U.K.-based plant biotechnology specialist Phytoform Labs will be the first startup outside of North Carolina State University's research community to utilize the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative's Seed2Grow agricultural technology incubator.
As the winner of Bayer's Golden Ticket program, Phytoform Labs will join the Seed2Grow startup community housed in NC State's Plant Sciences Building.
The company is the first international startup to participate in the incubator and will receive 12 months of access to shared laboratory space, business and technical mentorship and robust networking opportunities.
The Golden Ticket program, co-sponsored by Bayer and the N.C. PSI, provides one promising ag tech startup with a year of incubator access, including lab bench space, cubicle and connection to Bayer's global innovator network and the broader Seed2Grow program benefits.
© Phytofarm LabsPhytoform creates novel plant traits that can be licensed to food brands, processing partners and seed companies
"Our partnership with Bayer continues to strengthen the impact of Seed2Grow by expanding our entrepreneurial ecosystem," said N.C. PSI Executive Director Adrian Percy. "We are pleased to welcome Phytoform Labs to our startup community and to support their growth as they scale their innovations."
Seed2Grow is an entrepreneurship program run by the N.C. PSI at NC State University. The program helps researchers and early-stage startups turn plant science ideas into viable solutions.
It provides access to shared lab and office space in the Plant Sciences Building, connections with faculty and student talent, business mentoring, networking opportunities, and guidance on developing and commercializing innovations that benefit farmers and the broader food system.
"The Golden Ticket program reflects our strong partnership with the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative and our shared commitment to accelerating agricultural innovation," said Raphael Dumain, global head of external innovation and partnerships at Bayer Crop Science.
"Supporting Phytoform Labs through Seed2Grow helps move promising technologies to market that can strengthen sustainability and productivity across agriculture."
About the winner
Phytoform Labs is leveraging AI led novel plant-breeding techniques to improve crops like potatoes and tomatoes.
The company applies AI to predict genetic solutions and delivers CRISPR-Cas ribonucleoprotein–based gene-editing approaches that enable faster, consistent and more cost-effective crop improvement.
© Phytofarm LabsThe Seed2Grow ag tech incubator provides combined open office and web lab space in the Plant Sciences Building on NC State's Centennial Campus. `
Phytoform is expanding their footprint in the United States to commercialize its technology further, starting with potato.
Using protoplast-based delivery pipelines, Phytoform creates novel plant traits that can be licensed to food brands, processing partners and seed companies.
Through its Seed2Grow residency, the company will deliver on existing commercial obligations and accelerate their potato programs time to market — aimed at reducing food waste, preserving crop quality and delivering value across the potato supply chain, from growers to retailers.
"The Golden Ticket opportunity is going to greatly benefit Phytoform Labs," said William Pelton, co-founder of Phytoform Labs. "Access to Seed2Grow's facilities, expertise and network will accelerate our work in the U.S. and help us bring game-changing potato traits and other technologies to market."
Source: North Carolina State University
