Seeking Approaches to Reduce the Application Cost of an Agrochemical Active Ingredient

Certis Belchim, an expert in crop protection, is seeking novel technologies to optimize the production and reduce the application cost of its herbicide, metobromuron. Specifically, the team is interested in approaches that reduce the cost to produce the metobromuron compound or formulation improvements that reduce the dose rate of the herbicide. All approaches should be able to be scaled up to industrial quantities. In the evaluation of the proposals a feasibility study will be made. Ballpark prices of final proposal or cost reduction benchmarks with the proposed technologies are highly appreciated.

Optimization of the production process:

• New chemical synthesis methods that achieve minimum gram level quantities, preferentially kg or ton level 
• Open for new production technologies, e.g. continuous flow reactors, enzymatic production, etc. 
• Improvements that make the production process more environmentally friendly are also of interest 

Optimization of the formulation:

• Open to a range of formulation methods, e.g. capsule suspensions, oil-based formulations, etc. 
• Adjuvants and enhancers that reduce the dose rate of the herbicide are of interest 
• Mixtures of metobromuron with other herbicides that would achieve the same effect with a reduced cost 

Out of Scope:

• Chemical syntheses that only achieve microgram quantities 
• Novel herbicides and methods that cannot be applied to metobromuron 

Developmental Stages of Interest:

• Opportunities should have at least lab-based proof of concept with a relevant example compound 

Submission Information and Opportunity for Collaboration

Submission of one-page, 200–300-word briefs is encouraged, along with any optional supplementary information e.g. relevant publications and benchmarks on cost improvements are highly appreciated. This campaign is open to submissions from SMEs and start-up companies. Submitters ideally have experience on industrial scale. In submitting to this campaign, you confirm that your submission contains only non-confidential information. 

Our client is open to a range of collaboration opportunities, with the most appropriate outcome being decided on a case-by-case basis. Example outcomes include licensing assets and research collaborations. Successful submissions could lead to a joint development program with Certis Belchim to develop the approach on an industrial scale.