SenseUp

About SenseUp

SenseUP is a German biotechnology company developing eco-friendly biopesticides as an alternative to conventional chemical solutions. A spin-off from the Institute for Biotechnology at Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), the company was founded in 2015 by a team of scientists including Georg Schaumann, Gunter Festel, Thomas Schwarz, and Stephan Binder, with Schaumann serving as CEO. The venture was initiated to translate scientific achievements into practical industrial applications.

The company's core technology is a patented platform for the scalable and affordable production of encapsulated double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) biopesticides. This process utilizes precision fermentation with a Corynebacterium-based platform, a microorganism commonly used in food production. The technology enables the creation of highly specific, non-toxic, and biodegradable crop protection solutions that target specific pests without harming beneficial insects like bees. By using RNA interference (RNAi), the products can silence vital genes in target pests, such as the Fall Armyworm and fungi like Botrytis. This method avoids genetic modification of the crops themselves.

SenseUP operates on a business model focused on strategic partnerships with global players in the agriculture, feed, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Its products are designed to be compatible with existing agricultural infrastructure, utilizing renewable raw materials for production. Since its commercial start in 2017, the company has secured multiple rounds of funding. A significant seed round in May 2025 raised €2.4 million, led by Capnamic and joined by HBG Ventures, CHECK24 Impact, and Rockstart. This capital is intended to expand the product portfolio, grow the team, and accelerate industry collaborations. The company has relocated to BioCampus Cologne to further its growth.