13 August 2024 New partnership with Cellora set to deliver sustainable biological solutions for crop protection globally

Two of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading exemplars of innovation for the land-based sector have agreed to establish a formal relationship focused on developing effective and sustainable agri-tech solutions for on-farm application.

Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University and Cellora Limited (Cellora) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring together and capitalise on the University’s world-leading research and Cellora’s commercialisation expertise.

The new partnership between Cellora and Lincoln University will provide a pathway to market for University-derived technologies, providing solutions for food growers that are both effective and sustainable. In particular, the MoU will enable commercialisation of the University’s research on novel bioactive compounds sourced from naturally occurring microbes, for the benefit of crop farmers in Aotearoa and worldwide.

The partnership will also offer expanded research and employment opportunities for the University’s postgraduate students.

Lincoln University Provost, Professor Chad Hewitt, said the new partnership is a natural fit between two organisations that are committed to supporting a more environmentally sustainable future for the land-based sector.

“Lincoln is a specialist university focused on providing world-class education programmes and impactful research that unlocks the power of the land to enhance lives and grow the future.

“Our land-based research is focused on supporting food and fibre producers in Aotearoa and internationally by developing new technologies and new ways of working that increase economic and social value while ameliorating the environmental impacts of agriculture."

By collaborating with Cellora, the University will increase its opportunities to bring our developing technologies to life, enabling our innovation to make a real difference in the world.

“The new partnership will also provide exciting new opportunities for our postgraduates to further their research or gain employment in a field that not only suits their talents but also offers rich personal rewards.”

Professor Hewitt added that Lincoln will benefit from the market intelligence that Cellora can provide, ensuring the University’s research remains aligned with the most significant current and future market demands.

Cellora is a New Zealand-based company that develops and commercialises biological solutions to change the way the world grows food.

Cellora’s Chief Executive Officer, Dave Campbell, said Cellora is committed to developing eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, in collaboration with its research and market partners.

“Our vision is to accelerate the development of high-performing, safe and effective biological solutions that meet the needs of farmers, growers and customers while safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the environment and the communities living within it."

We believe in constant innovation and research to find new and more effective ways to protect crops, and Lincoln University provides an established and credible innovation pipeline.

“We are looking forward to helping growers worldwide achieve more sustainable food production by bringing New Zealand-derived innovation to life in real-world applications.”

The Memorandum of Understanding between Lincoln University and Cellora was formalised at a signing ceremony held at the University on 9 August.

Signing the MoU L to R: Professor Grant Edwards, Dave Campbell