BASF reaches research agreement with University of Toronto

BASF has signed its first Master Research Agreement in Canada, partnering with the University of Toronto in a move that broadens the German chemical company’s academic collaborations in North America and supports its efforts to accelerate product development using artificial intelligence.

The agreement simplifies the launch of joint research initiatives and grants BASF greater flexibility in managing intellectual property. It also offers access to Canada’s academic talent pool and federal R&D incentives. Five research projects have been initiated under the agreement, including those focused on machine learning for solubility prediction and biopolymer-based delivery systems for crop protection.

Several of the new collaborations are housed within the university’s Acceleration Consortium, a research initiative that combines automation and AI to create so-called “self-driving labs.” These labs allow researchers to screen chemical formulations at scale, shortening development timelines for materials with applications ranging from agrochemicals to pharmaceuticals.

“We can generate hundreds of possible solutions using AI—far more than a human expert alone,” said Professor Frank Gu of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, who co-leads one of the consortium’s labs. “That allows us to identify high-potential candidates faster and refine them iteratively.”

One area of focus is biopolymers derived from plants. These molecules are being tested as potential biostimulants to help crops resist pests and disease, and as water-retention materials to regulate soil moisture. Researchers are also exploring their use in targeted chemical delivery—for example, wrapping pesticides or fertilizers in polymer coatings that release active ingredients near plant roots, reducing runoff and improving efficiency.

“Projects in scope are advancing efforts in predictive properties, advanced biomaterials and sustainable delivery of agrochemicals,” said Wen Xu, senior principal scientist in BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division.

BASF said the partnership complements its existing U.S.-based academic collaborations and supports its broader regional strategy to expand innovation infrastructure. The company views the University of Toronto as a strategic partner in areas including materials science, robotics, and automated chemistry.

The university said the agreement reflects a focus on research with potential for commercial scale-up. “We need to work with world leaders who develop, validate and manufacture materials at scale,” said Professor David Wolfe, acting associate vice-president of international partnerships.

BASF Canada is based in Mississauga and reported sales of C$2.6 billion in 2024. Globally, BASF generated €65.3 billion in revenue last year.