Bayer and Kimitec Join Forces

Bayer and Kimitec Join Forces Bayer and Kimitec announced a new strategic partnership focused on accelerating the development and commercialization of biological plant protection solutions and biostimulants. Under the agreement, the two companies will establish significant business collaborations to develop and create biological solutions derived from natural sources, as well as plant protection products targeting pests, diseases and weeds, and biostimulants to promote plant growth. Kimitec, which has 15 years of experience in research and discovery of natural molecules and compounds for agriculture and food sectors to provide farmers and producers with all types of natural agricultural products, operates the MAAVi Innovation Center, Europe's largest biotechnology innovation hub. By combining Bayer's product development expertise with Kimitec's discovery capabilities, biological product development processes will be accelerated to deliver integrated plant management solutions that are scalable and improvable. Dr. Robert Reiter, Head of R&D at Bayer Crop Science: "As Bayer, we are committed to providing producers with the benefits of biological solutions as part of an integrated plant management system supported by our innovative seed traits, plant protection products and digital tools. Every producer can benefit from a broad range of biological products, from seed breeding to pest control. As Bayer, we will bring solution systems together to provide producers with greater flexibility and deliver greater value." Within the scope of this agreement, Kimitec plays an important role in accelerating Bayer's biological product development process. MAAVi Innovation Center, operated by Kimitec, a world leader in biological product R&D, will increase Bayer's ability to bring next-generation biological products to market through its expertise and breakthrough technologies including artificial intelligence applications that shorten time to results. Bayer Crop Science Division Head of Biological Products Benoit Hartmann commented on the matter: "Our work with Kimitec paves the way for innovative biological solutions by presenting a unique accelerated pathway to help us realize our shared vision of nature-derived, next-generation, effective, reliable and sustainable solutions. Bayer's partnership with Kimitec is a very clear example of how we leverage our open innovation ecosystem to work with different strategic partners and bring next-generation biological products to producers." The biological products market is expected to reach approximately EUR 25 billion by 2028, as consumer demand for low-residue and residue-free food products and retailer food supply standards push producers to seek new innovations in plant protection. Since 2007, Kimitec has developed effective biological products that offer effective alternatives and complementary options to synthetic plant protection products. Kimitec CEO Félix García commented on the matter: "Kimitec set out 15 years ago with a clear vision to transform the way food is produced. Our agreement with Bayer will help us realize our vision by enabling us to expand our global footprint and bring our technology to millions of producers for the first time. As a world leader in biological solutions R&D and production, Kimitec offers producers natural and sustainable solutions without compromising effectiveness or productivity. This agreement with Bayer is perfectly aligned with our 360 Open Innovation strategy, which aims to establish partnerships with the world's leading innovative companies to deliver meaningful and sustainable solutions for producers, consumers and the planet."