Live Challenges
Help us advance biocontrol of soil insect pests
Closing Date: November 30, 2025
“We are looking for R&D collaborators to help us identify the next generation of biocontrol agents for soil insect pests, to help farmers in their battle to protect their crops and deliver sustainable agriculture."
Benedikt Kurtz, Scientific Expert Seedcare Insecticides & Nematicides, Syngenta
Background
Soil-based pests cause extensive damage to essential crops, including corn and soybeans. This can greatly impact yields and poses a serious threat to agricultural productivity worldwide.
As a leader in biologicals and seed treatment technologies, Syngenta is dedicated to developing innovative biocontrol solutions to address this challenge, and we need your help to do so.
Existing biocontrol solutions for soil pests often lose effectiveness when delivered as a seed treatment—a method farmers favour due to convenience and efficiency. We are actively seeking innovative biocontrol technologies optimised for seed treatment delivery, though solutions designed for soil application will also be considered.
Our primary interest lies in microbial-based solutions, yet we are open to exploring other biocontrol technologies, including proteins, peptides, and natural products. Ideal solutions should show preliminary evidence of efficacy in pest control or have a strong rationale for development.
Syngenta is open to collaborating with startups, researchers, universities, and R&D partners to co-develop groundbreaking solutions enabling farmers to combat soil pests more effectively. Join us in advancing agricultural innovation to protect and sustain crop production worldwide.
What we're looking for
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Initial Efficacy Data: Early evidence of efficacy, such as results from whole plant assays in pots or glasshouse environments or a compelling scientific rationale supporting effectiveness against soil pests like wireworms or rootworms.
- Efficacy demonstrated through field validations.
- Different approaches to biocontrol such as:
- Inducing systemic acquired resistance
- Acting as an attractant in addition to biocidal activity
- Acting as a repellant
- Improvement to the Rhizobiome
What we can offer you
Work with us to help feed the world
Our people are specialists: they are innovators, scientists, engineers, technologists, regulatory experts and data scientists in multiple fields.