Research collaboration marketplace to help development of sustainable solutions

Crop protection producers Valent BioSciences and Valent U.S.A. are collaborating with Halo to launch an open innovation initiative utilizing Halo’s technology platform. This platform connects enterprises with universities, researchers, and start-ups around the world to effectively crowd-source innovative ideas, technologies, and solutions with experts who are working on either solving the same problems or similar problems across a range of scientific endeavors that could be applied elsewhere.

Utilizing Halo sponsors post areas of interest for research collaborations through requests for proposals (RFPs), and scientists respond with simple, standardized proposals. Organizations then review the proposals and reach out directly to learn more or provide feedback. If the parties are interested in sharing confidential information or negotiating an agreement, the conversation moves off of Halo, and the process proceeds as usual with any industry collaboration.

“Halo is a marketplace and network that drives science forward by connecting scientists directly with leading companies to promote research collaborations and funding opportunities,” said Kevin Leland, CEO and founder of Halo. “We’re thrilled to partner with industry leaders Valent BioSciences and Valent U.S.A. so that researchers who share their dedication to agricultural sustainability can benefit from their expertise and resources.”

In its first venture with Halo, Valent BioSciences and Valent U.S.A. are focused on finding partners to further their research in three specific areas. These areas include soil carbon sequestration, the ecosystem services benefits of mycorrhizal fungi colonization, and novel compounds that can bolster crop protection and enhancement portfolios. The three RFPs are posted on the Halo website for interested parties to learn more about the various opportunities.

In addition, Valent BioSciences and Valent U.S.A. are hosting several webinars on June 29 that will provide additional details about the companies and RFPs. Participants can register for these webinars on the Halo website.

“We are excited to collaborate with Halo in tackling some of our planet’s most urgent challenges in accordance with our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” said Dr. Warren Shafer, Vice President, Global R&D and Regulatory Affairs, Valent BioSciences. “With an opportunity to shape the future, we look to reach beyond our corporate boundaries to engage with like-minded collaborators and innovative technologies that can be tailored into sustainable and leading-edge solutions that will help our growers and the planet thrive. We believe that through our partnership with Halo, Valent Biosciences and Valent U.S.A. can broaden our connection to the global scientific and business communities while communicating our commitment to people, planet, and productivity.”

For more information:
Valent
Steve Tatum
(925) 951-3164
steve.tatum@valent.com 
-or-
John Mandel
(847) 968-4728
john.mandel@valentbiosciences.com