Who we are
Bionema is a leading UK biopesticide technology developer. We create chemical-free, pest management solutions for the horticulture, turf & amenity, landscaping and forestry sectors.
We have more than 30 years’ experience in research, development and the commercialisation of biopesticides.
The biopesticides we develop are natural products that use microorganisms (fungi, bacteria and nematodes) to protect crops from insect damage – reducing the use of synthetic pesticides and enhancing increased crop yields.
As well as developing our range of biopesticides, Bionema also supports the researchers, developers and manufacturers of biopesticide products with the following:
- Strain identification, selection and improvement
- Production, formulation and application
- Analytical and R&D solutions
- Quality assessment of biological products
- Supports registration of biocontrol agents
- Product efficacy testing
- Knowledge transfer
Mission & Vision
Part of Bionema’s remit is to enlighten others to the benefits of using biopesticides rather than conventional means which are bad for our health and the environment.
Globally, we spend US$60 billion a year on poisoning the earth to protect agricultural land from pests and diseases, which is leading to severe consequences for our health and the environment. Yet under our very feet, the earth provides the pest-control solutions, in the form of microorganisms (nematodes, fungi and bacteria), that we need to protect our crops by using natural methods.
Mission
Our mission is to become a world-leading developer of innovative biopesticide formulations that deliver effective and profitable products for the industry.
Vision
Our vision is to be a leading biopesticide technology developer to protect crops from pests and diseases – reducing the use of synthetic pesticides, enhancing food security and increasing crop yields.
Company History
Dr Ansari was an academic working across India, Belgium and the UK. He joined Swansea University in 2005 and started working on the development of biopesticides for the control of insect pests in the horticulture and forestry sectors.
When he visited growers and farmers, he was often asked about pest control methods that did not require the extensive use of chemical solutions. These queries made him look into the development of non-toxic, natural methods of pest control that would reduce the need for chemical use.
Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema
The Institute of Life Science, Swansea University
Once Dr Ansari developed his thinking around biopesticide alternatives, he set up Bionema in 2012. The focus of Bionema’s research was the development and commercialisation of naturally-occurring microorganisms for crop protection against pests and diseases that would reduce the use of synthetic pesticides, enhance food security and increase crop yields.
In 2017, Bionema made a breakthrough discovery in the development of NemaTrident®, a tri-component solution, and the conception of the microencapsulation formulation delivery system. Shortly afterwards, the company support was gained from the Development Bank of Wales (DBW) and private investors. In 2018-19, Bionema raised £680,000 in equity investment and more than £1 million in grant funding. The company also established its headquarters at the Institute of Life Science at Swansea University in the UK.
Innovation in biopesticide formulations is a core objective for Bionema, enabling the company to commercialise multiple product lines and to generate a pipeline of advanced and early-stage products that include beneficial nematicides, bioinsecticides, compatible surfactants and delivery platforms. Bionema has also developed a robust patent portfolio and collected a library of more than hundred commercially-viable microorganisms for pipeline candidates.
Industry Associations
- Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) https://ahdb.org.uk/
- Association of Applied Biologists https://www.aab.org.uk/
- International Biocontrol Manufacturers’ Association (IBMA) https://ibma-global.org/
- The Biopesticide Summit and Awards https://biopesticidesummit.com/
- The World BioProtection Forum https://www.worldbioprotectionforum.com/
Our Board of Directors
Dr Ansari was an academic working across India, Belgium and the UK. He joined Swansea University in 2005 and started working on the development of biopesticides for the control of insect pests in the horticulture and forestry sectors.
Bionema has brought together a unique and dedicated team of bioprotection experts from the academic, commercial and technical sectors – who are all committed to delivering the highest standards of service.
Board Advisors
Bionema Limited, a biopesticides technology developer has many of the necessary accreditations required to operate safely and efficiently.
Bionema Ltd holds the official recognition of Efficacy Testing Facilities or Organisations in the UK (ORETO) certificate – in compliance with Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 for efficacy testing in biologicals and semiochemicals for the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
Bionema Ltd has been accredited under the UK Chemicals Regulation Directorate’s (CRD) ORETO scheme since 2015.
Bionema Ltd provides developers and manufacturers of biopesticide products with the highest quality efficacy testing to support their product claims.
