SenseUP Secures $3.5 Million to Develop dsRNA Biopesticides

Key Takeaways

SenseUP has secured €3 million in seed funding to develop biopesticides using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeted at pests.
The startup’s patented technology addresses challenges related to stability, cost, and application breadth of RNA-based pest control.
Future plans include partnering with industry leaders for trials and regulatory submissions, with product launches anticipated by 2026.

Investment and Growth Plans

SenseUP, a Cologne-based startup specializing in biopesticides that utilize double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), has raised €3 million ($3.5 million) in a seed funding round led by Capnamic and supported by various investors including Simon Capital and Rockstart. This investment aims to bolster the company’s product portfolio, expand its workforce, and establish strategic partnerships within the agricultural sector.

Innovative Approach to Pest Control

The company is leveraging RNA interference (RNAi) technology to target pests more selectively than conventional chemical pesticides. RNAi utilizes nucleic acids to disrupt specific genes in insects, nematodes, fungi, and viruses, providing a precision approach that minimizes harm to soil, plants, and wildlife. As traditional pesticides become less effective, RNAi is gaining traction as a viable alternative.

Georg Schaumann, the founder of SenseUP, noted that significant challenges remain in the stability, cost, and application scope of dsRNA biopesticides. To tackle these issues, the company has developed innovative solutions:

Stability: SenseUP’s biopesticides are stored at room temperature for over 18 months by encapsulating dsRNA within the cell wall of Corynebacterium strains, allowing them to maintain effectiveness.
Cost Efficiency: By employing biosensors that identify high-yield strains of Corynebacterium, the company can screen millions of microbial strains to optimize production and possibly compete with synthetic chemicals on price.
Application Versatility: The technology allows for the combination of multiple dsRNA sequences within a single strain, enabling a single biopesticide product to target multiple pests, simplifying regulatory processes.

Mechanism and Efficacy

SenseUP employs Corynebacterium strains as a natural delivery vehicle for dsRNA intended to disrupt target pest genes. While the mechanism of uptake in various pests is still being studied, early results from field trials last summer indicate promising efficacy.

The production process involves engineering these bacterial strains to produce dsRNA, utilizing advanced biosensor technology for rapid identification and selection. This innovation stands in contrast to other microbial hosts, such as yeast and E. coli, which are reportedly less effective for dsRNA production. Schaumann emphasizes that Corynebacterium’s superior productivity makes it an ideal host for cost-effective biopesticide development.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, SenseUP plans to collaborate with established agricultural players to test and launch around 15 different biopesticide products, with greenhouse and field trials set for 2026. The company aims to navigate regulatory challenges by aligning with partners experienced in various markets, including the US, South America, and Europe.

Investor interest in SenseUP has been strong, driven by the urgent need for non-chemical solutions in agriculture. According to Mark Durno of Rockstart, their investment was motivated by the significant hurdles SenseUP overcomes in cost and stability, which are critical for the adoption of dsRNA products. As trials progress, stakeholders are eager to witness the maturation of SenseUP’s innovative crop protection solutions.

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