Bayer and Ginkgo Bioworks have announced the name of their joint venture aimed at nitrogen fixation and improving plant-associated microbes. The new company – Joyn Bio – was announced in September and is collocated in Boston and West Sacramento, California. Its goal is to bring advanced techniques in synthetic biology to agriculture to help solve some of the industry’s problems, starting with reducing the environmental impact of nitrogen fertilizer. The new name is a reference to the two parent companies “as well as the natural symbiosis between plants and microbes, which is the foundation of the company’s mission,” Joyn Bio said in a release. Under the arrangement, Bayer is providing access to proprietary microbial strains and development intel, whileGinkgo provides access to its technology and facilities. The new company is currently working to fill positions relating to synthetic biology, plant-microbe interactions, and soil ecosystems.
Bayer moving ahead with plant microbiome company
