Bayer and Kimitec are entering into a strategic partnership to accelerate the development and commercialization of biological solutions for agriculture.
On the one hand, this involves crop protection products that combat pests, diseases and weeds and, on the other hand, biostimulants that promote plant growth.
With the MAAVi Innovation Center, Kimitec operates Europe’s largest biotechnological innovation center, which has been researching and developing natural molecules and compounds for the agricultural and food industry for 15 years.
Combining Bayer’s product development expertise with Kimitec’s research capabilities will accelerate the development of biological products. This also includes the development of integrated plant management solutions that can be further developed and scaled using Bayer’s global infrastructure. This includes field testing, product support and marketing.
“Bayer wants to support farmers with the benefits of biological solutions as part of an integrated system that includes our leading crop traits, crop protection products and digital solutions,” says Dr. Robert Reiter, Head of Research and Development at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “Every farmer can benefit from biologics – from seed treatment to pest control. Bayer is working on networked solutions to offer farmers more flexibility and thus added value.”
With the agreement, Kimitec will be a key partner in advancing Bayer’s biologics pipeline. As a global leader in biologics discovery and development, Kimitec will provide its expertise and breakthrough technology through its MAAVi Innovation Center. This also includes an artificial intelligence platform, which means that results can be achieved even faster.
“Our collaboration with Kimitec gives us a unique opportunity to develop innovative biological solutions even faster. Together we share the vision of bringing new, effective, safe and at the same time sustainable products onto the market,” says Benoit Hartmann, Head of Biologics at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “The partnership with Kimitec is an example of how Bayer leverages its network with various strategic partners to support farmers with the next generation of biologics.”
The biologics market is estimated to grow to nearly €25 billion by 2028 1 . Consumers are increasingly asking for foods with low or no residues. At the same time, the purchasing standards in food retailing are causing farmers to look into new options in crop protection.
Since 2007, Kimitec has been developing biologics that are effective alternatives and complements to synthetic crop protection. This fits with Bayer’s strategy to offer farmers the best solutions – by combining future and existing technologies.
“Kimitec started 15 years ago with a clear vision to change the way food is produced. Our agreement with Bayer will help us get closer to that goal. This allows us to expand our global footprint and make our technology available to millions of farmers,” explains Félix García, CEO of Kimitec.
“As a world leader in the development and production of biological solutions, Kimitec offers farmers natural and sustainable products without compromising on efficacy and productivity. The agreement is closely related to our 360 Open Innovation strategy, where we partner with the world’s leading innovators to create meaningful and sustainable solutions for farmers, consumers and the environment.”
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