UPL Ltd. today announced the opening of a new, stateof-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. 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.

 

The innovation center will focus on new developments in fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and crop establishment.

 

“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. The center is located in Research Triangle Park, one of the fastest growing and diverse tech hubs in the United States with a vibrant education eco-system.

 

“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.

 

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.