Tag Archive for: Bionema

Bionema advances Innovate UK–funded BiofilmTech® programme

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Bionema advances Innovate UK–funded BiofilmTech® programme: Bionema Group has announced major progress in its Innovate UK–funded BiofilmTech® programme, following early breakthroughs that point to a new generation of biological fertilisers capable of supporting multiple plant functions from a single integrated microbial system.

Today, most biological fertilisers are typically based on single strains with narrow, single-benefit claims such as nitrogen fixation or stress support. BiofilmTech® is being developed to move beyond this approach. Bionema’s early work indicates that its multi-microbe platform — combining several beneficial organisms — could offer broader, more reliable benefits for growers. Although specific mechanisms remain confidential pending patent filings, early results suggest stronger nutrient availability, improved crop resilience, and consistent root activity across different soils and climates.

Bionema advances Innovate UK–funded BiofilmTech® programme

Bionema advances Innovate UK–funded BiofilmTech® programme

A key area of interest is BiofilmTech®’s potential to support crops even under cooler conditions, where many commercial biologicals struggle to perform. This capability, together with the multi-benefit profile under development, positions BiofilmTech® as a promising next-generation alternative to conventional fertiliser programmes.

The timing is significant. With tighter fertiliser regulation, rising production costs, and increasing pressure to reduce emissions, global demand for more dependable biological nutrient solutions continues to grow. Agricultural companies are actively seeking technologies that can deliver broader functionality and more consistent field performance, without relying solely on single-mechanism microbial products.

Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group, said:
“BiofilmTech® is being designed to do far more than today’s single-strain products. Our early findings suggest a new type of biological fertiliser that supports plant health in several ways at once. We believe this could open a meaningful new opportunity for the industry, and we welcome early discussions with global partners as we move into the next stage of development.”

Supported by an Innovate UK grant, Bionema is now advancing BiofilmTech® toward more extensive field testing, scalable formulation pathways, and preparation for commercial evaluation. The company is opening strategic conversations with international fertiliser and crop-input companies interested in co-development, licensing, and regional deployment opportunities ahead of anticipated market readiness in the coming years.

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Bionema Receives the King’s Award

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Bionema Receives the King’s Award: Bionema Group Ltd., a pioneering UK biocontrol technology company, has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise – Innovation 2024, recognising its world-leading innovations in sustainable crop protection and soil regeneration.

The prestigious award was formally presented by Mrs. Louise Fleet CStJ, JP, His Majesty The King’s Lord-Lieutenant for West Glamorgan, acting as the personal representative of His Majesty King Charles III, during a grand ceremony held on 15 May 2025 at The Guildhall, Swansea.

Bionema Receives the King’s Aaward

Bionema Receives the King’s Aaward

“This once-in-a-lifetime honour highlights the global impact of Bionema’s nature-based innovations,” said Dr. Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema. “We are proud to lead a movement away from harmful chemicals and toward a more regenerative, sustainable future in farming.

Why Bionema Was Selected

  • Innovative Technology: Patented NemaTrident®, a tri-component nematode-based bioinsecticide system with a biocompatible wetting agent—acquired by Syngenta in 2021.
  • Environmental Impact: Zero residue, safe for non-target species, and free from pesticide resistance, supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
  • Commercial Growth: 1,882% export growth, 105% increase in total sales, and 62% of turnover driven by innovation.
  • Customer Success Model: Integrated technical training and support to ensure optimal field performance.
  • ESG Leadership: Proven alignment with sustainability goals and environmental stewardship.

Royal Recognition at Windsor Castle

In July 2024, Dr. Ansari was invited to Windsor Castle, where he met His Majesty The King and shared insights into Bionema’s microbial innovations. This rare honour underscored the national significance of Bionema’s leadership in advancing nature-based crop protection.

Award Celebration – The Guildhall, Swansea | 15 May 2025

The formal award ceremony gathered over 70 distinguished guests, including:

Mrs. Louise Fleet CStJ, JP – HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan.

Mrs. Diana Stroia, High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, and Mr. Dave Matthews.

Cllr. Paxton Hood-Williams, Lord Mayor of Swansea, and Lady Mayoress Patricia Hood-Williams.

Cllr. Wayne Carpenter, Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, and Mayoress Carol Carpenter.

Prof. David Smith, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University.

