Bionema, a Welsh biocontrol technology developer company with strong South African ties - bagged the King's Awards for Enterprise - the pinnacle of recognition for UK businesses earlier last year.
This achievement reflects Bionema's commitment to reducing the reliance on pesticides and synthetic fertilisers in food production. It also spotlights their groundbreaking product, NemaTrident, a revolutionary eco-friendly biological solution for crop pest management.
The Swansea-based company recently joined forces with South Africa's Enviro Bio-Chem to help bring biotech solutions to local shores. Bionema Biologicals South Africa (Pty) Ltd has secured the rights to produce and distribute biologicals from a first-of-its-kind facility on SA soil - a monumental achievement that marks a significant milestone for the country's agrochemical industry.
Behind the scenes at Bionema
Bionema Group Ltd started trading in 2013 and works in biotechnology, creating pest management solutions for horticulture, forestry, and other industries.
Its innovation competes with chemical pesticides, using microscopic nematode organisms to kill selected insects. Currently, farmers rely heavily on chemical pesticides. However, evidence of increasing pesticide resistance and severe environmental and human safety concerns have led to more stringent regulations banning the use of many pesticides.
The magic of natural microbes
Celebrating the accomplishment, Bionema's Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Minshad Ansari, explained how small beginnings mushroomed into something more significant.
“I'm proud Bionema has won the King's Award for Enterprise, especially in the Innovation category. The discovery of natural microbes and developing and formulating advanced products free from pesticides are at the heart of the Bionema business philosophy,” said Ansari.
He added, "With greater interest in creating and maintaining a circular economy and due consideration of the UN Sustainability Development Goals, I founded Bionema in 2012 after working for 8 years at Swansea University purely to design and develop new biology, emphasising using naturally occurring microbes.”
A cleaner and greener solution
Ansari explained that NemaTrident's IP-protected technology, which Syngenta acquired in 2021, is the safer, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly solution. “We have been fortunate to receive many industry awards and acknowledgements, all praising it.” The biocontrol expert hoped this innovation recognition would help enhance Bionema's platform and generate interest in its disruptive technology. He concluded: “This microbe is designed to reduce pesticides and fertilisers in our soil, air, and environment, as well as current societal issues, ultimately providing effective solutions for the benefit of future generations.” Swansea University's Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, Professor Helen Griffiths, praised Bionema for their trailblazing progress. “Huge congratulations to the Bionema team on this richly deserved accolade,” said Griffiths. “As a Swansea University Spin-Out business with over 30 years of experience, Bionema has worked tirelessly on developing research-derived biopesticide technologies, creating and launching a portfolio of commercially viable organic alternatives to damaging chemical pesticides”.
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