Key Takeaways
- Phytoform Labs becomes the first international startup to participate in NC State University’s Seed2Grow incubator.
- The company, winner of Bayer’s Golden Ticket program, will receive 12 months of access to shared lab space and mentorship.
- Phytoform aims to enhance crop improvement through AI and CRISPR technology, focusing on reducing food waste in the potato supply chain.
International Startup Joins Seed2Grow Incubator
Phytoform Labs, a U.K.-based plant biotechnology company, has been selected as the first non-North Carolina startup to utilize the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative’s Seed2Grow incubator at North Carolina State University (NC State). The selection comes as part of Bayer’s Golden Ticket program, which grants one promising ag tech startup a year of support from the incubator, including lab space, mentorship opportunities, and access to Bayer’s global network.
Adrian Percy, Executive Director of N.C. PSI, expressed enthusiasm over Phytoform Labs’ inclusion in the incubator, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to expanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem around agricultural innovation. Seed2Grow provides an environment where researchers and startups can transform plant science ideas into viable products aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector.
The Golden Ticket program, co-sponsored by Bayer and N.C. PSI, serves to accelerate agricultural advancements by offering startups essential resources such as office space, business mentoring, and networking. Raphael Dumain, Bayer’s global head of external innovation, noted that supporting Phytoform Labs aligns with their mission of fostering sustainability and productivity across agriculture.
Phytoform Labs leverages artificial intelligence to improve crop traits through advanced breeding techniques. The company focuses on crops like potatoes and tomatoes, using AI to identify genetic enhancements and CRISPR-Cas gene-editing methods for efficient crop improvement. The technology aims to boost crop quality while minimizing waste throughout the food supply chain.
As it establishes a presence in the U.S., Phytoform plans to use its residency in Seed2Grow to address existing commercial commitments and enhance its potato programs. The company’s innovations are designed to benefit various stakeholders, from growers to retailers, by improving crop performance and reducing waste.
William Pelton, co-founder of Phytoform Labs, emphasized the importance of the Golden Ticket opportunity in aiding the company’s growth trajectory in the U.S., stating that the access to Seed2Grow’s facilities and network will significantly expedite their ability to deliver transformative agricultural solutions.
As Phytoform Labs embarks on this promising journey, its collaboration with NC State and Bayer is set to play a crucial role in driving innovations within the agricultural sector.
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