Representatives from Swansea University, Innovate UK, UK Agri-Tech Centres, and regional leaders in science, government, and business

Keynote speakers:

Prof. Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, Chairman of Bionema

Dr. Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO

Stephen Ford, Chief Technology Officer

“This is a proud day for UK science and sustainability,” added Stephen Ford, Bionema’s CTO.

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Bionema Leads £961,000 Biofilm Biofertiliser Project

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Bionema Leads £961,000 Biofilm Biofertiliser Project: As the world faces mounting pressure to reduce synthetic fertiliser use amid climate and soil degradation crises, a groundbreaking £961,000 project led by Bionema Group, a UK-based biocontrol technology developer, is paving the way for a sustainable transformation in nutrient management.

This project is funded by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) through the Farming Innovation Programme, under the Nutrient Management Competition. The programme is delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

Bionema Leads £961,000 Biofilm Biofertiliser Project

Bionema Leads £961,000 Biofilm Biofertiliser Project

Funded by Innovate UK, the Biofilm Biofertiliser project brings together a consortium of scientific and industry leaders to develop a first-of-its-kind, biofilm-based biofertiliser, offering a scalable, low-cost, and environmentally responsible alternative to chemical fertilisers. This UK-developed innovation is poised to have global relevance as agriculture seeks regenerative, high-impact solutions to feed a growing population without destroying natural ecosystems.

“The global fertiliser crisis is not just about rising prices—it’s about the survival of our soils,” said Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group. “This unique biofilm technology enables farmers to drastically cut synthetic inputs while restoring soil health and increasing crop productivity.”

A Unique Microbial Solution for a Global Challenge

By leveraging a novel consortium of UK-native, biofilm-forming plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), the biofertiliser is designed to reduce synthetic fertiliser usage by 40–50%, while improving nutrient uptake, soil structure, and crop yields by 20–30%.

Formulated as water-dispersible granules (WDG) and encapsulated products, the solution will be easy to apply and have a minimum shelf life of up to 24 months, meeting the operational needs of both large-scale and smallholder farms globally.

Three-year field trials will assess product performance on wheat, potatoes, strawberries, and ornamentals across multiple UK farms. The results are expected to provide a blueprint for international adoption across diverse soil and crop types.

“This project offers a revolutionary approach to improving soil health and reducing nitrogen dependency,” said Richard Glass, Innovation Lead at the UK Agri-Tech Centre. “The environmental and economic benefits could be transformative for farmers in the UK and globally.”

A Collaboration to Scale Sustainability

In addition to Bionema Group’s leadership in microbial R&D and product development, the project consortium includes:

  1. CPI, providing process development, scale-up, and manufacturing support.
  2. UK Agri-Tech Centre, leading knowledge exchange, end-user engagement, and impact dissemination.

“We’re excited to help bring this breakthrough to market,” said Kris Wadrop, Managing Director – Materials at CPI. “By combining our formulation expertise with Bionema’s biological innovation, we’re creating a product that can be scaled in the UK and deployed globally.”

Lasting Impact and Global Relevance

This innovative product addresses critical issues in modern agriculture:

  1. Reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nitrogen runoff
  2. Strengthens resilience against climate and market volatility
  3. Supports compliance with UK and EU fertiliser reduction targets
  4. Aligns with UN SDGs: Zero Hunger, Climate Action, Life on Land, and Responsible Consumption

By producing and scaling the solution in the UK, the project reduces import dependency and positions the UK as a global leader in biocontrol and biofertiliser innovation.

“This is not just a UK story—it’s a global one,” added Dr. Ansari. “With the right partnerships and investment, we can roll out this sustainable technology to farmers worldwide.”

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Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

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Bionema Unveils NemaGen™: Bionema Group, a leading developer of biocontrol technologies for crop protection and plant health management, announces the launch of NemaGen™, a next-generation range of native beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes.

Featuring species like Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, NemaGen™ is designed for superior adaptability and efficacy, tailored to increase local ecosystems. This innovative technology addresses critical pest challenges in agriculture, horticulture, sports turf, and forestry, achieving up to 20-30% improved pest control compared to conventional bioinsecticides or biopesticides, significantly reducing environmental impact.

Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

“NemaGen™ is a groundbreaking solution for biological pest control,” said Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema. “By utilising native beneficial nematode strains, we provide highly effective solutions and adaptable to our customers’ environmental conditions. This innovation underscores our commitment to sustainable practices that protect ecosystems while enhancing productivity in the industry.”

