Syngenta to build US$130M agricultural bioscience research center in the UK
The company plans a major research investment while also testing quantum computing to support future crop science.
SWITZERLAND – Syngenta, a global agricultural technology company, has announced plans to construct a US$130 million (GBP100 million) agricultural bioscience research center at its existing research hub in Jealott’s Hill, United Kingdom.
The new Biological Sciences Technology and Research center, known as BioSTaR, will support work in biological sciences, molecular research, analytics and digital tools to help farmers manage pests, diseases and climate pressure.
The company expects the facility to open in 2028. Around 300 scientists who already work at the Jealott’s Hill site will move into the new building. The center will give researchers shared laboratories and digital tools that support faster product development and testing.
Research focus and technology
Scientists at the BioSTaR center will study how pests, plants, pathogens and soil interact. The research team will also design crop protection tools with new modes of action and test how compounds move through plants and soil before they break down.
Digital systems and artificial intelligence will support much of the work. The company says data analysis and modelling will help scientists test ideas faster and improve crop protection design while limiting environmental impact.
Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Crop Protection Research and Development at Syngenta, said the investment shows the company’s long term focus on science.
“At Syngenta, we focus on building a productive and sustainable future for agriculture. This investment allows our teams to expand scientific work and strengthen cooperation across research groups around the world,” she said.
The Jealott’s Hill site already serves as the largest agricultural technology research facility in the United Kingdom. More than 800 scientists work at the location, where teams have created crop protection technologies such as Amistar and PLINAZOLIN.
Government and industry response
UK officials welcomed the investment and noted the benefits for research jobs and agricultural science.
UK Minister for Investment Lord Stockwood said the project reflects strong industry confidence in the country’s science sector.
“This investment supports about 300 high quality jobs and strengthens the United Kingdom’s agri science sector. It will also help develop the next generation of sustainable farming solutions,” he said.
The UK government also supports agricultural technology research through grants worth about US$435 million (GBP345 million) for equipment and innovation.
Quantum research collaboration
Syngenta also recently announced a research collaboration with QuantumBasel, Switzerland’s first commercial quantum computing hub. The partnership will explore how quantum computing could help scientists study complex molecular interactions in crop science.
Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Syngenta Group, said the technology could expand how researchers study agricultural systems.
“Quantum computing could help us understand molecular interactions in much greater detail and support future crop protection research,” he said.
The company believes these efforts could shorten research timelines and support stronger crop resilience as farmers face climate pressure and rising food demand.
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