UPL Ltd. announced the opening of a new, state-of-the-art research and development hub in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The OpenAg Center will enable UPL to leverage its advanced R&D capabilities in partnership with other innovation-based companies to characterize, develop and commercialize new sustainable agriculture solutions. The OpenAg Center is an important step in demonstrating the company’s commitment to its OpenAg Purpose: to create a global agriculture network that feeds sustainable growth for all.
“Our food production systems need a shakeup,” stated Adrian Percy, chief technology officer of UPL. “Agriculture is in dire need of transformation, and today’s painfully slow rate of technology innovation and on-farm deployment simply can’t continue. Our OpenAg Purpose is tearing down limits and borders to create partnerships that will transform agriculture by delivering broad value across the entire food production network.”
The OpenAg Center consists of high-tech laboratories and a newly recruited team of scientists able to quickly validate a wide range of technologies — from the latest array of biologically-inspired approaches to new chemistry-based innovations. “Combining the agility and innovation of startups with the flexible partnership model, scientific, R&D, IP, field development and registration expertise of UPL, the OpenAg Center will fuel a faster, more efficient process of getting technologies tested, approved and out in the field,” stated Mark Singleton, head of new technologies for UPL.
OpenAg Center Highlights:
- The space is comprised of climate-controlled research glasshouses as well as dedicated space for Formulation, Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry laboratories to support Application, Delivery, Characterization, Mode of Action and Resistance research.
- Innovation spans across all indications including fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, and crop establishment.
- Located in Research Triangle Park, one of the fastest growing and diverse tech hubs in the United States with a vibrant education eco-system.
The OpenAg Center is Operational During COVID-19
UPL’s top priority is to safeguard its employees while ensuring business continuity. UPL will continue to follow the stringent protocols recommended by the WHO and CDC as the situation evolves. UPL remains fully operational, including the new OpenAg Center, with no disruption to the manufacturing or delivery of its products and services.
Through an interconnected network, OpenAg will benefit the entire grower ecosystem– from the smallest scale farmers all the way to industrial growers across the world. A new website has been launched to quickly connect partners with the appropriate UPL experts. For more information, check out their website.
