Bayer partners with Kimitec to advance biological research

A new strategic partnership between Bayer and Kimitec will focus on biological crop protection and biostimulant development and commercialization. The global agreement will make the companies key partners in advancing and establishing biological solutions derived from natural sources. This includes crop protection products that address pests, diseases, and weeds, and biostimulants to promote plant growth.

Kimitec operates the MAAVi Innovation Center, a biotechnological innovation hub with 15 years of research and discovery experience. Biological product development will be accelerated by leveraging Bayer's expertise with Kimitec's discovery abilities. These new integrated crop management solutions can be scaled and developed through Bayer's global infrastructure backbone with field testing, product support, and commercialization.

"Bayer is committed to providing growers with the benefits of biological solutions as part of an integrated crop management system backed by our leading traits, crop protection products, and digital tools," said Robert Reiter, head of research and development Bayer Crop Science, in a news release. "Every farmer can benefit from biologicals, from seed treatment to pest control, and Bayer will be bringing together systems of solutions to provide more value by providing farmers greater flexibility."

A world leader in biological research and development, Kimitec's MAAVi Innovation Center will provide expertise and unique disruptive technology to fuel Bayer's ability to market the next generation of biological solutions.

"Our work with Kimitec offers a unique, accelerated path to innovative biological solutions that will help us deliver on our shared vision for a new generation of effective, safe, and sustainable solutions derived from nature," said Benoit Hartmann, head of biologics for Bayer Crop Science, in a news release. "Being able to partner with Kimitec is exactly how Bayer is going to leverage the open innovation ecosystem to work with our different strategic partners and bring the next generation of biologicals to growers."