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- What we're looking for
- What we can offer you
- Who we are
- Q&A
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Background
We are seeking new "point-of-care" tools for detection of DNA and/or RNA features in plant material for routine use in non-lab settings. These tools would be used for genetic quality assessment of leaf and seed material. The current norm is that diagnostics are tied to a laboratory setting. We are seeking in-field diagnostics. This challenge needs to be addressed because of the sustainability matters and because the demand of the market or customers and governmental requirements.
What we're looking for
The current assessment of GMO is done using lateral flow strips and by PCR. However, the current methodology requires sample transportation, processing, trained personnel and specialized lab equipment, which can be time and resource demanding. Point-of-care tools that could provide rapid results on the genetic quality of plant materials would reduce costs associated with centralized lab testing and allow timely decision making on the field.
Our must-have requirements are:
- The final product (after partnering with BASF) will need to pass the must-have requirements for a DNA/RNA detection tool. These are not all required for an initial proposal:
- Flexible detection of larger genetic inserts or single nucleotide polymorphisms
- Analytical lead time < 30 mins (from sample receival to results)
- Require minimal or no purification of DNA/RNA prior to detection
- Analysis to be performed in a field, greenhouse, or warehouse-like environment
- Capable of detecting multiple targets simultaneously
- Robust, highly sensitive and potential for quantitative measurements
- End to end solution from reaction to a readout using hardware
Our nice-to-have's are:
- Preference for amplification-free solutions and solutions that are scalable and cost effective.
What's out of scope:
- Protein detection (Our interest is in tools for DNA/RNA detection and not any translated protein)
Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL):
Levels 1-4
What we can offer you
Eligible partnership models:
Sponsored research
Benefits:
Sponsored Research
Funding is proposal dependent, up to $100,000-$150,000 for a 6-12 month project with potential follow-on funding.Expertise
Partners will have access to industry experts in evaluating and scaling novel technologies.Who we are
As a global chemical company, we operate in diverse markets with varying requirements. To ensure responsible conduct and maintain our license to operate, we are guided by our core values and standards. These values shape our daily actions and foster respectful relationships with colleagues, customers, and partners.
Our teams are committed to putting health and safety first, making sustainability a part of every decision, and meeting strict compliance and environmental standards. We embrace diversity—in people, perspectives, and experiences—and promote open feedback grounded in honesty, respect, and trust. We see setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.
Learn moreReviewers
Emir Islamovic
Innovation and Partnership Manager
LJ
Lauren Junker
Technology Scout
TH
Tom Holcombe
Collaboration & Scouting NA
KB
Kavita Bitra
Technology scout
MF
Megan Franklin
Innovation Scout
SS
Sophia Steffens
Innovation & Scouting
Q&A with BASF
The Q&A is now closed.
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Q.
What are BASF's expectations regarding intellectual property resulting from sponsored work?
BC
Barbara Carroll, Tech Transfer, Dublin City University
October 6, 2023
5
A.
BASF's expectations regarding intellectual property resulting from sponsored work would vary for each collaborator and it would depend on various factors. These would be discussed and established prior to starting the project. Thank you. BASF Team.
Emir Islamovic, Innovation and Partnership Manager, BASF
October 18, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
1
Q.
Your POC detection interest is for specific DETECTION of GMOs or for DETECTION and then ANALYSIS of sequences?
3
A.
Yes, POC detection is only for specific detection of GMOs.
Emir Islamovic, Innovation and Partnership Manager, BASF
November 23, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
We are currently focused on field-based detection methods for plant-infecting viruses. Could you please provide me with more details regarding the relevance of larger genetic inserts or SNPs in this context?
3
A.
Larger genetic inserts or SNPs are related to specific plant traits, which need to be assessed in the field. Thank you. BASF Team.
Emir Islamovic, Innovation and Partnership Manager, BASF
October 18, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
In terms of the large genes or genetic inserts, how long would be the target DNA/RNA sequence?
YC
October 31, 2023
2
A.
The most critical part for the detection would be the uniqueness of the DNA/RNA sequence. This would be applicable for both small and large genes or genetic inserts. We would be interested as long as your approach would detect a unique portion of the large gene or genetic insert.
