Phytoform Labs, a Rothamsted Campus–based, UK plant biotechnology company, is strengthening its international footprint by joining the Seed2Grow agricultural technology incubator at North Carolina State University. The company will be the first startup outside of North Carolina State University’s research community—and the first international startup—to participate in Seed2Grow, following its selection as the winner of Bayer’s Golden Ticket program.
Phytoform is an innovative plant biotechnology company solving global food supply challenges through advanced genetic solutions. Based at the Rothamsted Campus, the company leverages AI-led plant breeding and CRISPR-Cas gene-editing technologies to accelerate crop improvement in staples such as potatoes and tomatoes.
As part of the Golden Ticket award, Phytoform Labs will join the Seed2Grow startup community housed in NC State’s Plant Sciences Building on Centennial Campus. The company will receive 12 months of access to shared laboratory and office space, along with business and technical mentorship, networking opportunities, and connections to Bayer’s global innovation ecosystem.
“Our partnership with Bayer continues to strengthen the impact of Seed2Grow by expanding our entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Adrian Percy, Executive Director of the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative (N.C. PSI). “We are pleased to welcome Phytoform Labs to our startup community and to support their growth as they scale their innovations.”
Accelerating Agricultural Innovation
Seed2Grow is an entrepreneurship program run by the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative at NC State University. The program supports researchers and early-stage startups in transforming plant science discoveries into commercially viable solutions. Participants benefit from wet lab and office space, access to equipment and expertise, mentoring, and guidance on commercialization—all aimed at delivering impact for farmers and the global food system.
“The Golden Ticket program reflects our strong partnership with the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative and our shared commitment to accelerating agricultural innovation,” said Raphael Dumain, Global Head of External Innovation and Partnerships at Bayer Crop Science. “Supporting Phytoform Labs through Seed2Grow helps move promising technologies to market that can strengthen sustainability and productivity across agriculture.”
About Phytoform Labs
Phytoform Labs applies artificial intelligence to predict genetic solutions and delivers CRISPR-Cas ribonucleoprotein–based gene-editing approaches that enable faster, more consistent, and cost-effective crop improvement. Using protoplast-based delivery pipelines, the company develops novel plant traits that can be licensed to food brands, processors, and seed companies.
Through its Seed2Grow residency, Phytoform Labs is expanding its U.S. presence to accelerate commercialization—beginning with potato—while delivering on existing commercial commitments. The company’s work aims to reduce food waste, preserve crop quality, and create value across the agricultural supply chain, from growers to retailers.
“The Golden Ticket opportunity is going to greatly benefit Phytoform Labs,” said William Pelton, Co-Founder of Phytoform Labs. “Access to Seed2Grow’s facilities, expertise and network will accelerate our work in the U.S. and help us bring game-changing potato traits and other technologies to market.”
About N.C. PSI and Seed2Grow
The North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative unites university researchers, industry partners and entrepreneurs to address critical challenges in agriculture. The Seed2Grow incubator provides early-stage ag-tech companies with essential infrastructure, mentorship and industry connections. Through global partnerships such as the Golden Ticket program, Seed2Grow is expanding its reach and reinforcing North Carolina’s role as a hub for agricultural innovation.
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