Scaling sustainability: Your opportunity to partner with biosolutions giants

^{Four of the most significant opportunities currently available to engage with global industry leaders}

For biosolutions startups and scale-ups, the journey from lab bench breakthrough to global market impact is often a steep climb. Whether you are developing bio-based ingredients, sustainable packaging or carbon-sequestering agricultural inputs, the valley of death between a pilot study and industrial-scale production is real.

However, the world’s largest corporations are increasingly looking to biotechnology to hit their Net Zero targets and meet consumer demand for greener products. Many have established dedicated open innovation portals and accelerators to scout for outside talent.

If you are a biosolutions company ready to scale, here are four of the most significant opportunities currently available to engage with global industry leaders.

1. Agriculture and crop science: Shoots by Syngenta

Syngenta is one of the world’s leading agriculture companies, and through their Shoots by Syngenta platform, they are actively looking for scientific partnerships. They focus on high-science challenges that require deep biotech expertise.

• Focus areas: Sustainable sourcing, soil health, biologicals for crop protection and digital tools for farming.
• The opportunity: Access to Syngenta’s massive R&D dataset, testing facilities and a clear path to licensing or commercial partnership.

2. Agri-food biotech: Bayer and its bio-transitions programme

Bayer has recently partnered with the Norwich Research Park to launch the Bio-Transitions Global Scale-up Programme. This is a highly specialised initiative for businesses sitting at the intersection of agriculture and biotechnology. It is a new programme and one you ought to keep an eye on!

• Focus areas: Tools that enable the Great Transition in food production – specifically bio-based fertilisers, plant genetics and carbon-smart farming.
• The opportunity: This program is specifically designed for scale-ups, helping companies move from successful proof-of-concept to global commercialisation with Bayer’s backing.

3. Personal care and home care: Innovate with Unilever

Unilever has one of the most sophisticated open innovation ecosystems in the world. They have publicly committed to replacing fossil-fuel-derived carbon in their cleaning and laundry formulations with renewable or recycled carbon by 2030.

• Focus areas: Bio-surfactants, biodegradable polymers, enzymes for cleaning, and sustainable fragrance molecules.
• The opportunity: Unilever offers a structured Foundry approach, providing a clear entry point for startups to pitch specific solutions to defined technical challenges.

4. Specialty chemicals: Croda ‘smart science’

Croda provides the invisible ingredients that make other products work, from vaccines to shampoos. It is heavily invested in ‘smart science,’ which increasingly means ‘biotech science.’ Croda is always looking to partner with those in the industry.

• Focus areas: Bio-based specialty chemicals, sustainable actives for skin care and high-performance polymers that are not derived from petrochemicals.
• The opportunity: Croda is known for collaborative R&D. They often enter into joint development agreements (JDAs) where they provide the market access and manufacturing know-how while you provide the core biotech IP.

Keep an eye on:

Mondelēz International

While the CoLab programme by Mondelēz (the makers of Oreo and Cadbury) is currently closed for new applications, it is a recurring initiative. They typically look for disruptive snack brands and technologies. If your biosolution relates to food preservation or waste reduction, keep this on your radar for the next cohort.

The pladis Accelerator

The company behind iconic brands like McVitie’s and Godiva, pladis, is focused on the future of snacking. Their accelerator program is designed to bring external innovation into their global supply chain. It is focused on biosolutions companies, with an interest in sustainable packaging alternatives and functional ingredients that reduce sugar or salt without compromising taste. Participants have the potential to benefit from mentorship from industry executives and the potential to pilot their solutions across a global manufacturing footprint. Whilst it is closed right now, there is a possibility it could open in the future.

Why partner?

For a biosolutions company, these programs offer more than just funding. They provide validation. Having a pilot with a company like Unilever or Bayer is a powerful signal to investors that your technology is not just scientifically sound, but commercially viable.

The tip for success

Before applying, ensure your IP is protected and that you can clearly articulate how your solution fits into the corporation's specific sustainability goals. Don't just pitch a cool tech – pitch a solution to their problem.