Biotalys

Biotalys is an agricultural technology (AgTech) company that develops protein-based biocontrol solutions to provide a sustainable and safe food supply. The company was founded in 2013 as AgroSavfe, a spin-off from the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), based on the research of Professor Jan Steyaert. It officially rebranded to Biotalys in 2019.

The company's core technology is the AGROBODY Foundry™ platform, which is based on llama-derived single-domain antibody technology (Nanobody®). This platform develops biocontrols that aim to combine the effectiveness of conventional chemical pesticides with the safety profile of biologicals. These solutions are designed to protect against crop pests and diseases both before and after harvest, helping to reduce food waste and improve yield. The company's initial product candidate, a biofungicide named EVOCA™, is developed to combat major fungal diseases like Botrytis cinerea and powdery mildew in fruits and vegetables. EVOCA is currently under regulatory review in the United States and the European Union, with a decision in the U.S. expected by the end of September 2025 and in the EU by the second half of 2026.

Biotalys operates in the AgTech market, providing solutions for growers of high-value crops. Its business model focuses on research and development, forming strategic partnerships for commercialization. A key collaboration includes a partnership with Syngenta to develop a new bioinsecticide. While the company has not yet generated revenue from product sales, its income is derived from R&D tax incentives and grants, including support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The company went public in July 2021, listing on the Euronext Brussels stock exchange under the ticker BTLS to fund its product pipeline and commercialization efforts.

Patrice Sellès served as CEO from July 2019, leading the company through its IPO and initial commercial preparations. In 2023, Kevin Helash was appointed CEO to guide the company's next growth phase. The company is headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, and maintains a subsidiary in the United States.

Keywords: agricultural technology, biocontrols, crop protection, protein-based solutions, AGROBODY Foundry, sustainable agriculture, biofungicide, food supply chain, agtech, VIB spin-off, pest management, Botrytis, powdery mildew, EVOCA, food safety, post-harvest, biological pesticides, farm-to-fork, Nanobody technology, Euronext Brussels, biopesticides, crop science, food security