Bayer Crop Science and Switch Bioworks Collaborate on Biological Nitrogen Fixation

21 October 2026, US: Bayer Crop Science has entered into a collaboration with US-based biotechnology company Switch Bioworks to explore its genetic switch technology for developing biological products for agriculture. The initial focus will be biological nitrogen fixation, which could help improve crop nutrition and reduce reliance on conventional nitrogen fertilizers.

The collaboration combines Bayer’s capabilities in product development, formulation, field testing and commercialization with Switch Bioworks’ programmable biology platform. The platform uses genetically engineered microbes designed to produce nitrogen fertilizer on plant roots.

Biological nitrogen fixation has been a focus of research and investment in agriculture. However, developing microbes that can establish themselves on plant roots and produce enough nitrogen to benefit crops remains a technical challenge.

Microbes engineered to produce nitrogen fertilizer may struggle to establish themselves on roots, while strains that establish successfully may not produce sufficient nitrogen. Switch Bioworks aims to address this challenge through its genetic switch technology.

Programmable Microbes for Nitrogen Production

Switch Bioworks’ technology uses genetically engineered microbes originally developed at Stanford University. These microbes are designed to establish themselves on plant roots before activating nitrogen production, rather than producing nitrogen continuously.

According to the company, grow-room studies showed that the programmed microbes produced five times more nitrogen than control strains designed to produce nitrogen continuously. Further testing will be needed to determine how the technology performs under field conditions and whether it delivers benefits to growers.

“Bayer’s commitment to advancing agriculture through innovative biological solutions is unparalleled, and they have long demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the complexities of nitrogen performance in corn,” said Dr. Tim Schnabel, founder and CEO of Switch Bioworks.

He said the collaboration marks a milestone for the company and supports the development of its technology platform.

Bayer Works with Biological Technology Developers

Bayer Crop Science is exploring biologicals as an additional option for crop nutrition and crop management. These products could help growers manage changing field conditions and meet crop nutrient requirements.

“Growers need more options to manage unpredictable conditions, protect crop potential and optimize their crop nutrition programs. They also need to do this while meeting increasing expectations from consumers for more resilient and responsible food systems. Biologicals are another way we address these challenges,” said Benoit Hartmann, Insights, Innovation & Partnerships Lead at Bayer Crop Science.

Hartmann said Bayer works with technology developers by combining their expertise with its capabilities in product development, formulation, field testing and commercialization, as well as its knowledge of crop genetics.

Bayer’s agricultural business includes seeds and crop protection products, which the company combines to help growers manage production risks, maintain crop yields and improve returns on investment.

Field Trials and Regulatory Approvals

Switch Bioworks has received authorization from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct field trials of its engineered microbial fertilizer. Trials are underway at multiple sites across the US Midwest. The company has also received approvals in Brazil from the National Technical Biosafety Commission (CTNBio).

The field trials will assess the technology under agricultural conditions. Its commercial application will depend on results demonstrating consistent performance and benefits for growers.

Switch Bioworks’ genetic switch technology is protected by seven patent families. The company is also exploring potential applications in energy, industrial biotechnology and microbiome research related to human health.

The collaboration with Bayer adds to ongoing research into microbial nitrogen fixation. The technology’s performance in field trials will help determine its potential role in crop nutrition and its application alongside conventional fertilizers.

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