ADM invests in biotechnology company Acies Bio

ADM has made a leading equity investment in Slovenian biotechnology company Acies Bio, for an undisclosed sum.

The company specialises in R&D and manufacturing services in functional food, sustainable agriculture and bio-based industrial applications. They develop and scale synthetic biology and precision fermentation technology for these sectors.

The investment will enable ADM to expand its projects more quickly within the precision microbial fermentation industry by using Acies Bio’s extensive microbial capabilities and contract manufacturing services.

Ian Pinner, ADM chief strategy and innovation officer, said: “Microbial technology is unlocking disruptive opportunities in sustainable agriculture, sustainable materials and fuels, and alternative proteins. We’re propelling growth opportunities by working with innovators who appreciate our unique combination of expertise, capacity and access to feedstocks.”

He continued: “Now, by investing to become a minority owner in Acies Bio, we’re opening up the door to new collaboration with an innovative, complementary business to meet the growing demand for products developed via microbial fermentation”.

This announcement comes after ADM signed a technology licensing agreement with US biotechnology company Solarea Bio earlier this month.