Jord Bio Science wins Feike Sijbesma Sustainable Innovation Award 2024 at F&A Next

Jord BioScience was one of ten startups selected by F&A Next to pitch their solutions to a global audience of top agrifood investors and corporates. Recognized as one of the 'Next Heroes in Food & Agtech,' they automatically entered the Feike Sijbesma Sustainable Innovation Award 2024 competition.

This award aims to stimulate innovators and entrepreneurs around the world to scale their science-based solutions with a specific focus on sustainable climate resilient food systems and is named in honour of Feike Sijbesma (former DSM CEO, founder of Darwin International), who is renowned for making a significant impact with sustainable innovations in his capacity as a global corporate leader. The award is empowered by the Brighter Living Foundation, an independent charity which was established in 2018 at the initiative of DSM, in collaboration with the Wageningen University Fund and Wageningen University & Research to support the health of people and the planet. The award money is provided to enable young start-ups to further develop their impactful innovations, hereby serving the public benefit of their contribution to resilient food systems and a sustainable climate.

Jord BioScience technology offers farmers around the world powerful tools to protect, stimulate, and nourish their crops. It develops microbial technologies that enhance performance of biologicals products for improved crop productivity. Although still in the early stages of proof points, the startup has gathered numerous data points that demonstrate clear traction and promise.

‘Jord BioScience's innovative, nature-inspired approach can lead to significant breakthroughs and their experienced team shows a thorough foundation for future growth,’ said Sjoukje Heimovaara, Presidentof the Executive Board of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) when announcing the winner on behalf of the jury and Feike Sijbesma.

Keri Carstens, CEO of Jord BioScience, was overwhelmed with joy when announced winner. ‘It’s amazing, it is such an honor to win this prize and to be part of this special group of people. Especially the startups that were crowned by F&A Next as true game changers in the world of food and agriculture. They are all incredible and doing great work. To even be part of this group is a true honour. We will use the award money to purchase new piece of equipment that my team really needs for specific labwork that we are doing, allowing us to further enhance our technology.’

Keri received the award cheque personally from Feike Sijbesma. Mr. Sijbesma said: ‘It is important to stimulate disruptors in the food and agriculture sector to accelerate transition to a more sustainable food system. The ten finalists for the FSSIA all brought their vision on how to tackle this from different parts of the food value chain. I am pleased that the winner Jord Bioscience is an excellent example bringing collaborative disruption to advance microbial products and look forward to supporting them on their journey to impactful changes in the industry’.