Dr. Minshad Ansari Interview
In this Q&A session, we explore the journey of Bionema, a pioneering company in sustainable agriculture, with its founder, Dr. Minshad Ansari. Founded in 2012 and headquartered at Swansea University, Bionema develops cutting-edge biopesticides, biostimulants, and biofertilizers to reduce chemical pesticide use. Through innovations like Incapsulex® microencapsulation and biofilm-based biofertilizers, the company is revolutionizing pest control, plant health, and soil improvement. With a mission to lead the “new green revolution”, Bionema is expanding globally, forging key industry partnerships, and shaping the future of biological solutions in agriculture, horticulture, turf management, and forestry. Join us as we discuss Bionema’s vision, innovations, and impact in this insightful conversation with Dr. Ansari.
Introduction to Bionema
We started the interview by asking, “Explain your background and your company in detail.”
Dr Minsad Ansari replied, “Hello, I am Dr. Minshad Ansari, the CEO and Founder of a respected name in agricultural biologicals. With 25 years of experience, I focus on biocontrol, biopesticides, biostimulants, and biofertilisers. After spending roughly 15 years in academia, I became frustrated with the ongoing scarcity of non-chemical alternatives for biological crop protection and the slow commercialisation of available options for many users. Consequently, I established Bionema in 2012 to offer biological pest control solutions that minimise the need for chemical usage.
Over a decade later, Bionema has become a leading global developer and manufacturer of biopesticides for various sectors. We also offer a range of solutions for biological agriculture, including biocontrol, biostimulants and biofertilisers. Bionema remains headquartered at Swansea University in Wales. We specialise in creating chemical-free pest and plant health solutions for the horticulture, turf and amenities, landscaping, and forestry sectors, as well as innovative solutions for public health.”
Bionema’s Vision for the Future
The UK Times: What is Bionema’s ultimate goal in biological agriculture?
Dr Minsad Ansari replied, “Bionema’s ultimate mission is to revolutionise agriculture by making biological solutions the primary farming method. The company is committed to reducing harmful chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices. Their vision aligns with the ‘new green revolution,’ which focuses on achieving global food security while minimising environmental damage. Bionema believes biological alternatives can effectively replace chemical-based solutions, ensuring higher crop yields and a healthier planet. By continuously innovating and developing cutting-edge biological formulations, Bionema aims to provide farmers with more effective, profitable, and sustainable solutions. While eliminating chemicals may not happen overnight, the company remains dedicated to this goal. Through partnerships, research, and the commercialisation of novel products, Bionema strives to make biological agriculture the global standard. Their long-term vision is to create a world where farming is both productive and environmentally responsible.”
A Sustainable Alternative to Chemical Pesticides
The UK Times: How does Bionema’s biocontrol technology offer a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides?
Dr Minsad Ansari replied, “Bionema’s biocontrol technology harnesses the power of naturally occurring microorganisms, such as entomopathogenic nematodes, fungi, and bacteria, to effectively target and control agricultural pests. Unlike chemical pesticides, which can harm beneficial insects, contaminate soil, and contribute to resistance issues, our solutions work harmoniously with nature.
For instance, our Beauveria bassiana-based bioinsecticide selectively infects and eliminates pest species while being safe for pollinators and non-target organisms. Similarly, our entomopathogenic nematodes actively seek out soil-dwelling pests, providing long-term pest suppression without disrupting soil biodiversity.
Integrating these biological solutions into modern agricultural practices, we help farmers reduce chemical inputs, enhance crop resilience, and improve soil health—leading to higher yields and a more sustainable food production system. Our innovation commitment ensures that growers have effective, science-backed alternatives to harmful chemical pesticides.”
Bionema’s Competitive Edge
The UK Times: How does Bionema differentiate itself from competitors in the biological agriculture sector?
Dr Minsad Ansari replied, “Unlike many companies in the biological agriculture sector, Bionema doesn’t just focus on developing biological products; it invests in innovative delivery systems that enhance product effectiveness. The company works closely with global research institutions and commercial partners to create patented technologies that offer better adaptability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. One of Bionema’s major differentiators is its willingness to collaborate with other biocontrol companies rather than seeing them as competitors. By sharing expertise and working toward a common goal, Bionema believes the entire industry can grow faster and have a more significant impact. The company has also successfully commercialised groundbreaking solutions like NemaTrident®, Nemaspreader® and UniSpore®G, which were later acquired by Syngenta in 2021, solidifying Bionema’s reputation as a leader in the field. Their dedication to sustainable farming, continuous innovation, and strategic partnerships make them stand out in an increasingly competitive market.”
Dr. Minshad Ansari’s Journey to Leadership
The UK Times: Could you describe the journey that led you to your current position?
Dr Minsad Ansari replied, “When I was a young child growing up in India, I witnessed my father using insecticides in 1980, and I couldn’t help wondering what these techniques were doing to our crops, our people and our planet. This inspired me to study Agriculture at BRDPG College, Gorakhpur University, where I gained my B.Sc. in Agriculture in 1990. This was followed by an M.Sc. in Agriculture Nematology at AMU in 1993, India and Ghent University, Belgium in 1998. I also achieved my PhD in applied agricultural sciences at Ghent University before moving to Swansea University in Wales, UK, as a research scientist in 2005.
Swansea University has a significant focus on innovation in biocontrol—it even recently developed the Swansea University Innovation Fund, which supports the commercialisation of research with practical support and investment. In this nurturing environment, I decided to start Bionema in 2012 after 8 years of my research career at Swansea University. I transitioned into developing and commercialising biopesticides for sustainable crop protection, working with several high-profile commercial companies and government organisations.
