Valent BioSciences and Valent U.S.A. Partner with Halo to Advance Open Innovation

SAN RAMON, Calif., June 23, 2021 – Valent BioSciences and Valent U.S.A. are collaborating with Halo to launch an open innovation initiative utilizing Halo’s technology platform. This platform connects enterprises with universities, researchers and start-ups around the world to crowd-source innovative ideas, technologies and solutions.

Using Halo, sponsors post areas of interest for research collaborations through requests for proposals (RFPs), and scientists respond with standardized proposals. Organizations then review submissions and connect directly to learn more or provide feedback. If both parties are interested in sharing confidential information or negotiating an agreement, the process proceeds outside of Halo through traditional collaboration channels.

“Halo is a marketplace and network that drives science forward by connecting scientists directly with leading companies to promote research collaborations and funding opportunities,” said Kevin Leland, CEO and founder of Halo. “We’re thrilled to partner with industry leaders Valent BioSciences and Valent U.S.A. so that researchers who share their dedication to agricultural sustainability can benefit from their expertise and resources.”

In its first initiative with Halo, Valent BioSciences and Valent U.S.A. are focused on identifying partners to advance research in three key areas: soil carbon sequestration, ecosystem services benefits of mycorrhizal fungi colonization and novel compounds to enhance crop protection and crop performance. These requests for proposals are available on the Halo website.

Valent BioSciences and Valent U.S.A. are also hosting webinars on June 29 to provide additional details about the companies and the RFP opportunities. Interested participants can register through the Halo platform.

“We are excited to collaborate with Halo in tackling some of our planet’s most urgent challenges in alignment with our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Dr. Warren Shafer, Vice President, Global R&D and Regulatory Affairs, Valent BioSciences. “Through this partnership, we aim to connect with innovative collaborators and technologies that support sustainable solutions for growers and the environment.”

About Halo

Halo is a partnering platform where companies and scientists collaborate to bring new innovations to market. Through a streamlined RFP process, companies can review proposals, explore new technologies and build relationships with scientists. Since launching in January 2020, researchers and startups across 65 countries have submitted more than 1,000 proposals. Learn more at halo.science/sponsors.

About Valent BioSciences LLC

Headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois, Valent BioSciences is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. and a global leader in the development, manufacturing and commercialization of biorational products, with sales in 95 countries. The company is ISO 9001 certified. For more information, visit www.valentbiosciences.com.

About Valent U.S.A. LLC

Valent U.S.A., headquartered in San Ramon, California, develops and markets products in the United States, Canada and Mexico that advance sustainable agriculture, protect crops, enhance crop yields, improve food quality, beautify the environment and safeguard public health. Valent offers a broad portfolio of herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and plant growth regulator products for agricultural and professional use.

About Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sumitomo Chemical is one of Japan’s leading chemical companies, offering a wide range of products including petrochemicals, energy and functional materials, IT-related chemicals, health and crop science products and pharmaceuticals. For more information, visit https://www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp/english/.