Syngenta Crop Protection and Ginkgo Bioworks have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to expedite the development and commercialization of a novel biological solution. Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, and Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA), renowned for its expertise in cell programming and biosecurity, aim to leverage their combined capabilities to optimize the production of a key secondary metabolite. This partnership is expected to accelerate Syngenta’s go-to-market timeline for its latest pioneering biological solution.
The collaboration builds on the successful relationship between the two companies, which previously worked together on next-generation seed technology. In this new venture, Ginkgo will harness its Ag Biologicals capabilities to develop and optimize a microbial strain that can meet Syngenta’s productivity targets for the secondary metabolite. This molecule is a critical component of Syngenta’s biologicals pipeline and is poised to make a significant impact on sustainable agricultural practices.
Ginkgo’s approach involves using its extensive biological knowledge and machine learning techniques to analyze complex data sources. This will enable the company to diagnose performance limitations in the microbial strain and discover new biological features that can enhance productivity. By calculating theoretical performance and guiding rational strain engineering strategies, Ginkgo aims to create a robust microbial strain capable of large-scale, cost-effective production.
“Biologicals are increasingly important in addressing the need for efficient and sustainable agricultural solutions worldwide. At Syngenta, we are committed to providing farmers with greater complementary product and technology choices that promote sustainable agricultural practices,” said Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Research at Syngenta Crop Protection. “We are excited to work with Ginkgo, and are confident that their distinctive capabilities will enable us to achieve our productivity goals for our targeted molecule, expediting our time to market.”
Magalie Guilhabert, Head of Ag Biologicals at Ginkgo Bioworks, echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “We are so excited to expand our relationship with Syngenta. We’ve built a successful relationship from our work together on plant traits and now look forward to doing the same with ag biologicals. Ginkgo is proud to put our excellent assets and experience against some of our customer’s toughest challenges. We’ll work to achieve productivity levels to realize commercial viability for Syngenta’s innovative ag biologicals product launch.”
The implications of this collaboration are significant for the agricultural industry. Biological solutions, derived from natural organisms, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pesticides and fertilizers. They can enhance crop productivity while reducing environmental impact, aligning with global efforts to promote sustainable farming practices. By accelerating the development of this pioneering biological solution, Syngenta and Ginkgo are poised to provide farmers with more effective and environmentally friendly tools to manage their crops.
This partnership also highlights the growing importance of biotechnology and data science in agriculture. By leveraging machine learning and advanced biological techniques, companies like Ginkgo can develop innovative solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture. This collaboration sets a precedent for future partnerships between biotech firms and agricultural companies, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient farming practices.
Syngenta’s role as a Platinum partner at this year’s World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in London underscores its commitment to advancing agricultural innovation. The summit, taking place from September 30 to October 1, will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to connect and explore the latest developments in agri-tech. Attendees can look forward to engaging with Syngenta’s team and learning more about their cutting-edge initiatives.
The collaboration between Syngenta and Ginkgo Bioworks represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable agricultural solutions. By combining their expertise and resources, the two companies are well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the future of farming.