UPL Ltd. announced Aug. 10 the opening of a new, state-of-the-art research and development hub in Research Triangle Park, NC, USA. The OpenAg Center, located in the Alexandria Center for AgTech – Research Triangle at 5 Laboratory Drive, will enable UPL to leverage its advanced R&D capabilities in partnership with other innovation-based companies to characterize, develop and commercialize new sustainable agriculture solutions.
According to a news release, the OpenAg Center is an important step in demonstrating the company’s commitment to its OpenAg Purpose: to create a global agriculture network that feeds sustainable growth for all.
“Our food production systems need a shakeup,” stated Adrian Percy, chief technology officer of UPL. “Agriculture is in dire need of transformation, and today’s painfully slow rate of technology innovation and on-farm deployment simply can’t continue. Our OpenAg Purpose is tearing down limits and borders to create partnerships that will transform agriculture by delivering broad value across the entire food production network.”
The OpenAg Center consists of stunning, high-tech laboratories and a newly recruited team of seasoned, sought-after scientists able to quickly validate a wide range of technologies – from the latest array of biologically-inspired approaches to new chemistry-based innovations. “Combining the agility and innovation of startups with the flexible partnership model, scientific, R&D, IP, field development and registration expertise of UPL, the OpenAg Center will fuel a faster, more efficient process of getting technologies tested, approved and out in the field,” stated Mark Singleton, head of new technologies for UPL.
OpenAg Center highlights:
• The space is comprised of climate-controlled research glasshouses as well as dedicated space for Formulation, Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry laboratories to support Application, Delivery, Characterization, Mode of Action and Resistance research.
• Innovation spans across all indications including fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and crop establishment.
• Located in Research Triangle Park, one of the fastest growing and diverse tech hubs in the United States with a vibrant education eco-system.
• To see how the OpenAg Center is creating new innovation in agriculture, watch this video.
The OpenAg Center is operational during COVID-19
UPL’s top priority is to safeguard its employees while ensuring business continuity. UPL will continue to follow the stringent protocols recommended by the WHO and CDC as the situation evolves. UPL remains fully operational, including the new OpenAg Center, with no disruption to the manufacturing or delivery of its products and services.
UPL to showcase OpenAg Platform during World Agri-Tech London Virtual Summit
UPL will provide online discussions and virtual exhibits to introduce discovery-based innovation companies to its OpenAg platform during the World Agri-Tech London Virtual Innovation Summit, Sept. 15-16, 2020. Adrian Percy, chief technology officer of UPL, will present the keynote presentation on September 16, 2020 at 2:40PM BST. To learn more and register, visit worldagritechinnovation.com/register/.
Through an interconnected network, OpenAg will benefit the entire grower ecosystem– from the smallest scale farmers all the way to industrial growers across the world. A new website has been launched to quickly connect partners with the appropriate UPL experts. For more information, visit: upl-ltd.com/OpenAg-Center/.
UPL Ltd. is a global provider of sustainable agriculture products and solutions, with annual revenue exceeding $5 billion. As one of the top 5 agriculture solutions companies worldwide, our robust portfolio consists of biologicals and traditional crop protection solutions with more than 13,600 registrations. With a presence in more than 130 countries and more than 10,000 colleagues globally, we reach more than 90% of the world’s food basket.
For more information about our integrated portfolio of solutions across the food value chain including seeds, post-harvest, as well as physical and digital services, please visit upl-ltd.com.
