We are looking for the next generation of active ingredients, proteins, and RNA-based molecules to control economically significant agricultural pests, including insects and plant-parasitic nematodes. Pesticidal compounds of interest include (1) biochemical molecules such as proteins, peptides, and RNA or other macromolecules appropriate for in planta production and (2) chemical compounds, also referred to as small molecules. Such compounds may be derived from bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, algae, and plants. We welcome both naturally occurring compounds and engineered or derived variants. Actives of high interest will be considered for licensing agreements. Finalists may be asked to sign a material transfer agreement and ship their actives for internal evaluation, at BASF’s expense. Solutions of interest include new pesticidal compounds exhibiting significant activity against the following pest groups:

• Lepidopteran insects such as armyworms, diamondback moths, and bollworms
• Coleopteran insects such as beetles, rootworms, and weevils
• Hemipteran insects such as stink bugs, planthoppers, leafhoppers, and thrips
• Plant-parasitic nematodes such as root-knot nematodes (RKN), root lesion nematodes (RLN), and soybean cyst nematodes (SCN)