New partnership aims to boost crop research and reduce the time needed to find new crop solutions
Syngenta has announced a new initiative to explore the use of quantum computing in agriculture. The announcement was made during the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in Europe. The company has partnered with QuantumBasel, Switzerland’s first commercial quantum computing hub, to advance research and development in crop science.
Syngenta says farmers across the world are facing increasing pressure to produce more food in a sustainable way. Changing weather patterns, pests, and plant diseases are making farming more difficult. To address these challenges, it says new scientific methods are needed to go beyond the limits of traditional computing.
Quantum computing is a technology that can process complex data much faster and more accurately than classical computers. In agriculture, it can help scientists study complicated molecular interactions that are important for developing crop protection products. These products must be safe, effective, and environmentally friendly.
By using quantum computing, researchers can better understand how molecules behave. This can lead to improved product design and new solutions in crop science. It may also help reduce the time needed for research, making innovation faster and more efficient.
The partnership between Syngenta and QuantumBasel will bring together advanced computing resources and agricultural expertise. Scientists will work together in Switzerland to explore new ways to study plant biology and chemistry. Initial projects will focus on understanding molecular behavior and discovering new approaches to crop development.
"Quantum computing could be a catalyst for the next generation of scientific breakthroughs in agriculture," said Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Syngenta Group. "It has the future potential to give us a deeper understanding of molecular interactions than has ever been possible, delivering insights and solutions that can help growers meet the challenges of a changing world."
"Our mission is to apply quantum computing capabilities to industry, and agriculture is one of the most exciting frontiers. By combining QuantumBasel's quantum computing know-how and infrastructure with Syngenta's deep agricultural expertise, we can help growers benefit from faster research cycles, better crop resilience, and more sustainable farming practices. We are excited for the chance to create an impact where it really matters," said Thomas Landolt, CEO of QuantumBasel.
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