b'TPS also offers flexibility in howSolyntas financial strategy has its used: direct sowing, transplantingevolved from securing long-term, seedlings, or replanting harvested tubers,mission-aligned investment for R&D depending on local needs. This adapta- to building a scalable and sustainable bility makes Solyntas technology suitablecommercial model, said Hein Kruyt, for a wide range of environmentsfromco-founder and CFO at Solynta. During large-scale commercial operations tothe first pioneering days of Solynta, smallholder farms. we have been primarily focused on the development of the breeding platform, Commercial Rollout: Local Partnerships,the first good potato varieties and the Global Reach discovery of genes that give us competi- Charles Miller, Solyntas director of strategic Solynta is now scaling up commercialtive edge over the clonal system. Earlyalliances and development.trials and partnerships across multi- funding focused on developing our inno-ple continents, including Africa, Asia,vative true potato seed (TPS) technology, Europe, and the Americas. These effortswhile current efforts are geared toward are validating the performance of hybridefficient production, market expansion, varieties in diverse climates and soils,and partnerships.while also building strong ties withToday, we see the market demand forward-thinking farmers and supplyand interest increasing for true potato chain partners. seeds. This requires scaling up our Our focus now is on real-worldproduction as well as our workforce. As a deployment, said Miller. Were workingresult, our financial approach continues hand-in-hand with local stakeholders toto balance innovation with operational ensure that our technology is accessible,discipline as we grow globally.practical, and tailored to each regionsVK Kishore, vice president and head of global product innovation and new cropsunique challenges. Laying the Groundwork for a MoreVegetables R&D at Bayer Crop Science.In Kenya and India, Solynta worksResilient Food Systemwith local partners, like Bayer.As climate pressures grow and food Bayer recognizes the challengesdemand rises, Solynta offers a scalable, smallholder farmers face with tradi- sustainable solution with true seeds, pro-tional seed tubers, including high costs,viding a clean, reliable alternative where logistical difficulties, and vulnerability toconventional seed potatoes are scarce or disease, said VK Kishore, vice-presidentunaffordable.and head of global product innovationWere not just improving a cropand new cropsVegetables R&D atwere creating the foundation for a new Bayer Crop Science. In collaborationway of growing potatoes, Miller said. with Bayer and Solynta, a comprehen- A way thats more productive, more sive strategy is being rolled out in Kenyaresilient, and more inclusive. Peter Poortinga, Solynta CEO.and India to drive the adoption of TPS.With its shift into commercial opera-This initiative focuses on enhancingtions, Solynta is poised to accelerate the access, providing agronomic training,adoption of hybrid potatoes globally. and offering localized support. Through demonstration plots and knowledge-sharing activities, the goal is to increase smallholder productivity, profitability, and sustainability. The companys flexible business model supports both local seed produc-tion and international collaborationsensuring that hybrid TPS can beThis article has been shortened for print.delivered efficiently and affordably whereRead the full version at: seedworld.com/solyntaits needed most. Hein Kruyt, co-founder and CFO at Solynta.JULY 2025SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 9'