Agri-tech giant Syngenta is doubling down on the future of farming, unveiling plans for a $130 million (GBP 100 million) state-of-the-art bioscience research center in the UK that will put artificial intelligence at the heart of crop innovation.
The new Biological Sciences Technology and Research center—BioSTaR—will rise at the company’s long-standing R&D hub in Jealott’s Hill, bringing together around 300 scientists under one roof in a purpose-built facility designed to fast-track breakthroughs in sustainable agriculture. The center is slated to be fully operational by 2028.
The investment signals a major push into AI-driven science, with Syngenta aiming to rapidly design next-generation crop protection tools, predict pest resistance before it emerges, and create products that respond dynamically to environmental conditions such as soil quality and temperature.
At its core, BioSTaR will fuse biology, chemistry and digital technology—leveraging real-world data and advanced analytics to unlock new ways of protecting crops while reducing environmental impact. Researchers will focus on decoding complex biological systems, developing novel crop protection agents, tracking how compounds behave in ecosystems, and scaling sustainable manufacturing to make innovations accessible to farmers worldwide.
“At Syngenta, we are focused on creating a more productive and sustainable future for agriculture. With this investment, we are pushing the boundaries of science,” said Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Crop Protection R&D at Syngenta.
She added that Syngenta’s leadership is built on cutting-edge infrastructure and its culture of scientific excellence. “Our ability to collaborate—across disciplines, across borders and with partners worldwide—is core to our success. It powers our speed, our creativity and our impact,” Corsi explained.
The move also reinforces the UK’s status as a global agri-science hub, with the facility expected to support high-skilled jobs and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.
Mike Hollands, President of Syngenta UK said: "As the birthplace of many ideas that have transformed the world, the UK has a long history of innovation, and for nearly a century, our Jealott’s Hill research hub has pioneered many of the discoveries that continue to advance global agriculture. Already the UK’s largest facility dedicated to agricultural technology research, our investment in BioSTaR signals the next chapter in Jealott's Hill's critical role in advancing agricultural innovation.”
Government leaders welcomed the announcement as a major endorsement of Britain’s scientific edge.
UK Minister for Investment Lord Stockwood said: “This major investment is a strong vote of confidence in the UK’s world class agri science sector. It demonstrates Syngenta’s long-term commitment to the UK while supporting 300 high quality jobs and delivering real benefits for the local community.
"With digital and tech central to our Modern Industrial Strategy, this announcement will help create next-generation sustainable agricultural solutions for farmers, strengthening the UK’s position as both a thriving business hub and tech hotspot.”
UK Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “Syngenta’s investment in the new BioSTaR facility at Jealott’s Hill is a clear vote of confidence in the UK and our world-leading agricultural science."
