Nichino and Ghent University form crop protection joint venture

Nichino, a Japan-based crop protection company, and Ghent University have entered a joint venture to develop sustainable agricultural technologies. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Tokyo on June 27, aims to bridge academic research and industry formulation expertise in response to mounting challenges in food security and climate resilience.

The agreement was signed at the Belgian Embassy by Rik Van De Walle, rector of Ghent University, and Mr. Motoba, managing executive officer of R&D at Nichino. Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele attended the signing. The joint venture officially launched in May 2025.

The initiative involves Ghent University’s Incubation and Innovation Centre (IIC UGent) and focuses on developing crop protection solutions with lower environmental impact. Nichino, officially Nihon Nohyaku Co., Ltd., brings decades of experience in formulation development and market deployment, complementing Ghent’s research in plant science and pest management.

“We strongly believe that open collaboration between academia and industry is key to solving the pressing challenges in sustainable agriculture and food security,” Van De Walle said. “This partnership is a strategic step toward joint innovation, talent exchange, and scientific progress.”

The venture is expected to facilitate knowledge transfer between Belgium and Japan while supporting long-term research commercialization in agricultural inputs.