Within 5 years, Bionema developed and commercialised its extensive range of beneficial nematode products: NemaTrident®, a tri-component nematode-based solution for insect pest control in horticulture, turf amenity and forestry. In 2018, Bionema raised equity investment and a million-pound grant to develop and commercialise another bioinsecticide called UniSpore®G and a ground-breaking fungal technology, IncapsuleX™. This innovative formulation delivery system enhances foliar adhesion and increases persistence for improved pest and disease control.
In 2021, Syngenta Crop Protection acquired the NemaTrident® range and UniSpore®G, allowing Bionema to focus on its prime mission of developing innovative biological formulations that deliver effective and profitable agricultural solutions. We are now achieving this, going from strength to strength as we diversify and expand our offerings to the biological agriculture sector, expanding to biostimulants and biofertilisers.”
Overcoming Challenges as a Growing Company
The UK Times: What challenges has Bionema faced as a small company, and how have they been overcome?
Dr Minsad Ansari replied, “As a small company, Bionema has faced several challenges, including hiring the right people and establishing itself in a competitive market. Finding skilled professionals who shared the company’s vision was difficult in the early years. Some early hires did not have Bionema’s best interests at heart, which made growth challenging. However, the company built a dedicated and loyal team that aligned with its mission over time. Another major challenge was gaining global recognition. This changed in 2021 when Syngenta acquired two of Bionema’s key technologies—NemaTrident® and UniSpore®G—which significantly boosted the company’s credibility and market position. Despite these obstacles, Bionema has remained committed to innovating biological solutions for sustainable agriculture. Through strategic partnerships, continuous research, and perseverance, the company has successfully navigated challenges and is now recognised as a leader in biological agriculture.”
Bionema’s Global Expansion
The UK Times: What are Bionema’s global expansion and growth plans?
Dr Minsad Ansari replied, “Bionema has ambitious plans to expand its global reach and strengthen its impact on the biological agriculture sector. The company is opening subsidiaries in South Africa, North America, and Asia, and it aims to complete this expansion within the next two years. By establishing a presence in these key markets, Bionema can better support farmers and businesses looking for sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. In addition to geographic expansion, the company is diversifying its product portfolio. Beyond biopesticides, Bionema is now focusing on the next generation of biostimulants and biofertilisers, crucial in improving soil health and crop productivity. Furthermore, Bionema continues collaborating with research institutions and commercial partners to enhance its patented delivery technologies, making biological solutions more effective and accessible. With a clear vision and a strong team, Bionema is well-positioned to lead the future of sustainable agriculture worldwide.”
Revolutionizing Biocontrol with Incapsulex Technology
The UK time: What makes Bionema’s Incapsulex® technology a game-changer in biocontrol formulations?
Dr Minsad Ansari replied, “Bionema’s Incapsulex® technology is a next-generation microencapsulation platform that significantly enhances the efficacy and stability of biocontrol agents. Traditional biological formulations often face challenges with environmental degradation, short shelf life, and inconsistent performance in field applications. Incapsulex® overcomes these hurdles by encapsulating beneficial microorganisms, such as entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria, in a protective shell that ensures controlled release, increased persistence, and improved foliar application.
This technology delivers 30-40% higher efficacy than conventional biopesticides or chemical pesticides, making it a powerful alternative for sustainable crop protection. It also addresses a significant industry challenge—practical foliar application of biologicals—by ensuring that the active spores remain viable and reach their target pests efficiently. With Incapsulex®, Bionema is setting new standards in biocontrol innovation, helping growers reduce chemical inputs while maintaining high performance in pest and disease management.”
Revolutionizing Sustainable Agriculture
The UK time: How is Bionema revolutionizing sustainable agriculture with its cutting-edge biocontrol and biofertiliser technologies?
Dr Minsad Ansari replied, “Bionema is pioneering innovative solutions to reduce agricultural chemical inputs through advanced biocontrol and biofertiliser technologies. Our portfolio includes:
- Incapsulex® Technology – A next-generation microencapsulation system that enhances biological pesticides’ efficacy, stability, and targeted delivery, improving pest control while reducing environmental impact.
- Entomopathogenic Fungi & Nematodes—Naturally occurring microorganisms, such as Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and beneficial nematodes, provide effective pest control with long-term ecological benefits.
- Biofilm-Based Biofertilizers – Harnessing microbial biofilms to improve nutrient uptake, soil health, and crop resilience while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers.
- Botanical Biopesticides – Natural plant-derived solutions like Brevibacillus laterosporus and saponin-based molluscicides (Snailed™) that offer sustainable pest management without harming non-target organisms.
- Bio-Nano NPK Fertilizers are a novel nanotechnology-based nutrient delivery system that improves plant nutrient availability, absorption, and efficiency.
Through these breakthrough innovations, Bionema leads the charge towards a more sustainable, high-performance agricultural future, helping farmers improve yields while protecting the environment.”
Recognition and Achievements
Lastly we asked, “Has Bionema Group been recognised with the King’s Award for Innovation in 2024?”
“Yes, Bionema Group was honored with the prestigious King’s Award for Innovation 2024 in recognition of our pioneering advancements in biocontrol technology. This award reflects our dedication to developing cutting-edge biological solutions that replace chemical pesticides, enhance crop protection, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Winning this award underscores the impact of our research, development, and commercialisation of innovative biopesticides, biostimulants, and biofertilisers. It is a significant milestone that reinforces Bionema’s leadership in biological crop protection and our mission to create a healthier, more sustainable agricultural future.
We are proud of this achievement and remain committed to pushing the industry’s innovation boundaries.” Dr Minshad Ansari Concluded
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