LONDON: Eden Research plc, a sustainable biopesticide and biocontrol technology company, announced a strategic partnership with Royal Holloway, University of London, to advance its seed treatment product for cereals and vegetables.
The collaboration, formed under Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership program, will leverage academic expertise and research facilities to broaden the application of Eden’s flagship seed treatment, currently used for maize. Innovate UK will fund 67% of the project, with Eden covering the remaining 33%.
The KTP initiative provides an estimated £80,000 to £100,000 ($102,000 to $127,000) annually, covering research costs, salaries and training. Eden will gain access to Royal Holloway’s seed biology laboratories and the expertise of Dr. Tina Steinbrecher and Professor Gerhard Leubner, leading researchers in plant biochemistry. A new seed scientist will also join Eden’s research team.
Dr. James Hourston, Eden’s lead biology research scientist and a Royal Holloway alumnus, will oversee the collaboration, ensuring a smooth transition into the development project.
Eden’s seed treatment, approved for temporary use in Italy, repels birds by emitting an odor that discourages them from eating planted seeds. Made from plant-based ingredients, it offers a sustainable alternative to conventional treatments. Expanding its use to other crops could open new markets for the company.
“This partnership accelerates our ability to develop eco-friendly solutions for farmers,” said Sean Smith, CEO of Eden Research. He emphasized the value of Steinbrecher and Leubner’s expertise in advancing sustainable agriculture.
Steinbrecher and Leubner said they look forward to combining Royal Holloway’s seed science research with Eden’s technology to create greener farming solutions.
The project aims to enhance crop resilience while reducing environmental impact, aligning with global demands for sustainable agriculture.
Eden Research trades on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol EDEN.