The start-up Genvor has won Bayer’s first “Golden Ticket”, granting it one year access to the laboratories and equipment at the LifeHub California @AgStart, one of the leading innovation ecosystems in AgriFoodTech in the USA. Experts and mentors from Bayer’s global innovation network will support Genvor, enabling it to bring its technologies to market readiness.

Genvor is working on biological plant protection solutions and antimicrobial peptides (AMP) that can induce small changes in the genome. These changes can enhance disease resistance and nutrient uptake from seed to sprout. The aim is to develop increased disease resistance and improved nutrient supply for crops. The approach developed by Genvor for using antimicrobial peptides is based on mechanisms within the plant and has the potential to provide broad-spectrum biological plant protection to effectively combat many plant diseases.

The “Golden Ticket” program is part of Bayer’s open innovation network. Start-ups from around the world have the opportunity to collaborate with Bayer to accelerate innovations for farmers. In its first year, the program focuses on regenerative agriculture, novel plant protection solutions, advanced breeding technologies, and applications from synthetic biology. Genvor was selected from a wide range of applicants due to its plant protection approach.

• Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany
• Genvor Inc., Henderson, NV, USA