Yngvi Bio Founded to Revolutionize Crop Protection

Copenhagen, Denmark — A new biotechnology company has emerged from the University of Copenhagen with an ambitious mission: to transform global agriculture through revolutionary protein-based pest control solutions. Yngvi Bio, founded in 2025, represents the culmination of years of groundbreaking research in insect physiology and protein engineering.

From Academic Excellence to Commercial Innovation

Yngvi Bio is built on a foundation of world-class scientific research led by Kenneth Veland Halberg, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Neuroendocrinology and Physiology at the University of Copenhagen, and Eva Maria Rebrova, Ph.D., a leading expert in protein structure and drug delivery systems.

The company's technology platform stems from breakthrough discoveries in understanding how insects regulate their physiological processes — research that has been published in prestigious journals including PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences).

The Scientific Foundation

The founding team's research has unlocked crucial insights into insect biology, particularly:

• Molecular mechanisms of insect water balance and osmoregulation
• Protein machines — nature's own nanotechnology for targeted delivery
• Species-specific targeting approaches that preserve beneficial insects
• Protein engineering techniques for creating stable, field-deployable solutions

Addressing a Global Crisis

The timing of Yngvi Bio's founding couldn't be more critical. Global agriculture faces unprecedented challenges:

The Scale of the Problem

• Up to 50% of global food production is lost to pests annually
• 25% of the world's GDP is affected by crop losses according to industry estimates
• Traditional chemical pesticides are failing due to resistance and environmental damage
• Over half of Danish drinking water wells are contaminated with pesticide residues

The Need for Innovation

"We are witnessing a perfect storm in agriculture — increasing pest pressure, growing resistance to chemical pesticides, and mounting environmental concerns. The world desperately needs sustainable alternatives that are both effective and safe."

— Kenneth Veland Halberg, Co-founder & CSO

Revolutionary Technology Platform

Yngvi Bio's approach represents a paradigm shift from broad-spectrum chemical pesticides to precision biological solutions.

Protein Machines

The company's core technology is based on protein machines - bacterial nano-needles that have been reprogrammed to deliver targeted pest control agents with unprecedented specificity.

Key Advantages:

• Species-specific targeting — affects only harmful pest species
• Environmental safety — biodegradable with no persistent residues
• Field stability — engineered to work in real agricultural conditions without refrigeration
• Resistance management — novel mode of action reduces likelihood of resistance development

From Nature's Playbook

"We're essentially 'hijacking' nature's own delivery system and reprogramming it to target agricultural pests. These nano-needles only inject their cargo when they recognize specific surface proteins on target insects — it's the ultimate in precision agriculture."

— Eva Maria Rebrova, Co-founder & CTO

Building the Team

Yngvi Bio has assembled a world-class team combining scientific excellence with commercial expertise:

Founding Team

• Kenneth Veland Halberg, Ph.D. — Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer
• Eva Maria Rebrova, Ph.D. — Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer
• Icíar de la Fuente, M.Sc. — Business Developer specializing in biotech commercialization
• Muhammad Tayyib Naseem, Ph.D. — Insect Specialist and molecular biologist

Scientific Advisory Board

The company benefits from guidance by leading experts in biotechnology, regulatory affairs, and agricultural innovation, ensuring that breakthrough science translates into practical solutions.

Strategic Partnerships and Support

BioInnovation Institute Venture Lab

Yngvi Bio has been selected to participate in the prestigious BioInnovation Institute Venture Lab Cohort #8, providing access to:

• World-class mentorship and advisory support
• Strategic partnerships with industry leaders
• Investment and funding opportunities
• State-of-the-art research facilities

University of Copenhagen Collaboration

As a spin-out from one of Europe's leading research institutions, Yngvi Bio maintains strong ties to academic research while focusing on commercial applications.

Market Opportunity and Vision

Addressing a $100 Billion Market

The global crop protection market represents enormous opportunity for sustainable innovation. Yngvi Bio's technology platform addresses multiple market segments:

• Agricultural crop protection — field crops, fruits, vegetables
• Stored product protection — grain storage, food processing
• Specialty applications — organic agriculture, greenhouse production
• International markets — developing countries lacking access to safe pest control

Long-term Vision

"Our vision extends beyond just creating another pest control product," explains Halberg. "We're building a platform technology that can be adapted to address multiple agricultural challenges while preserving the health of our ecosystems and our planet."

The Path Forward

Immediate Priorities

• Proof-of-concept validation for lead product candidates
• Field trial preparation in key agricultural markets
• Regulatory pathway development for commercial approval
• Strategic partnerships with agricultural industry leaders
• Team expansion to support growing R&D efforts

Investment and Growth

The company is actively seeking strategic partnerships and investment to accelerate development and bring its revolutionary technology to market.

About the Name

"Yngvi" draws inspiration from Norse mythology, where Yngvi was associated with fertility and harvest — a fitting connection to the company's mission of protecting global food security through innovative biotechnology.

Looking Ahead

As Yngvi Bio embarks on its journey from laboratory to field, the company remains committed to its core values:

• Scientific excellence in everything we do
• Environmental stewardship through sustainable solutions
• Global impact on food security and agricultural sustainability
• Collaborative approach with farmers, industry, and regulatory partners

---

About Yngvi Bio

Founded in 2025 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Yngvi Bio is developing the next generation of protein-based crop protection solutions. Built on breakthrough research from the University of Copenhagen, the company's technology platform offers sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides while maintaining agricultural productivity.

For more information, visit [www.yngvi.bio](/) or contact [info@yngvi.bio](mailto:info@yngvi.bio).

Media Contact:

Yngvi Bio Communications

Email: press@yngvi.bio

Phone: +45 XX XX XX XX