AgResearch: Bioactive molecules as antimicrobial products - research partnership

Opportunity for

• Ag chem companies interested in supporting early R&D of bio control crop protection products
• Animal health companies interested in supporting early R&D of antimicrobial products for livestock
• Industry partners, funding bodies, RDCs interested in collaboration projects with NZ Crown Research Institute.

Opportunity description

Industry challenge:

AgResearch is currently conducting trial validation using bioactive compounds to reduce the incidences of facial eczema in animals. This is a problem that can significantly affect the animal productivity and therefore exports revenue.

Parallel to this we have also observed in laboratory trials that this bioactive compound reduces fungi, that are predominant in many horticultural crops. The industry challenges are to find sustainable and natural solutions to solve animal health and crop diseases, while showing efficacy.

Current opportunity:

Since the bioactive molecules' activity seems to be quiet broad, we are wanting to identify opportunities where our product could solve other actual industry problems.

We would like to have the opportunity to get in front of relevant Australian companies to discuss our solution and be able to validate its need. Therefore, having those connections or industry introductions would be very helpful and crucial.

Opportunity background:

We have validated laboratory results confirming the activity of the bioactive molecules against a fungus causing facial eczema in animals. Results are positive at this stage with 100% efficacy.

We have also done some small on plant testing showing 100% reduction in fungus. We currently have funding from KiwiNet NZ to work on our IP strategy, technical trials and market validation. We are wanting to continue to validate this solution in the international market and learn about other relevant issues that we can provide solution for. We need funding for the research pipeline, product formulation and making it ready for the market. A mentor to assist in putting this together as a package that can be attractive for investors, including solution, value proposition and financials. Further engagement with relevant agrichemical companies who will be interested in natural, safe and antimicrobial solution.