Building on the success of NemaTrident® and Nemaspreader®—technologies acquired by Syngenta in 2021—NemaGen™ introduces improved adaptability and effectiveness through locally sourced nematodes. Honoured with the King’s Award for Innovation in 2024 for NemaTrident® innovation, NemaGen™ cutting-edge product has shown exceptional performance against pests like leatherjackets and chafer grubs, which cause over £70 million in annual turf damage.

Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

“Our NemaGen™ products go beyond pest control,” added Dr Ansari. “They empower growers, farmers, turf professionals, and foresters with sustainable tools to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides while safeguarding essential non-target species like pollinators and earthworms, vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem balance. This aligns with global efforts toward sustainable agriculture and food security.”

The NemaGen™ range integrates seamlessly with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, which combine biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods to manage pests sustainably. With its selective action against harmful insect pests, NemaGen™ minimises impact on non-target species and ecosystems, making it an environmentally friendly and practical solution for pest management.

Field trials conducted in 2022, 2023, and 2024 across several UK golf courses, soft fruits, forestry, and agriculture demonstrated over 90% control of leatherjackets and chafer grubs, supplemented by enhanced turf health with RootVita® biostimulants. These trials provided a practical programme for turf professionals.

Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

Bionema’s launch of NemaGen™ reinforces its position as a pioneer in sustainable pest control. By delivering reliable and effective biocontrol solutions, the company continues to drive innovation for a safer, greener future in food production and natural resource protection.

For more information, visit: www.bionema.com

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Bionema Launches Grostimula®EW

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Bionema Launches Grostimula®EW: Bionema is excited to announce the launch of Grostimula®EW, a cutting-edge plant growth promoter designed to elevate turfgrass health and performance.

Powered by Triacontanol, a natural biostimulant derived from beeswax, Grostimula®EW optimises photosynthesis and fortifies turf structure, making it the go-to solution for sports turf managers, golf course superintendents, and landscapers who demand vibrant, resilient, and high-performing green spaces.

Why Grostimula®EW Stands Out
With Grostimula®EW, turf professionals can unlock the full potential of their turfgrass, maintaining greener, healthier, and more vigorous turf all season long. The product’s unique formulation offers a multitude of benefits:

  • Maximized Photosynthesis: Grostimula®EW enhances the turf’s ability to convert sunlight into energy, resulting in healthier and stronger grass.
  • Boosted Enzymatic and Hormonal Activity: The natural biostimulants in Grostimula®EW activate vital processes in the plant, making it more resilient to environmental stresses.
  • Superior Nutrient Absorption: Grostimula®EW strengthens root systems, ensuring efficient nutrient uptake and faster recovery from wear and tear.
  • Prolonged Greenness: By extending the photosynthetic period, Grostimula®EW maintains a lush, vibrant green appearance, even under high foot traffic and wear.

Field-Proven Success
In initial trials on the golf course, Grostimula®EW demonstrated a 20% improvement in turf recovery times following periods of stress. Turf managers noted quicker green-up and more resilient grass capable of withstanding heavy play on golf courses and sports fields.

How It Works
Grostimula®EW activates specific genes that regulate photosynthesis, allowing turfgrass to maximise energy production and optimise growth. The critical ingredient, triacontanol, interacts with the plant’s enzymes and hormones, improving nutrient uptake and overall vitality. The outcome is healthier, more robust turfgrass that withstands environmental challenges while maintaining a high-quality playing surface for athletes and sports turf professionals.

Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema, said, “Grostimula®EW is a breakthrough for turf professionals. By optimising photosynthesis and boosting nutrient uptake, this innovative product ensures healthier, more resilient turf that thrives under demanding conditions. It’s a natural, sustainable solution that aligns perfectly with our mission to promote greener agricultural practices.”

Sustainability at the Core
At Bionema, we are dedicated to providing eco-friendly, natural solutions that support sustainable agriculture. Grostimula®EW enhances turf quality and reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers and chemicals, aligning with our commitment to minimising environmental impact. This product is part of our broader effort to provide greener solutions that help our clients achieve outstanding results while protecting natural ecosystems.

Call to Action: Turf professionals looking to enhance their performance should contact Bionema for more information or arrange a trial. Experience the Grostimula®EW difference and see your turf thrive.

For more information, visit: www.bionema.com

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