The French startup baCta, specializing in the bioproduction of industrial ingredients, announces a funding round of €7 million to accelerate the development of a fermentation process dedicated to producing astaxanthin, a sought-after antioxidant in the cosmetics and nutraceutical sectors.
Elaine Watson, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "Can fermentation undercut synthetics? baCta chases astaxanth..." - 4 March 2026
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Bindbridge, a biotechnology startup based in Cambridge, has secured $3.8 million in funding to develop innovative crop protection solutions. Utilizing an AI-driven discovery platform, the company aims to design molecular glues that target protein degradation in weeds and pests, addressing the challenges of herbicide resistance and the growing demands for food safety. This approach could transform the agrochemical sector, traditionally constrained by costly and lengthy research methods.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Bindbridge raises $3.8M to deliver next-gen crop protection ..." - 3 March 2026
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The European Commission has announced an agreement on a regulatory framework for plants developed using new genomic techniques, aimed at promoting innovation while adhering to safety standards. This framework introduces two categories of NGT plants, facilitating access to more resilient and sustainable varieties for farmers, while reducing administrative burdens. The implementation of these rules is scheduled for 2028, accompanied by a program to monitor economic and environmental impacts.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "EU Commission Welcomes Political Agreement on New Genomic Te..." - 23 February 2026
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A study published in Nature Plants by researchers from the University of California, Davis, and the Innovative Genomics Institute (UC Berkeley) highlights a gene editor that is more compact than CRISPR/Cas9, capable of making effective genetic modifications in tobacco. Based on an enzyme derived from 'jumping genes', this tool could accelerate plant breeding by enabling precise modifications without the insertion of foreign DNA.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "A pint-sized gene editor could expand precision breeding in ..." - 23 February 2026
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Resurrect Bio, a London-based biotechnology company, has announced the initial closing of its $8.1 million Series A funding round, led by Corteva. This financing will accelerate the development of its disease resistance trait discovery platform, integrating AI and genomic editing to restore plants' natural defensive capabilities. This innovation could transform crop protection by providing sustainable and effective solutions for farmers.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Resurrect Bio Secures $8.1M Series A to Advance Gene-Edited ..." - 19 February 2026
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Researchers from Aberystwyth University have identified specific traits of Miscanthus that could enhance carbon storage in soil, thereby contributing to the fight against climate change. This study, published in Frontiers in Plant Science, highlights the importance of low-lignin rhizomes and roots for optimizing carbon sequestration while maintaining high yields.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Plant trait discovery could boost soil carbon storage" - 17 February 2026
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The European Commission recently presented a proposal for a regulation aimed at strengthening the biotechnology and bioproduction sectors. This text, part of a series of legislative initiatives, seeks to simplify authorization procedures and reduce regulatory constraints. However, this approach raises concerns about public health and environmental protection by redefining priorities in favor of industrial interests and startups.
Source: Info Ogm, published under the title "Règlement biotech : la précaution sacrifiée au nom de l’inno..." - 17 February 2026
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The French start-up CryoBio has raised $1.3 million to develop a frost protection solution inspired by natural antifreeze molecules. The goal is to move to field trials to reduce agricultural losses caused by late frosts.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "CryoBio Raises $1.3M Pre-Seed Round to Develop Frost Protect..." - 16 February 2026
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Mercy Corps Ventures has selected Salicrop for a pilot project aimed at testing a non-GMO seed treatment technology designed to enhance tomato resilience against heat and salinity. This initiative, part of a water security program, targets farmers in Baja California facing extreme climatic conditions. Crop trials are scheduled for the 2026 season, with rigorous monitoring of agronomic performance and sustainability indicators.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Mercy Corps Ventures Launches Pilot with Salicrop to Support..." - 16 February 2026
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Schoneveld Breeding, a Dutch specialist in ornamental plants, joins De Groot en Slot, a recognized variety selection company particularly in vegetable crops. This collaboration aims to enhance innovation and the development of sustainable solutions in the horticultural sector, while maintaining the operational independence of Schoneveld Breeding and speeding up the development of new varieties.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Schoneveld Breeding becomes part of De Groot en Slot - Famil..." - 13 February 2026
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