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April 5, 2025Partnerships3 min

Strategic Research Partnership with University of Copenhagen Expands

Yngvi Bio strengthens ties with alma mater to advance protein engineering research for next-generation pest control solutions.

By Yngvi Bio Team

Yngvi Bio

Strategic Research Partnership with University of Copenhagen Expands

Strategic Research Partnership with University of Copenhagen Expands

Yngvi Bio has formalized an expanded research collaboration with the University of Copenhagen, establishing joint laboratory facilities and student exchange programs to accelerate development of next-generation protein-based pest control solutions.

Building on Strong Foundations

As a spin-out from the University of Copenhagen's Department of Biology, Yngvi Bio maintains deep roots in academic research. This expanded partnership formalizes and enhances our ongoing collaboration with one of Europe's leading life sciences institutions.

Historical Connection

"The University of Copenhagen has been instrumental in developing the foundational science behind our technology," explains Kenneth Veland Halberg, Ph.D., Yngvi Bio's Co-founder and CSO, who continues to serve as Associate Professor at the university. "This partnership ensures we maintain access to cutting-edge research while contributing to the next generation of scientists."

Joint Research Initiatives

Advanced Protein Engineering

The collaboration focuses on several key research areas:

Contractile Injection System Optimization

  • Enhanced targeting specificity for agricultural pests
  • Improved stability and field performance
  • Novel delivery mechanisms for different crop types
  • Resistance management strategies

Fundamental Insect Biology

  • Molecular mechanisms of pest physiology
  • Species-specific vulnerabilities for targeting
  • Environmental adaptation studies
  • Ecological impact assessments

Shared Laboratory Facilities

The partnership includes access to:

  • State-of-the-art protein characterization equipment
  • Insect rearing and testing facilities
  • Molecular biology and genetics laboratories
  • Field testing sites for agricultural validation

Student Exchange and Training Programs

Graduate Student Projects

The collaboration supports multiple Ph.D. and Master's thesis projects:

  • Students gain industry experience at Yngvi Bio
  • Research projects directly support product development
  • Academic publication opportunities for all participants
  • Career pathway development in biotechnology

Knowledge Transfer

"This partnership creates a unique environment where academic excellence meets commercial application," notes Eva Maria Rebrova, Ph.D., Yngvi Bio's CTO. "Students get hands-on experience with real-world product development while contributing to breakthrough research."

Scientific Excellence and Innovation

Research Pipeline

Current joint projects include:

Novel Target Discovery

  • Identifying new molecular targets in pest species
  • Developing species-specific intervention strategies
  • Validating target selectivity and safety profiles

Formulation Science

  • Advanced delivery system development
  • Environmental stability optimization
  • Application method improvements

Regulatory Science

  • Safety assessment methodologies
  • Environmental impact studies
  • Efficacy evaluation protocols

Publication Strategy

The partnership maintains a commitment to open science:

  • Joint publications in peer-reviewed journals
  • Conference presentations at scientific meetings
  • Knowledge sharing with the broader research community
  • Contribution to global understanding of protein-based pest control

Faculty Advisory Board

Expert Guidance

Yngvi Bio benefits from guidance by leading University of Copenhagen faculty:

  • Protein biochemistry specialists
  • Insect physiology experts
  • Environmental safety researchers
  • Agricultural application scientists

Strategic Direction

"Having access to world-class academic expertise helps ensure our technology development stays at the forefront of scientific innovation," explains Icíar de la Fuente, Business Developer. "This partnership provides both technical guidance and validation of our approach."

Technology Transfer and IP Management

Intellectual Property Framework

The collaboration includes:

  • Clear IP ownership and licensing agreements
  • Joint patent filing for breakthrough discoveries
  • Technology transfer protocols for commercialization
  • Revenue sharing arrangements for successful products

Commercial Development

Academic discoveries are efficiently translated into commercial applications through:

  • Streamlined evaluation processes
  • Rapid prototyping capabilities
  • Market-focused development priorities
  • Industry partnership opportunities

Global Research Network

International Connections

Through the University of Copenhagen, Yngvi Bio gains access to:

  • European research consortiums in agricultural biotechnology
  • International collaboration opportunities
  • Global talent pool for recruitment
  • Cross-border funding opportunities

Scientific Impact

The partnership enhances both organizations' global standing:

  • Increased citation impact for research publications
  • Enhanced reputation in sustainable agriculture
  • Leadership position in protein-based pest control
  • Recognition as innovation hub for biotechnology

Looking Forward

Expansion Plans

Future collaboration may include:

  • Additional faculty joint appointments
  • Expanded laboratory facilities
  • International student exchange programs
  • Industry partnership development

Long-term Vision

"This partnership represents our commitment to maintaining scientific excellence while building a successful commercial enterprise," concludes Dr. Halberg. "We're proving that the best innovations come from combining academic rigor with market focus."

Impact on Sustainable Agriculture

Research Translation

The collaboration accelerates translation of fundamental research into practical solutions:

  • Faster development timelines for new products
  • Higher probability of commercial success
  • Stronger scientific validation
  • Enhanced regulatory acceptance

Global Food Security

By combining academic excellence with commercial development, this partnership contributes to:

  • Sustainable pest management solutions
  • Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides
  • Enhanced crop protection for developing countries
  • Environmental preservation for future generations

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This strategic partnership demonstrates Yngvi Bio's commitment to scientific excellence and innovation in sustainable agriculture. Learn more about our research and development programs at [yngvi.bio/technology](/technology).

About the University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen is Denmark's oldest university and one of the top-ranked universities in Europe, with particular strength in life sciences, biotechnology, and sustainability research.

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