can help you stand out. 🌱 Plan for Scalability While Maintaining Flexibility: While growth should be a key goal, staying agile and responsive to the ever-evolving technological and market landscapes is equally important. As we reflect on ONO's stride towards revolutionizing agritech, it beckons us to consider how we, too, can leverage strategic insights and funding opportunities to make a mark in our sectors. Let's embark on this journey to pioneer the future of agritech, together, fostering a landscape where innovation thrives. Innovate Today, Inspire Tomorrow 💡 - Montaigne Smart Business Solutions #LeadingAgritechInnovation #StrategicGrowth #AgritechFuture #PrecisionFarming Market Unwinded #SmartAgriculture #DigitalAgriculture #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechDrivenAgriculture

The growing recognition of data-driven agritech startups on a global scale is undeniable. Farmonaut®, a leading player in this field, received notable attention for its inclusion in a research paper by Keio University of #Japan. This study sheds light on the crucial role that data-driven insights play in reshaping agriculture, drawing from experiences in both India and Japan. As climate change increasingly challenges traditional agricultural practices worldwide, the significance of data-driven agritech startups becomes more pronounced. A recent study across #India and #Japan explored how #data-driven insights can address key challenges faced by their #agricultural sectors. In India, #farmers grapple with issues like input price volatility and inefficient #supply #chains, while Japan faces challenges such as an #aging #farming #workforce and #high #production costs. However, both countries share the potential for #improvement through data-driven solutions. The research indicates that the adoption of agritech is driven by factors like #sustainability, evolving business models, regulations, and macroeconomic conditions. Through collaborative efforts, #startups from India and Japan can leverage each other's strengths. India can benefit from Japan's digital expertise, while Japan can tap into India's extensive agritech potential. With #innovative technologies and collaborative initiatives, data-driven agritech startups are poised to transform farming practices, boost productivity, and ensure #food #security for future #generations. Let's seize this opportunity to shape the future of agriculture together. Divya Suresh | Abhishek Choudhury | yinjia zhang | Zhiying ZHAO | Rajib Shaw Ankur Omar | Akash Omar | Dipanker Gyan | ASHISH KUMAR | Saumitra Awasthi | Shivani Dudhatra | Swati Gupta | Kanu Priya Kumawat | Vipul Baloda | Kapil Sawant

Why I feel #SynBio will disrupt the #agro industry and #Spain (and #Almeria) will occupy a leadership position? 🌱 (2/ñ) This is a complex theme, but I was eager to tackle it, especially after Chema Oliva's comment on my last post about #foodtech (take a look if you haven't yet) 👀 Last year, I dedicated a significant amount of time to studying how to foster the synbio and bioentrepreneurship ecosystem in Spain. Unsurprisingly, the intersection with #agtech took up most of my focus, heavily influenced by my time living in my hometown: Almeria 🌞 You probably already know that there are major limitations across the country (similar to other parts of Europe): the lack of wet lab spaces and the insufficient connection between academia and industry, alongside a weak collaboration network among stakeholders 🌐. These challenges are common in deep tech, including market education, long sales cycles, and regulatory barriers 📉📜 On the other hand, Spain, particularly regions in the Mediterranean part boasts tremendous production capabilities. Not for nothing is Almería known as the "greenhouse of Europe," with its greenhouses being the only human-made structures visible from space (not the Great Wall of China! 🧱). Let's get to the point: Spain's climate, tradition, and industry make it a true powerhouse for agricultural innovation 🌿. Tomatoes, peppers, olive oil, citrus fruits, cucumbers... you name it, we're a reference While this highlights production, the need for natural products in R&D, including #synbio (aka engineering biology), is evident, especially post-#greendeal 🌾. For example, the latest Capgemini #synbio report (by Richard Traherne and his team) highlights that 57% of agriculture executives see biofertilizers as having a high impact on their industry 💡 Okay, and what about wet lab spaces and a better-connected ecosystem? 🤝 Well, I am not exaggerating when I say that only this year, several #agtech #hubs offering lab space have been announced across the country: Cataluña (Lleida), Valencia (Parc Científic de la Universitat de València), Andalusia, etc In fact, focusing on Andalusia, the Junta de Andalucía (Andalusian government) is promoting a hub for the agroindustry, collaborating with the government, #VC (Startup Wise Guys), and relevant #stakeholders Even more! There are great companies like Kimitec or Biorizon Biotech (both based in Almeria) that have been producing biofertilizers for several years. But Spain also has #synbio #spinoffs like Madeinplant, reprogramming plants to improve their agronomic traits or use them as biofactories 🏭 So yeah, I predict a bright future for #SynBio and the #bioeconomy landscape in Spain, where #agtech will be crucial. I will talk about other relevant stakeholders and the intersection of synbio and other fields like #health in other posts. Stay tuned!! 🌟 PS: The photo was taken at Bayer's #LifeHub #DemoDay in #Barcelona (#LifehubBCN), where we explored the #agtech landscape 🤺

