Background

Bayer Crop Science, in collaboration with AgStart, is committed to supporting the next wave of innovation in sustainable agriculture. Located in Woodland, California, The Lab @AgStart offers early-stage companies access to specialized infrastructure, scientific expertise, and participation in a thriving AgriFoodTech ecosystem. This partnership provides startups with the facilities, support, and connections needed to accelerate the development and commercialization of novel biological products advancing crop protection, improving agricultural efficiency, and contributing to the long-term sustainability and resilience of global food systems.

The selected startup will receive twelve months of fully-paid use of one lab bench and access to shared instruments and equipment at The Lab @AgStart. While Bayer covers the cost of the lab space, awardees must have a budget to support consumables, reagents, and related research expenses, and must agree to AgStart’s standard occupancy terms. Startups from any location are eligible, but team members must be able to travel to Woodland, California, and maintain an active presence at the facility for the duration of the program. Please note that Bayer cannot provide visa sponsorship.

We welcome applications from startups developing novel biological products or enabling technologies that address key challenges in agriculture. These may include new molecules and modes of action (e.g., natural products, nature-identical compounds, proteins, peptides, or RNAi) as well as synthetic biology platforms designed to engineer microbial strains with unique attributes or to produce novel actives. Computational approaches for functional screening of bioactivity in microbes or natural sources are also of interest. Additionally, we welcome innovations in formulation and delivery, including encapsulation, controlled-release systems, foliar application technologies, and carrier platforms that improve uptake, stability, or adherence. Of particular interest are solutions that introduce new mechanisms or delivery strategies not widely represented in today’s commercial biological offerings. Priority will be given to technologies applicable to crops such as corn, cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

We are open to startups developing any of the technologies or approaches listed above that can drive meaningful impact in the areas outlined below.