The use of commercial fungicides is a critical pillar of modern agriculture, facilitating the growth of crops at sufficient yields to feed a growing world population. However, some conventional fungicides have harmful effects on the environment and human health. Therefore the Seeker is looking for a partner with a platform optimized for the rapid and accurate identification of small protein and peptide based biofungicides.
Plant as well as bacteria, insects, mollusks, fungi, and mammals synthesize low-molecular-weight compounds, proteins, and peptides that have antifungal activity. Most of the biofungicides developed and widely applied in the market have effects only on diseases, but not on various beneficial organisms (including natural enemies of animals, natural enemies of insects, bees, pollinators and aquatic organisms such as fish and shrimp). In addition the impact on the ecological environment is usually small. In order to leverage these biofungicides for widespread agricultural use, the Seeker is interested in finding collaborative partners with a validated discovery platform capable of assessing antifungal activity.
This is an electronic Request-for-Partners (eRFP) Challenge. The Solver will write a preliminary proposal (about 2-4 pages, including supporting non-confidential information and contact details) to be evaluated by the Seeker with a goal of establishing a collaborative partnership. Upon completion of the evaluation, the Seeker may contact selected Solvers directly to work out terms for a collaboration contract. The monetary value of the contract will vary depending on the amount of work to be delivered and the agreed time frame.
Awards:- Collaboration with Bayer
Deadline:- 15-02-2022
