Biotalys, a Belgium-based agricultural technology company, has reached a significant milestone in its collaboration with Syngenta. The partnership aims to develop a groundbreaking bioinsecticide using Biotalys’ proprietary AGROBODY technology to combat key insect pests. Early laboratory tests have delivered promising results, marking an important step toward sustainable pest control solutions.

“Biotalys is dedicated to developing regenerative crop protection solutions that combine the efficacy of conventional products with the sustainability benefits of biologicals,” said Carlo Boutton, interim CEO of Biotalys. “Working with industry leaders like Syngenta enables us to accelerate the path from research to the field. This first milestone is an important step in validating the potential of our technology platform in insect control, and we look forward to continuing our work with our partner to deliver novel, differentiated modes of action that can be seamlessly integrated into growers’ integrated pest management programs to expand the range of effective tools available to them.”

The initial tests focused on evaluating the effectiveness of Biotalys’ protein-based bioactive ingredients against a specific insect molecular target. The results pave the way for the next phase of research, which will involve testing the bioinsecticide on living organisms (in vivo). Syngenta has provided milestone funding to Biotalys as part of the collaboration, signaling confidence in the project’s progress.

The partnership comes at a critical time for the agricultural sector, as growers face increasing challenges from insect resistance and stricter environmental regulations. Biotalys’ innovative protein-based biocontrols offer a targeted and sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pesticides, helping farmers manage resistant insect populations while reducing environmental impact.

Board and executive changes

Biotalys, founded in 2013 as a spin-off from the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), is based in Ghent, Belgium, and specializes in developing precision biocontrol solutions for crop protection. Despite its technological advancements, the company faces financial challenges, with a cash runway projected to last until May 2026. Biotalys is actively seeking additional funding to ensure its long-term viability.

In March of this year, Biotalys announced changes to its board and management team. As a result of the changes, the board of directors is reduced from eight members to six and the executive committee from four to two.

Board member Laura Meyer has stepped down. Chief executive officer Kevin Helash and chief business development officer Kamal El Mernissi have likewise left the company.

Patrik Haesen was appointed by the board to take over as chair of the audit committee. Carlo Boutton, currently chief scientific officer, has assumed the role of chief executive officer on an interim basis.