Syngenta Crop Protection and Insilico Medicine form artificial intelligence collaboration

Syngenta Crop Protection is collaborating with Insilico Medicine, an artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning company, to accelerate the invention and development of new and more effective crop protection solutions that protect crops from pests while also protecting ecosystems. 

“This collaboration with Insilico Medicine means that Syngenta can harness the immense potential and scope of AI to develop the next generation of sustainable crop protection solutions as part of Syngenta’s $2 billion commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Camilla Corsi, who heads crop protection research at Syngenta, in a Syngenta news release. “This will further transform agriculture by providing farmers around the world with the tools they need to produce healthy, nutritious, affordable, and sustainably grown food in the most efficient way, while also minimizing the environmental impact.” 

Insilico Medicine has a proven track record and has delivered significant advances in pharmaceutical research, say company officials. It uses AI and deep learning to design, synthesize, and validate new ingredients. 

The same approach also has the potential to transform the development of new crop protection solutions that help keep plants safe, from planting to harvesting, say company officials. Working closely with Syngenta, Insilico Medicine will use its AI-powered small molecule generative chemistry technology not only to invent molecules for active ingredients faster, but also actively design molecules that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly, say company officials. 

“We are very happy to collaborate with a company that is dedicated to developing safe and sustainable solutions for growers,” said Alex Zhavoronkov, founder, and CEO of Insilico Medicine, in a news release. “Our artificial intelligence is designed from the ground up to produce very precise chemistry to protect human health, while ensuring short-term and long-term safety. This expertise is extremely valuable for crop sciences, and especially so for businesses whose top priority is the safety of their products. Syngenta is a progressive company with many brilliant scientists, and we will be working together to use artificial intelligence for the benefit of agriculture.” 

“Our reputation as a global leader in innovation is built on a foundation of collaboration and our understanding of the challenges faced by growers,” added Corsi in a news release.  “Working together with Insilico Medicine, combining our skills, knowledge, and technologies, will help ensure that new and more effective crop protection solutions will be in the hands of farmers sooner.”