BOOSTER Project and BioAtlantis advance climate-resilient agriculture with cutting-edge research and recognition

The EU-funded BOOSTER project continues to make significant strides in agricultural research and innovation, with project partners at the forefront of developing solutions to enhance the resilience and productivity of crops in the face of climate change.​

Since the launch of BOOSTER’s Work Package 3 (WP3), BioAtlantis has focused on the development of novel, proprietary molecular priming formulations designed to improve stress resilience, growth, and productivity in maize. A key figure in this research effort is Dr. Aakansha Kanojia, a postdoctoral researcher from the Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) in Bulgaria, who is currently conducting trials at BioAtlantis’ R&D department under the supervision of Dr. Sujeeth Neerakkal, Head of Plant Research at BioAtlantis. The formulations are being tested in controlled growth room trials to assess their efficacy in improving maize performance under stress conditions. In addition to the trials conducted at BioAtlantis, scientists from CPSBB in Bulgaria and Universität Bern in Switzerland have also been screening these formulations to evaluate their potential.

These innovative molecular priming agents will be subjected to large-scale field trials at multiple geographic locations across Europe and Ethiopia, with Work Package 4 (WP4) and BioAtlantis taking the lead in coordinating these trials. To better understand the mechanisms underlying their effectiveness, researchers will employ advanced analytical techniques, including transcriptomics and metabolomics, which will help optimize maize growth and yield in the face of extreme climatic challenges, ensuring that future agricultural production remains stable despite the increasing threat of drought and other climate-related stressors. BOOSTER’s mission aligns with the urgent need to develop sustainable solutions that can support maize and teff production in both Europe and Ethiopia, securing food supply chains against the impacts of climate change.

In recognition of its groundbreaking work, BioAtlantis has received multiple accolades for its contributions to innovation and research. At the 2024 Tech Industry Alliance Awards in Ireland, BioAtlantis was honored with the ‘Smart Technology Innovation Award’, a prestigious recognition of the company’s dedication to advancing agritech solutions. This award highlighted BioAtlantis’ pioneering work in molecular priming, particularly the development of its widely recognized SuperFifty® Prime technology. The achievement was widely covered in Irish media, showcasing the company’s role as a leader in agricultural innovation. BioAtlantis’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology was further acknowledged when it was shortlisted for the STEM South West Awards 2024 in Ireland in the Industry (Medium) category, reflecting its status as a key player in the scientific and technological landscape.

Alongside its research and award-winning innovations, BioAtlantis has actively engaged with the media and policymakers to highlight the impact of BOOSTER and its ongoing contributions to agricultural sustainability. The project’s launch received extensive media coverage in Ireland, bringing its objectives to a wider audience that includes the general public, industry leaders, and agricultural stakeholders. The company has dedicated a section of its website to showcasing BOOSTER’s media presence, reinforcing its role in transforming agriculture through cutting-edge research. In addition to media outreach, BioAtlantis issued a BOOSTER newsletter targeted at policymakers, including elected Irish representatives at local, national, and European levels. The newsletter garnered a 35% open rate, indicating strong interest in the project’s findings and objectives among decision-makers.

BioAtlantis’ influence extends beyond BOOSTER, as demonstrated by its involvement in the EU4Algae project, a European Commission initiative aimed at fostering the development of a regenerative algae industry in Europe. As a recognized stakeholder in this initiative, BioAtlantis was recently featured in the European Commission’s Maritime Forum, where it highlighted its contributions to climate-resilient agriculture and the role of molecular priming in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. By participating in EU4Algae, BioAtlantis continues to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications, reinforcing its commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural solutions.