In an era where sustainability is a global priority, Bionema Group is leading a biocontrol revolution that is transforming agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. In an exclusive interview, Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder, and Stephen Ford, Chief Technical Officer, discuss the journey, innovations, and future vision of this pioneering organisation.
The Beginning of a Vision
Bionema Group was founded with a bold mission: to replace synthetic pesticides and fertilisers with sustainable, practical, and cost-effective biological solutions. Reflecting on the company’s journey, Dr Ansari explains,
“Bionema began with a vision to harness science to solve real-world problems. Over the past decade, we have become global innovators in biocontrol, offering transformative technologies like our flagship microencapsulation platform, Incapsulex®, which is set to revolutionise pest management. Sustainability has been our guiding principle.”
For Stephen Ford, CTO, the focus has always been on aligning with nature’s mechanisms. He elaborates,
“We listen to Mother Nature to provide effective solutions for growers. Innovations like Incapsulex® are designed to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring precision delivery and long-lasting efficacy. This has firmly established Bionema as a leader in the global transition to sustainable farming.”
Innovative Products and Technologies
Bionema’s portfolio includes an impressive range of biological pest control solutions, such as entomopathogenic nematodes and fungal and bacterial-based biopesticides. The company’s flagship product, Incapsulex®, is a patent-pending microencapsulation platform that enhances delivery, stability, and efficacy.
“Incapsulex® allows controlled—or, as I like to call it, programmable—release, prolonging product effectiveness and reducing the need for frequent applications,” explains Ford.
Dr Ansari highlights another breakthrough in slug management, which causes over £100 million in crop losses annually in the UK.
“We have developed two patented solutions that address this issue directly, offering a game-changing approach to pest control,” he says.
Beyond products, Bionema also offers tailored Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes, comprehensive training, and technology transfer to maximise value for growers.
What Makes Bionema Unique
Bionema’s competitive advantage lies in its science-driven and customer-focused approach. Dr Ansari remarks,
“We do more than sell products; we provide end-to-end solutions. Collaborations with universities, research institutions, and industry leaders such as Syngenta validate our commitment to innovation and excellence.”
Stephen Ford highlights the game-changing impact of Bionema’s biological formulation platform, saying,
“Our precision delivery technology is unmatched in the market. Combined with our emphasis on education and technical support, Bionema sets the benchmark in biocontrol innovation, rather than simply competing.”
Milestones and Partnerships
Bionema’s achievements are as impressive as its products. One significant milestone was Syngenta’s acquisition of the company’s NemaTrident®, NemaSpreader®, and UniSpore® technologies. Additionally, Bionema was awarded the King’s Award for Innovation in 2024, recognising its transformative contributions to sustainable agriculture.
Stephen Ford adds,
“Building on the success of NemaTrident®, we are preparing to launch NemaGen™ in 2025. These native beneficial nematodes will provide a cost-effective, sustainable solution for growers, greenkeepers, and foresters.”
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability drives every aspect of Bionema’s operations. Products such as Incapsulex® and biofilm-based fertilisers are designed to minimise synthetic chemical use, improve soil health, and protect biodiversity. Dr Ansari notes,
“Education is an integral part of our strategy. Through workshops, webinars, and field demonstrations, we empower growers to adopt sustainable practices and maximise the value of our solutions.”
Stephen Ford provides a broader perspective:
“We are raising awareness about the impact of synthetic chemicals on the food chain, while addressing the challenge of feeding a growing global population. It is about finding a balance—delivering innovative solutions that improve efficiency and yields while reducing environmental harm.”
Overcoming Challenges
Despite its success, Bionema has faced challenges, particularly with regulatory hurdles. Dr Ansari explains,
“Biopesticide registration processes are often lengthy and complex. Through the World BioProtection Forum, we advocate for streamlined regulatory pathways to accelerate adoption in the UK and beyond.”
Ford expresses frustration with regulatory delays but emphasises the company’s focus on innovation and quality.
“Scaling production while maintaining precision is challenging, but we have invested in world-class microbiology laboratories and pilot plants to ensure scalability without compromising efficacy,” he says.
A Vision for the Future
Bionema’s ambitions for the future are bold. By 2030, the company aims to halve synthetic pesticide use globally and achieve a valuation exceeding £500 million.
“We are focused on scaling our technologies globally and introducing category-defining innovations in biopesticides, biostimulants, and biofertilisers,” says Dr Ansari.
For Ford, the future also includes integrating digital tools into biocontrol solutions.
“AI and precision agriculture will allow farmers to optimise pest management in real time. We are not just building a company; we are shaping the future of sustainable farming,” he states confidently.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Closing the interview, Dr Ansari shares his advice:
“Stay committed to your vision and focus on creating real-world impact. Success in the biocontrol sector requires persistence, partnerships, and a commitment to quality.”
Ford adds,
“Embrace innovation and adaptability. Build a multidisciplinary team and be prepared to learn from nature and your colleagues. Together, you can overcome challenges and achieve transformative success.”
Conclusion
Bionema Group is not just a company—it is a movement that is reshaping the landscape of sustainable agriculture. With visionary leadership, cutting-edge technologies, and an unwavering commitment to innovation, Bionema is setting new standards for biocontrol solutions worldwide.
