Growing out of a thesis project from the 1980s, Biophytech is a startup with over 30 years of experience in organic agriculture. Using biotechnology tools, the company researches and develops new formulas to protect crops without the use of harmful pesticides. The startup recently set up a 100-m2 lab at Batiment 440 of Paris-Saclay University at Orsay with support from two new programs: Tech It Easy (TIE), which provides access to equipment, and J’irai Start-uper Chez Vous (JSCV), which supplies offices and other facilities at La French Tech Paris-Saclay.
Moving on up
After 30 years in Montpellier, two factors motivated Biophytech to move to Paris-Saclay: the relative lack of pesticide substitutes for large field crops (sugar beet, wheat, etc.) and the need to keep pace with rapidly changing regulations. Paris-Saclay offers the perfect environment for collaborating with fellow biotech companies that have the tools needed to develop new solutions.
New home, new hub
By joining La French Tech Paris-Saclay, Biophytech took advantage of numerous networking opportunities to secure a new home for its research activities in Batiment 440 of Paris-Saclay University at Orsay. From this central location within a technology hub, the startup can collaborate with a wide range of players in many industries, notably through the Playground and La French Tech Paris-Saclay. It is especially eager to team up with public institutions, who are positioned to ensure a greater scientific credibility, particularly with joint world patents creation. The valorization of their common patents is carried out by the SATT Paris-Saclay, also a participant in the technological ecosystem.
“The strong concentration of key players in such a compact area allows us to meet new partners, sometimes unexpectedly, notably through the coaching, networking and other events offered at Paris-Saclay.”
Dr. Olivier Besnard, CEO and Founder of Biophytech
Building a biotech powerhouse
Biophytech is entering Paris-Saclay just as the campus is consolidating its biotech capacities, notably with the recent arrival of AgroParisTech. With this momentum, the startup can benefit from access to public laboratories in order to expand its research, as well as downstream centers for experiments in the field, such as those carried out by INRA with local farms. In fact, Biophytech is already running tests on area golf courses of UGolf Network, from Buc to Verrières-le-Buisson and National Golf from the French Golf Association at Guyancourt.
Focus on large crops
Going forward, the startup plans to accelerate its licensing of biocontrol products for large field crops. Currently, there is a marked lack of pesticide replacements in this area: while nearly 200 biocontrol solutions exist for fruits and vegetables, there are only a handful of products available for field crops. In this way, Biophytech hopes to play a key role in Paris-Saclay’s growing agricultural dynamic.
