Startups
2023
1-10 Employees
VerdancyVerdancy is a Plant Health spin-off from the Schwaneberg Group at RWTH Aachen University and DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials. We believe that both biological and chemical plant health products will continue to play a significant role in farming, especially in the face of an ever-changing climate. Therefore, we are dedicated to enhancing their effectiveness and eco-friendliness.

We do it by loading their active substances in upcycled, plastic-free and fully biodegradable microgels, which protect and release them in controlled, programable manner. We decorate the outer surface of microgels with naturally occurring peptides that are engineered to act as anchors and stick the microgel containers on the leaf, preventing the wash-off by rain, thus reducing the risk of soil pollution and allowing better efficacy with less product.

Many active substances in biologicals are sensitive to environmental stress which reduces their field efficacy, while time-tested actives in chemicals can come with eco-tox problems. Both could truly benefit from our patented delivery system. And in addition to leveraging it for development of proprietary formulations for crop protection and nutrition, we're pursuing collaboration with other Plant Health companies, offering them a platform to (re)formulate existing products.
Address
Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
Social Media

Details

Customer Problem
Co-formulants enhance the performance of active substances in plant protection and nutrition products. Current co-formulants are mainly composed of synthetic polymers, thus will soon be labeled as microplastics and banned in the EU. That is why plant health companies are currently facing challenges in finding biodegradable alternatives. Furthermore, The European Green Deal aims to reduce the amount of pesticides in the future. Therefore, apart from being biodegradable, future co-formulants will have to be even more effective in maximizing the effectiveness of products for plant health, through allowing same effect in the field with less active substance.

Finance Data

DateInvestorsAmountStage 

Financial Overview

No revenue recorded yet
Seed

Jobs

HiWi - student assistant Agro Biotec Startup

***HiWi job*** *** Starting mid January*** ***Contact for up to 19 hrs/week*** Company Description Verdancy is an innovative agro-biotechnology startup originating from AG Schwaneberg at the Institute for Biotechnology at RWTH Aachen University and the Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials | DWI. Verdancy focuses on enhancing plant health and promoting sustainable farming by replacing synthetic co-formulants in crop nutrition and protection products with biodegradable, microplastic-free solutions. The startup utilizes advanced formulation technology / delivery system based on (a) anchor peptides and (b) biopolymer-based microgel technology to deliver active substances with controlled, environmentally triggered release and improved adhesion to plants, ensuring their greater efficiency at lower concentrations. Verdancy helps pesticide and fertilizer companies reformulate their current products by integrating our delivery system - built to meet upcoming EU rules on microplastics and non-biodegradable materials (EU) 2023/2055. Join us in helping crops reach that vibrant, lush, verdant green color which marks their true vitality. Qualifications Master student (m/f/d) in the field of Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology or related Experience with molecular biology techniques Experience with fermentation and surface characterization techniques is advantageous but not required Proficient in both spoken and written English Driven Ability to quickly start fully independent work Apply by sending CV and cover letter to: nikola@verdancy.ag

Jobs Module