Sponsor
Bayer Crop Science
Program
Grants4Ag
For More Information
Full details on the programs application process and submission rules are available at halo.science/company/bayer-crop-science.
Join Bayer Crop Science for a webinar discussing priorities for the 2021 call.
Description
First introduced in 2015, the Bayer Grants4Ag initiative has evolved to offer researchers financial and scientific support to develop ideas for novel solutions across all research and development areas in the Division of Crop Science. Awarded projects will be paired with an internal Bayer Scientist for project guidance.
Three funding opportunities are currently open:
Sustainably protecting crops while preserving natural habitats
Bayer Crop Science is seeking novel approaches and technologies to sustainably protect crops and preserve natural habitats.
To protect our crops and feed a growing population, farmers need access to novel tools and technologies that enable sustainable cultivation of row crops, fruits, and vegetables. We know we can’t do that alone, so we are looking to support innovators by partnering to drive new ideas towards commercialization.
Solutions of interest include:
- Traits that improve nutrient and water use efficiency or increase carbon sequestration in row crops, fruits and vegetables.
- Novel approaches to optimize, identify and validate gene or protein expression, activity and regulation.
- Novel approaches to discover and optimize native crop genes
- Novel approaches to increase genetic diversity/variation in crops
- Novel approaches for reducing insect and nematode damage or reducing fungal growth and symptoms
- Novel approaches for increasing tolerance to herbicide applications and/or lower weed pressure
- Controlled-release technologies for active ingredients and biologicals
Digital tools for collecting, transmitting and analyzing agronomic data
Bayer Crop Science is seeking digital tools for collecting, transmitting, and analyzing data to boost agronomic performance.
Digital innovation is the next great frontier in agriculture. With remote sensors, satellites and drones, farmers now have access to more data than ever. By modeling this data, we can provide farmers with useful insights to make critical and timely in-field decisions, such as predicting environmental pressures or vulnerability to pests. While real-time data drives the precise application of resources, software allows for quick, easy analysis of crop management and protection. We aim to accelerate advances in genomics, phenomics and artificial intelligence to develop solutions to our shared challenges and bring more value to our customers.
Solutions of interest include:
- Novel phenotyping and modeling tools for early detection and quantification of insects, nematodes and diseases or modeling tools for plant growth and development in response to abiotic stresses
- Machine learning and data modeling tools that provide actionable insights and recommendations for efficient use of crop inputs, e.g. for soil application scripting
- Precision technologies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, such as in-field chemical residue measurement
- Artificial intelligence applications in active ingredient discovery and optimization processes
- Novel approaches for yield estimation
- Novel approaches for root phenotyping, esp. non-destructive methodologies
Eligibility
Although Bayer allows non-faculty to apply, UofG requires an eligible faculty member to hold and administer funding.
Funding Availability
Grants available in amounts ranging from €5,000 to €15,000. Last year’s program awarded 24 grants after receiving more than 600 submissions.
Indirect Costs
0%
Project Duration
Bayer expects the projects are completed in about one year. However, they can extend and renew on a case-by-case basis.
Special Notes
Additional details can be found on Halo's RFP website.
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date |
|---|---|
External Deadline |
How to Apply
The submission process Bayer’s Grants4Ag program will be managed through Halo.
Applications can be submitted using the “Easy Apply” button on the RFP page.
- Sustainably protecting crops while preserving natural habitats
- Digital tools for collecting, transmitting and analyzing agronomic data
If awarded, please send all application and award documentation, along with a budget and completed OR-5, to research.services@uoguelph.ca, to facilitate negotiation of a grant agreement with Bayer, and subsequent research account set-up.