Swansea spinout Bionema has received watchdog approval to test its biopesticides that could stop pests from destroying crops.
Bionema, a spinout of Swansea University working on biopesticides, has been given approval by UK regulator Chemicals Regulation Directorate to test its technology, Wales Online reported yesterday.
The approval was granted under the Official Recognition of Efficacy Testing Facilities or Organisations scheme, a legal requirement to gain regulatory approval in the EU. It will enable Bionema to study the efficiency and safety of its product over the next five years, and move towards commercialisation.
The technology relies on bacteria and fungi to stop pests from destroying crops, without causing harm to the environment, and is based on research by Minshad Ansari.
Bionema was spun out with the support of the university’s Research, Engagement and Innovation Services.
Gerry Ronan, head of IP commercialisation of Swansea University, said: “It is very encouraging to see the progress Bionema has made in such a short space of time.”
