Germany-based pharmaceutical and agricultural product manufacturer Bayer has formed an investment partnership with Israel-based innovation commercialisation company Trendlines that will fund Israel-headquartered agricultural technology startups.
Bayer is investing $10m in Bayer Trendlines Ag Innovation Fund over the next five years, and Trendlines will manage the initiative. The fund will seek out investments in companies that can help combat farming issues like extreme climatic conditions, weed resistance and pests.
Adrian Percy, head of research and development at Bayer’s Crop Science division, said: “Israel is a hotspot of innovation and Trendlines offers the right combination of regional know-how and technical experience to be a compelling partner for us.
“The agricultural market is ripe for ground breaking innovation and Trendlines, with its focus on developing startups and new technologies beyond a one-time investment, shares our commitment to supporting productive and sustainable agriculture.”