UPL opens research facility in North Carolina

UPL Ltd. announced Aug. 10 the opening of a new, state-of-the-art research and development hub in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

The OpenAg Center, located in the Alexandria Center for AgTech — Research Triangle at 5 Laboratory Drive, will enable UPL to leverage its advanced R&D capabilities in partnership with other innovation-based companies to characterize, develop and commercialize new sustainable agriculture solutions.

According to a news release, the OpenAg Center is an important step in demonstrating the company’s commitment to its OpenAg Purpose: to create a global agriculture network that feeds sustainable growth for all.

“Our food production systems need a shakeup,” stated Adrian Percy, chief technology officer of UPL, through a press release. “Agriculture is in dire need of transformation, and today’s painfully slow rate of technology innovation and on-farm deployment simply can’t continue. Our OpenAg Purpose is tearing down limits and borders to create partnerships that will transform agriculture by delivering broad value across the entire food production network.”

The OpenAg Center consists of high-tech laboratories and a newly recruited team of scientists able to quickly validate a wide range of technologies — from the latest array of biologically-inspired approaches to new chemistry-based innovations.

“Combining the agility and innovation of startups with the flexible partnership model, scientific, R&D, IP, field development and registration expertise of UPL, the OpenAg Center will fuel a faster, more efficient process of getting technologies tested, approved and out in the field,” said Mark Singleton, head of new technologies for UPL.  

OpenAg Center highlights

• The space is comprised of climate-controlled research glasshouses as well as dedicated space for formulation, analytical chemistry and biochemistry laboratories to support application, delivery, characterization, mode of action and resistance research.
• Innovation spans across all indications including fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and crop establishment.
• Located in Research Triangle Park, one of the fastest growing and diverse tech hubs in the United States with a vibrant education eco-system.

The OpenAg Center is operational during COVID-19

UPL’s top priority is to safeguard its employees while ensuring business continuity. UPL will continue to follow the stringent protocols recommended by the WHO and CDC as the situation evolves. UPL remains fully operational, including the new OpenAg Center, with no disruption to the manufacturing or delivery of its products and services. 

UPL to showcase OpenAg Platform during World Agri-Tech London Virtual Summit

 UPL will provide online discussions and virtual exhibits to introduce discovery-based innovation companies to its OpenAg platform during the World Agri-Tech London Virtual Innovation Summit, Sept. 15-16, 2020. Adrian Percy, chief technology officer of UPL, will present the keynote presentation on Sept. 16, 2020 at 2:40 p.m. BST. To learn more and register, visit worldagritechinnovation.com/register.        

Through an interconnected network, OpenAg will benefit the entire grower ecosystem — from the smallest scale farmers all the way to industrial growers across the world. A new website has been launched to quickly connect partners with the appropriate UPL experts. For more information, visit upl-ltd.com/OpenAg-Center/.