Emir Islamovic, Innovation and Partnership Manager, BASF
November 23, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
(1) Are the "larger genetic inserts or single nucleotide polymorphisms" expressed as RNA in all conditions of interest? For example in warehouse-like environment.
(2) What is the maximum price and size of hardware?
2
A.
(1) Yes, the "larger genetic inserts or single nucleotide polymorphisms" are expressed as RNA in all conditions of interest.
(2) Our preference is for analysis to be performed in a field, greenhouse, or warehouse-like environment and this would impact the maximum price and the size of the hardware. For example, in the field, an optimal size would be something that could be handheld. Price would depend on various factors, for example, if approach is one time use or reusable.
Emir Islamovic, Innovation and Partnership Manager, BASF
November 23, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Are you interested in spectroscopic techniques coupled with machine learning that can detect the biochemical changes induced by genetic modification, rather than specific N.A. modification?
2
A.
Yes
Emir Islamovic, Innovation and Partnership Manager, BASF
November 23, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
What is the estimated project budget, and what is the expected project duration?
2
A.
Hi Jayne. The project budget ranges between $100,000-$150,000 for a 6-12 month sponsored research collaboration. Depending on the outcome there can be potential follow-on funding.
PC
Pri Carter, Pilot Project Lead, BASF
November 10, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Are you interested in a proposal that suggest using portable electrophoresis instrument that can be used in the field for DNA/RNA detection?
SS
November 27, 2023
1
A.
Yes, we would be interested in a proposal that suggest using portable electrophoresis instrument that can be used in the field for DNA/RNA detection. If possible, please provide a short description of the readout, quantitative measurements range and the cost of your approach.
Emir Islamovic, Innovation and Partnership Manager, BASF
November 27, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
What are the purposes of DNA/RNA detection? For growth monitoring or disease detection? Thanks!
JH
October 6, 2023
1
A.
For point mutations and large DNA insertions. Please submit your proposal if you are interested.
Thank you,
BASF team.
KB
Kavita Bitra, Technology scout, BASF
October 6, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
We are working on point-of-care diagnostics for infectious diseases which require no electricity or instrumentation. What are you looking to detect in your point-of-care assays? Viruses? Large genes? Point mutations?
GT
October 4, 2023
1
A.
We are looking for point mutations and large genes. If you are interested, please submit your proposal. Thank you. BASF Team.
Emir Islamovic, Innovation and Partnership Manager, BASF
October 4, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
What are your requirements for detection throughput, 96-well plates, or single-sample testing? What are your expectations for sample pre-processing (DNA Extraction), and is it necessary to integrate it into the system?
PZ
October 9, 2023
1
A.
The detection throughput is intended for field applications and hence a high throughput testing is needed. Process can be developed for single sample but for end application it needs to be customized to high throughput scale. Sample pre-processing needs to be simple and the signal should be detected in a crude sample extract. Hope this answer is helpful.
Thanks,
BASF team.
KB
Kavita Bitra, Technology scout, BASF
October 9, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
For the DNA/RNA detection case - Are there specific GM traits/genes that you would like to test for? Would BASF indicate the trait/sequence to detect?
Thanks
JW
October 17, 2023
1
A.
Specific traits/genes that we would like to test for are easily found at our website. For example, https://agriculture.basf.us/crop-protection/crops/cotton.html The specific sequence will be indicated prior to the start of the project. Hope this answer is helpful. Thank you. BASF Team.
Emir Islamovic, Innovation and Partnership Manager, BASF
October 18, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Can we request indirect cost? If so, what is the percentage allowed?
AT
October 19, 2023
1
A.
Yes, you can request indirect cost. We understand that each institution has a different percentage and that is why we do not have a limit on the allowed percentage. Thank you. BASF Team.
Emir Islamovic, Innovation and Partnership Manager, BASF
October 19, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
What are the large DNA insertions of your best interest? We have an on-site amplification free DNA detection method and would like to know the targets for detection to be included in our proposal.
1
A.
The large DNA insertions of our best interest are related to specific plant traits, which need to be assessed in the field. These would be unique DNA sequences. Hope this answer is helpful. Thanks, BASF team.
Emir Islamovic, Innovation and Partnership Manager, BASF
October 18, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
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