The Challenge: Biological Inputs and Seed Technologies for Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture

Winner: Locus Ag (US)

More than 100 international entries were received from agtech start-ups around the world, answering Syngenta’s challenge to promote new biological input technologies or seeds technologies that achieve benefits to plant and soil health, control pests or diseases, improve nitrogen and water use efficiencies, increase soil carbon, restore biodiversity or overall improve the productivity of farm lands for people and the planet.

The winner, Locus Ag has created a soil ‘probiotic’ technology using innovative fermentation to deliver fresh, customized and high-potency microbial cocktails for effective crop and plant management.

Three finalists were selected through an in-depth review and judging process, to present their solution to Syngenta judges and a global audience of agri-food leaders and investors at the virtual World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit on September 29.

Revealing the winner of the Innovation Challenge were Syngenta judges Jacqui Campbell, Global Head Technology & Operations Biologicals, and Stuart Harrison, Head – Seeds R&D Partnerships & Open Innovation.

Announcing the winner and reflecting on the winner, Jacqui Campbell said: “It was a difficult decision to make given the quality of the pitches we heard and the great submissions. We thought Locus Ag’s probiotic solution to restore soil health and promote carbon sequestration was the most complete solution overall to address the bigger challenge as they are also thinking about how they connect growers to carbon neutrality and monetize these new practices. Congratulations to Chad and his team!”

Abigail Ryder, Programme Director at World Agri-Tech said: “We’ve been blown away by the talent and range of innovative solutions coming from around the globe. Thanks again to the Syngenta judging team for their invaluable time, insights and commitment to supporting start-ups in their growth. Congratulations to Locus Ag, and we can’t wait to hear more from all the finalists in the future.”

The winner will now enjoy exclusive mentoring with relevant senior leaders at Syngenta, offering innovation and technology guidance and support based on the innovator’s needs to progress their solution.

The remaining two presenting finalists were: FA Bio (UK) and Intrinsyx Bio (US).

For more information on all finalists’ profiles and the Innovation Challenge at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit visit: www.worldagritechinnovation.com/syngenta-innovation-challenge/