Partnership Joyn Bio to Reduce Negative Impact of Nitrogen Fertilizer
Bayer and Ginkgo Bioworks recently announced their joint venture, Joyn Bio. The companies have been working together since September 2017 in two locations.
The companies came together with a goal of “bringing advanced techniques in synthetic biology to agriculture to support the industry’s sustainability efforts, starting with reducing the environmental impact of nitrogen fertilizer.”
Joyn Bio will research other areas of synthetic biology in ag, too. It received a $100 million Series A investment by Bayer, Ginkgo and Viking Global Investors LP.
The newly formed company will use organism design technology, laboratory and office spaces as well as a new facility specifically for Joyn Bio from Ginkgo. Bayer is providing exclusive access to its archive of microbial strains and development intelligence for applying microbes onto seeds.
Headquarters is located in Boston, Mass. with 30 employees. The company will have an additional location in West Sacramento that includes greenhouses and other research facilities.
