Corteva catalyst: pioneering external innovation for sustainable agriculture

By Agroempresario.com

In a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape, Corteva Agriscience is strategically enhancing its approach to external innovation through its Corteva Catalyst platform, aiming to collaborate with innovative startups and harness groundbreaking technologies. Dr. Tom Greene, who leads the initiative, emphasizes a shift from an opportunistic mindset to a more intentional strategy in securing partnerships that propel agricultural advancements.

Corteva Catalyst was launched after recognizing a gap in early-stage venture capital within the agricultural sector. Dr. Greene explains that the platform was developed to provide a focused approach, enabling Corteva to engage with startups in gene editing, biologicals, tech platforms, and decision science. This move reflects a broader strategy to harness external expertise while complementing Corteva's internal capabilities.

“Our early investments in gene editing exemplified the potential benefits of collaborating with emerging companies,” says Dr. Greene. “By forming partnerships with innovators in this space, we’ve been able to leverage cutting-edge research to enhance our product offerings.”

The platform is designed to conduct direct investments in startups at various stages, particularly in the series B or pre-seed rounds, with typical check sizes around $10 million. Dr. Greene notes the flexibility of the platform allows for both equity investments and strategic collaborations, creating mutually beneficial scenarios for Corteva, the startups, and venture capitalists.

Corteva Catalyst aims to make five to seven investments annually, maintaining a structured approach to identifying opportunities that align with its strategic goals. Dr. Greene emphasizes that success will be measured not solely by financial returns but by the tangible acceleration of innovation within Corteva’s portfolio. “Our goal is to acquire technologies and license innovations that enhance our product development,” he asserts.

To ensure it stays at the forefront of industry innovation, Corteva is proactively engaging with external resources. The company collaborates with universities and accelerators like StartLife and EIT Food to enhance its landscaping efforts and identify promising startups. Additionally, Dr. Greene highlights the importance of leveraging AI and machine learning tools to streamline the innovation process.

In a market where many venture capitalists are retreating from food and agriculture investments, Dr. Greene believes that Corteva’s commitment to innovation positions it as a valuable partner for startups seeking to drive meaningful change. “We want to be seen as a catalyst for innovation, bridging the gap between emerging technologies and market needs,” he explains.

Corteva's focus on gene editing stands out as a key area of opportunity, with advancements in targeted genomic techniques allowing for rapid improvements in crop performance. Dr. Greene outlines how the convergence of deep genomic knowledge and sophisticated tools is revolutionizing the way crops can be engineered to meet specific challenges, enhancing disease resistance and nutritional traits.

Moreover, Corteva's exploration of ag biologicals highlights the growing potential of this sector, with numerous companies emerging to address critical issues such as nutrient efficiency and pest control. Dr. Greene sees significant promise in these innovative approaches, which align with the industry's shift towards sustainable practices.

As Corteva continues to evolve its investment strategy, its proactive engagement with external innovators positions it as a leader in agricultural technology. By fostering partnerships and investing in disruptive technologies, Corteva Catalyst aims to accelerate innovation and contribute to the future of sustainable agriculture.

In conclusion, Corteva's intentional approach to harnessing external innovation not only enhances its capabilities but also sets a precedent for collaboration within the agricultural ecosystem. As the industry faces unprecedented challenges, strategic partnerships like those formed through Corteva Catalyst will be vital for driving the next wave of agricultural advancements.