Imagine a world where technology and innovation intertwined with regenerative agricultural practices are helping people and the planet thrive. At Bayer's LifeHub Bangalore, we recently immersed ourselves in vibrant discussions on bringing this very vision to life. Our #LifeHub team brought together a mix of policy makers, though leaders and think tanks including the Government of Telangana, TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, The/Nudge Institute, biotechnology experts, and senior journalists from The Hindu BusinessLine and The Economic Times. Not to forget the future custodians of our agricultural legacy - enthusiastic students ready to plunge into the world of #SustainableFarming, were also present at the life hub to listen and participate in the discussion. Two compelling panel discussions, under the theme of "Innovation & Sustainability", witnessed engaging conversations on the pivotal role of #biotechnology and innovative strategies to conserve water in agriculture, with a focus on keeping #farmers at the forefront. At Bayer, our commitment extends to shaping the future of agriculture. We will continue to bring diverse perspectives under one roof to ignite discussions that propel the journey toward sustainable farming. Manjunath T. M. Veena Anil Dr Vibha Dhawan Vishwanath Kulkarni Shambhavi Anand Akhil Gawar Ravi Trivedi Kavya Dashora S. P. Kamath Anik Luke Dhanaraj #Bayer #BayerInIndia #Sustainability #InnovationInAgriculture #FutureofAgriculture #ThrivingPlanet

As Kris Gopalakrishnan mentioned, the success of India’s National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) is key to making the country a leader in #CPS technologies. Since its launch in 2018, the mission has developed over 1,500 new technologies, supported more than 650 startups, and created a strong impact on jobs and entrepreneurship. iHub - AWaDH @ IIT Ropar , we are proud to be part of this journey. Our work in sustainable agriculture and water management uses cyber-physical systems to solve real-world problems.  The impact created by AWaDH:  - 60+ technologies - 110+ startups  - 115 Cr of Total Investment raised by portfolio with valuation exceeding 1300Cr - 2,500+ jobs and Human skilling  - 220+ partners.   Our efforts are supported by funding from MeitY Startup Hub, DST-NIDHI-iTBI, Startup India, and HDFC Bank Parivartan, helping us grow deep-tech startups and enabling the Digital #AgriTech Ecosystem. Some of our key projects include: • The world’s first AI-powered “Digital Entomologist”   • AI-based Livestock Management Systems   • Nanobubble Technology for water treatment   • Solar-powered Biodiversity Sensors used globally to create a Biodiversity Index in countries like Switzerland, Australia, and the US. These projects have been developed with partners like Syngenta and the Fraunhofer IIS Institutes. India’s industry has a big role to play in bringing these technologies to market and ensuring their success. Together, we can build a stronger future! India DST | MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA | Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar | Startup India | Department of Science & Technology, Government of India | Infosys | The Indian Express Abhay Karandikar | Dr Akhilesh Gupta | Ekta Kapoor | Pushpendra P. Singh | Radhika Trikha | Mukesh Kestwal Kris Gopalakrishnan | Salil Parekh | Govind Iyer | Nandagopal Rajan | Anant Goenka | Sanjay Sindhwani Read More Please click here : https://lnkd.in/g_qKfz5f #CPS #Innovation #IITRopar #iHubAWaDH #SustainableAgriculture #WaterManagement #NationalMission #AI #Startups