Feeding a Growing World, Sustainably

Close-up of a female farmer planting flower seedling

How do we feed a growing global population sustainably?
At IBIS, we see microbial biofertilizers as a game-changer — reducing dependence on synthetic inputs and improving access to affordable, effective, and sustainable fertilizers, for farmers worldwide.

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Advancing effective and scalable biofertilizer solutions through cutting-edge science and global collaboration

Close-up of hands holding mineral fertilizers

RESEARCH AND Innovation

The IBIS R&D Pipeline

IBIS is developing a comprehensive R&D pipeline that will accelerate the discovery, development, and scaling of efficient biofertilizer solutions. Spanning from laboratory to field, the IBIS pipeline provides access to robotic-assisted experiments, verified protocols, predictive tools, and expert support for biofertilizer identification, production scaling, and field testing.
Researchers analyzing in a university science lab

Education

Educating future biofertilizer innovators

IBIS is committed to educating the next generation of biofertilizer innovators. The initiative supports especially early-career scientists, offering access to the global R&D pipeline, mentoring, and collaboration opportunities. A dedicated Biofertilizer R&D course will strengthen capacity across partner regions and ensure long-term impact beyond the project’s lifetime.
Close-up view of fresh green plant growing in a glass

Open Innovation Program (OIS)

IBIS-OIS - Open Innovation funding program

A key element of IBIS’s success lies in strong collaboration between the public and private sectors - working together to bridge critical knowledge and technology gaps. Through the IBIS-OIS funding program, a total of DKK 55 million (USD 8.5 million) will be distributed via challenge-based calls to support collaborative, pre-competitive, and open science projects. 

Vision

Enabling sustainable and affordable crop productivity across the globe by increasing the use of biofertilizers in agriculture at all farm scales.
IBIS Initiative for Biofertilizer Innovation and Science

Mission

To accelerate the discovery, development, and global adoption of efficient biofertilizers by bridging laboratory research and field application, fostering open innovation, and empowering farmers with sustainable, affordable agricultural solutions.
IBIS is non-GMO. Organisms remain 100% natural, and only native organisms will be applied locally. No patents will be taken out.
Key tasks include:
  • Establishing a fully documented biofertilizer R&D pipeline, spanning from initial lead discovery and manufacturing scale-up to in-field product validation.
  • Providing standardized experimental protocols, data collection methods, and documentation for biofertilizers
  • Promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building
  • Educating the future biofertilizer solution creators

collaboration

IBIS is grounded in an open, collaborative model shaped by the needs of end users — including farmers, agronomists, biotech developers, and regulators. 
This is a shared, global effort with a team working across disciplines and continents to unlock the potential of biofertilizers — for the benefit of people and planet. 
IBIS i non-profit, run by universities and public institutions.
No patents on organisms or their use will be taken out.
Get in touch
Person measuring soil with digital device

IBIS leadership

IBIS Director

Rasmus John Normand Frandsen

Rasmus John Normand Frandsen Professor Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine Phone: +45 45252708

IBIS Vice Director

Lars Jelsbak

Lars Jelsbak Professor Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine Phone: +45 45256129

IBIS Head of Operations

Yumiko Sakuragi

Yumiko Sakuragi Head of Operations Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine Mobile: +45 9351 0203

funding

IBIS

The new global research program is hosted at DTU Bioengineering and made possible through the generous support of:

  • The Novo Nordisk Foundation
    Grant No. NNF25SA0104350
  • The Gates Foundation
    Investment ID Inv-067126

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