Gent, Belgium, November 4, 2024

Aphea.Bio, a pioneer in microbial solutions for sustainable agriculture, has secured € 1.9 million in funding to explore the full commercial potential of its biostimulant ‘INITIΛ by Aphea.Bio™ ‘, initially aimed at the maize market. This follows the successful launch of its first biostimulant ΛCTIV by Aphea.Bio™ for wheat. The INITIA by Aphea.Bio™ prototype has already demonstrated robust efficacy in maize field trials in the EU, and Aphea.Bio aims to extend its commercial potential to key markets in the US and Brazil. The VLAIO funding will accelerate this effort.

Steven Vandenabeele, CTO Aphea.Bio, commented: “We’re excited to receive this substantial funding from VLAIO. It allows us to expand and maximize the impact of INITIΛ by Aphea.Bio™. Not only will this contribute to the shift towards more sustainable agriculture, this will also further validate the successful R&D strategies that Aphea.Bio applies in the development of biological solutions.

INITIΛ by Aphea.Bio™: a Biostimulant for Maize

INITIΛ by Aphea.Bio™ is designed for maize seed treatment, enhancing germination, early vigour, root biomass, nutrient use efficiency (nitrogen and phosphorus), ultimately leading to higher grain yields. Developed in various formulations, the seed coating prototype has consistently demonstrated yield increases under both reduced and full fertilization conditions. Additionally, INITIΛ by Aphea.Bio™ contributes positively to the environmental sustainability by restoring soil health, aligning with regenerative agricultural practices.

Expanding Market Reach

After three successful seasons of field trials in the EU, it has become clear that INITIΛ by Aphea.Bio™ has even greater potential. With VLAIO’s support, Aphea.Bio plans to expand its reach on three levels:

1. EU Positioning: Further refining the product's performance as a maize seed coating in EU field trials, with the aim of accurately positioning INITIΛ by Aphea.Bio ™ for European farmers.

2. US and Brazil Trials: Exploring seed coating and alternative application methods in the US and Brazil to specifically address the markets of these maize super producers.

3. Broader Crop Applications: Expanding INITIΛ by Aphea.Bio™ 's application beyond maize to other broad-acre crops, as well as exploring its potential in the fruits and vegetables sector.

Isabel Vercauteren, CEO Aphea.Bio, added: “We are eager to explore the full market potential of INITIΛ by Aphea.Bio™. Success will involve solid product positioning for the EU maize market, gaining access to the vast US and Brazilian markets, and extending the product label to a broader range of crops. This progress will further support Aphea.Bio’s pioneering position in agrobiologicals globally and will significantly enhance our business footprint in the field of biostimulants.”