BASF opens new Application Technology Center to improve testing of crop protection products

  • New assessment will ensure improved applicability and handling of crop protection products
  • Technical center for testing spray application technology under realistic farming conditions

São Paulo, Brazil - August 29, 2016 – BASF and ACE, awarded as the best startup accelerator in Latin America, have jointly launched AgroStart, a pioneering initiative to develop and promote digital startups focused on agribusiness solutions. For a period of six months, BASF and ACE will proactively support three startups to bring their solution to market. The goal is to bring new technologies to the agricultural sector through co-creation and the Internet of Things.

 

“We see open innovation as a way to find answers for farmers’ challenges in the fields. Therefore, we have joined the expertise of two innovation leaders to promote the development of new business ideas”, explained Fábio Del Cistia, Vice President Regional Marketing Latin America at BASF Crop Protection. “Our co-creation process is a clear differentiator towards other companies.”

 

Three startups will be selected and receive  financial resources to develop their projects, as well as expertise and access to the network both from BASF and ACE that has already accelerated more than 70 startups since 2012. “

 

“We believe the agribusiness is one of the segments that will have the greatest impact from the startups revolution. The AgroStart program brings together the best of ACE’s proven methodology and the expertise and reputation of one of the world’s biggest companies in agribusiness. Our vision is for the long run and aims to position Latin America on the global innovation map for new technologies in agriculture”, says Pedro Waengertner, CEO and founding partner of ACE.

 

AgroStart is part of the digital strategy of BASF Crop Protection in Latin America. The strategy focusses on providing digital solutions which help farmers to manage their business more efficiently. “AgroStart is one of the most important steps to consolidate and expand our digital strategy by seeking the technological innovation that goes far beyond our walls. We, together with ACE, will give to the startups the most encompassing agricultural acceleration program in Latin America“, highlighted Almir Araújo Silva, BASF’s Digital Marketing manager for Latin America.

 

At the end of AgroStart, BASF will evaluate opportunities for investing in the most successful projects, through its own funds, BASF Venture Capital. The entrepreneur will also get the possibility to establish partnerships with BASF for funding¸ purchasing or distributing of their products and services and to expand their business up to 20 countries.

 

Entrepreneurs from all countries across Latin America are encouraged to submit their ideas in five different categories: crop management, automation in the field, inventory management, precision agriculture and traceability. Applications may be submitted between August 29th and September 18th via the program website  www.agrostart.basf.com

 

About BASF's Crop Protection division

With sales of more than €5.8 billion in 2015, BASF’s Crop Protection division provides innovative solutions for agriculture, turf and ornamental plants, pest control and public health. Our broad portfolio of active ingredients, seed treatments, biological controls, formulations and services optimizes efficient production of high quality food and protects against post-harvest loss, damage to buildings and the transmission of disease. By delivering new technologies and know-how, BASF Crop Protection supports the effort of growers and pest management professionals to make a better life for themselves and society. Further information can be found on the web or through our social media channels.

 

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry – and have been doing so for 150 years. Our portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. As the world’s leading chemical company, we combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of over € 74 billion in 2014 and around 113,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet  at www.basf.com.