SeedForward makes plants more adaptable

Climate change and global population growth are challenges faced by agriculture. How is it possible, under increasingly difficult conditions, to guarantee food security for the world’s population? How can soil stay or become productive? What do the cultivated plants need to deliver when drought and heat increase everywhere? These questions were the driving force behind agricultural and plant scientist Jan Ritter’s (top photo) pursuit of organic farming projects in South Africa. Over a glass of wine, he discussed possible solutions with Jacob Bussmann, who was also conducting research in South Africa. At the end of the evening it was clear: we will find the solutions together!

Half a year later they trudged over a cornfield near Osnabrück wearing rubber boots. Familiar terrain for Jacob Bussmann – he helped on the farms of his parents and relatives from early childhood. Instead of taking over a farm, he studied forestry and environmental sciences and entrepreneurship. “My family background helps when I talk to farmers, I can fully understand the pressure they are under. They have to constantly innovate in order to remain competitive,” he says.

Complex coatings protect seeds

SeedForward, the company of Jan Ritter and Jacob Bussmann, dips seeds in a special treatment before they are planted. This coating of each individual seed contains many nutrients. It also protects the plant from pests, strengthens the roots and stimulates germination. “Every amateur gardener knows that the weather has an effect, but cannot predict it. Farmers have the same problem and therefore need seeds that guarantee efficient yields. At the same time, it should not leach out the soil and destroy insects,” explains Jacob Bussmann. Together with Jan Ritter, he has developed a sophisticated formulation that does not rely on the optimisation of a single active ingredient. The synergies in their seed treatments increase the effect of the substances they contain. If one component of the treatment fails because it is not appropriate for the situation, another component takes over and ensures healthy growth. The company is a pioneer when it comes to the complexity of the composition and a patent application has already been submitted.

Read more under the image gallery.

Environmental protection as a driver of innovation

For several years, many active ingredients have been subject to scrutiny or banned in the European Union for environmental reasons. Producers of seeds have been pushed into a corner and now they are looking for alternatives. SeedForward benefited from this development: at the right time, the founders were able to offer their almost fully developed seed coating, which dispenses with chemistry and costs about the same as competing products.

This was preceded by joint research, which began immediately after their encounter in Africa. The business partners moved back to Germany because the conditions for start-ups were better. An EXIST start-up grant secured the first year of the business, and the University of Osnabrück provided laboratories and rooms. “We still experimented a lot at home in the kitchen, like other great entrepreneurs in the famous garage,” they both remember the exciting and busy time. While Jan Ritter was advancing the development of seed coating, Jacob Bussmann focused on building up a network of partners and financiers.