NextGenBioPest Joined Forces with MicroBioPest!

A new collaboration brings microbial innovation to the forefront of sustainable agriculture

In a major step toward revolutionizing plant protection, NextGenBioPest is proud to announce its collaboration with MicroBioPest, a cutting-edge research initiative hosted at IMBB-FORTH. This strategic partnership unites two pioneering efforts in sustainable pest management to accelerate the development of biological alternatives to chemical pesticides and strengthen environmental resilience in agriculture.

Shared Mission: Science-Driven, Sustainable Solutions

NextGenBioPest is at the forefront of transforming plant protection through biological agents, RNA-based pesticides, green chemicals, resistance inducers, and integrated pest management practices. By joining forces with MicroBioPest, the project gains access to deep expertise in microbial biocontrol and state-of-the-art methodologies for identifying insecticidal microorganisms and elucidating their modes of action.

Together, the two initiatives will co-develop biopesticide prototypes, explore synergistic technologies, and share research infrastructure and scientific knowledge to fast-track innovation in biological pest control.

Building a Stronger Scientific Ecosystem

MicroBioPest is supported by structural reforms and infrastructure investments designed to elevate its research and societal impact. These include:

• A Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory for work on vector-borne pathogens

• Integration into the new Research, Training and Innovation Center under the €60 million EBI investment

• The creation of a dedicated Biotech-Biopesticide Center (BIOPEST) that will evolve from the MicroBioPest platform

• A strong focus on technology transfer, career training, and public outreach

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to not only deliver tangible solutions for sustainable farming but also to build long-term capacity for scientific excellence and innovation in the European bioeconomy.

Looking Ahead

This partnership is a powerful example of how coordinated research can deliver practical, scalable, and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional crop protection. By aligning NextGenBioPest’s integrated approach with MicroBioPest’s microbial biopesticide research, the collaboration will help advance a more resilient and sustainable future for European agriculture.