New US$ 130 million facility to focus on next-generation, sustainable solutions for farming

Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, announced that it is building a new US$ 130 million world-leading research center for agricultural bioscience at its existing R&D hub in Jealott’s Hill, UK. The Biological Sciences Technology and Research center (BioSTaR) will deliver the latest advances in biological sciences, molecular and analytical research and digital innovation to shape the future of sustainable agriculture.

Significant investment in cutting-edge AI capabilities will accelerate Syngenta’s ability to design and deliver the next generation of differentiated agricultural solutions to farmers. Once complete, the BioSTaR facility will bring together approximately 300 scientists who already work at Jealott’s Hill, uniting their expertise in a purpose‑built environment designed to accelerate discovery and product development. It is expected to be fully operational in 2028, further strengthening the UK’s role as a global center for agricultural innovation and ensuring scientists have the advanced infrastructure needed to push the boundaries of bioscience, digital research and AI‑driven innovation.

New scientific frontiers in agriculture are emerging rapidly and the new BioSTaR facility will bring these advances together under one roof—from designing crop protection solutions with novel modes of action and anticipating resistance before it develops, to creating products that respond to environmental signals such as temperature and soil quality. Modern bioscience sits at the intersection of biological, chemical and digital disciplines, and is now powered by real-world data, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence.

By combining these capabilities at BioSTaR, scientists will deepen understanding of how pests, pathogens, plants and soils interact and accelerate the development of tools that protect crops more effectively, reduce environmental impact and strengthen farming systems in a changing climate.

“At Syngenta, we are focused on creating a more productive and sustainable future for agriculture. With this investment, we are pushing the boundaries of science,” said Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Crop Protection R&D at Syngenta. She added that Syngenta’s leadership is built on cutting‑edge infrastructure and its culture of scientific excellence. “Our ability to collaborate—across disciplines, across borders and with partners worldwide—is core to our success. It powers our speed, our creativity and our impact,” Corsi explained.

Mike Hollands, President of Syngenta UK said: “As the birthplace of many ideas that have transformed the world, the UK has a long history of innovation, and for nearly a century, our Jealott’s Hill research hub has pioneered many of the discoveries that continue to advance global agriculture. Already the UK’s largest facility dedicated to agricultural technology research, our investment in BioSTaR signals the next chapter in Jealott’s Hill’s critical role in advancing agricultural innovation.”

UK Minister for Investment Lord Stockwood said: “This major investment is a strong vote of confidence in the UK’s world class agri science sector. It demonstrates Syngenta’s long-term commitment to the UK while supporting 300 high quality jobs and delivering real benefits for the local community. With digital and tech central to our Modern Industrial Strategy, this announcement will help create next-generation sustainable agricultural solutions for farmers, strengthening the UK’s position as both a thriving business hub and tech hotspot.”

UK Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “Syngenta’s investment in the new BioSTaR facility at Jealott’s Hill is a clear vote of confidence in the UK and our world-leading agricultural science. This government is backing agri-tech growth and British farming, investing GBP 345 million in grants for equipment and innovation to help farmers grow food more sustainably while protecting the natural environment and building a profitable, resilient future for the sector.”