Nexus Agriscience acquires Biotech Institute hemp IP to expand molecular farming platform

Nexus Agriscience, a California-based molecular farming company, has acquired the hemp-related intellectual property portfolio of Biotech Institute, a cannabis-focused research group, to strengthen its position in plant-based flavor, fragrance and functional ingredients.

The transaction includes issued and pending patents, proprietary germplasm, seed inventory and associated research capabilities. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The portfolio covers genetic pathways linked to the production of terpene compounds found in cannabis and hemp. Nexus said bringing the assets in-house would allow it to internalize key research and breeding functions and exert greater control over how high-value plant compounds are expressed at commercial scale.

Chief Executive Shareef El-Sissi said the deal is intended to remove technical and operational constraints by consolidating core genetics and R&D within the company, enabling faster entry into additional end markets. He said cannabis plants produce a wide range of flavor and fragrance compounds that Nexus aims to express more consistently and at larger scale.

Nexus uses hemp as a production platform for non-cannabinoid ingredients designed for use in consumer packaged goods. The company positions its molecular farming approach as an alternative to precision fermentation, which typically relies on steel bioreactors and controlled industrial facilities. Nexus argues that field-based cultivation can offer lower capital requirements and faster scaling, though agricultural production can also introduce variability and regulatory complexity.

The company is targeting markets including functional beverages, specialty natural ingredients and, over time, certain commodity chemicals. It also describes hemp as a potentially lower-carbon feedstock compared with some petroleum-derived synthetic additives used in food and consumer products.

Dr. Mark Lewis, an inventor on several of the acquired patents, will join Nexus along with Steven Haba to lead genetic development and operational programs. Gary Hiller of Biotech Institute is set to join Nexus’ board of directors.

Nexus, founded in 2019 under the name Terpene Belt Farms, rebranded in 2025 as it broadened its focus beyond cannabis-adjacent markets. The company operates across the value chain, from plant genetics to downstream processing, and supplies ingredients to business customers in flavoring and functional applications.

The acquisition reflects broader interest in using engineered crops as production platforms for specialty molecules, as companies seek alternatives to both synthetic chemistry and fermentation-based manufacturing systems.