How Denmark’s biosolutions ecosystem took a university spin-out from the lab to international acquisition and commercial-scale impact.
How Denmark’s biosolutions ecosystem took a university spin-out from the lab to international acquisition and commercial-scale impact.

Insight

BioPhero – From Danish Spin-Out to Global Biologicals Player

Insight

BioPhero – From Danish Spin-Out to Global Biologicals Player

How Denmark’s biosolutions ecosystem took a university spin-out from the lab to international acquisition and commercial-scale impact.

When

When researchers at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) first began exploring microbial fermentation with the objective to produce compounds for sustainable pest control, few could have predicted how far their innovation would go. Within a few years, their spin-out company, BioPhero ApS, would revolutionise pest management and attract the attention of global agricultural giant FMC Corporation, who acquired the company in 2022 in a deal worth approximately $200 million.

BioPhero’s core innovation lies in the biological production of insect pheromones – natural compounds used to disrupt pest mating cycles. These pheromone-based crop protection products offer farmers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides, with low impact on beneficial insects, lower resistance risk, and strong compatibility with integrated pest management programs. Unlike earlier pheromone products, which were often costly and limited to specialty crops, BioPhero’s fermentation process made large-scale, cost-efficient production possible – opening the door to broad-acre crops like corn, soy, rice, and cotton.

BioPhero’s core innovation lies in the biological production of insect pheromones – natural compounds used to disrupt pest mating cycles. These pheromone-based crop protection products offer farmers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides, with low impact on beneficial insects, lower resistance risk, and strong compatibility with integrated pest management programs.

But scientific excellence alone doesn’t scale a business. BioPhero’s journey from lab bench to international market leader was enabled by Denmark’s strong biosolutions ecosystem – a system that bridges academia, public-private partnerships, and early-stage capital. With support from Novo Holdings and other investors, BioPhero raised over €17 million in Series A funding, which allowed them to develop their technology, scale production, and achieve first sales of the active ingredient.

In 2022, FMC acquired BioPhero to integrate the Danish biotech into its expanding biologicals platform. The acquisition brought BioPhero into FMC’s Plant Health division, where the company’s pheromone technology branded as Sofero™ pheromone solutions now complement FMC’s existing portfolio of insecticides and benefits from its global reach, formulation expertise, and precision agriculture platforms.

In a significant milestone, FMC initiated commercial-scale production of pheromone active ingredients in March 2025. The final processing steps, which convert these ingredients into their ready-to-formulate form, are carried out at the company’s facility in Denmark, following approval from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency.

This achievement not only underscores Denmark’s capacity for developing advanced biomanufacturing technology, but also highlights the country’s role in enabling global sustainable agriculture.

The first product will be shipped to Brazil in the summer of 2025, where it will be used by farmers to protect corn, soy and cotton crops against fall armyworm.

“Thanks to FMC’s R&D and manufacturing capabilities in Denmark, the launch of our first pheromone product in Brazil marks a major milestone in advancing sustainable crop protection. This breakthrough technology naturally disrupts pest reproduction, offering growers a novel approach to pest management. We’re proud to support growers with solutions that contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future."

Dr. Seva Rostovtsev

FMC Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

BioPhero’s story illustrates more than just a successful exit – it’s a case study in what Denmark does best: turning world-class research into scalable, investable, and sustainable companies. It also shows how international companies can tap into Denmark’s deep tech talent, research infrastructure, and early-stage investment landscape to discover new opportunities in biosolutions.

Whether you’re a global agritech player, a venture investor, or a company looking to expand your portfolio with sustainable technologies, Denmark offers a uniquely collaborative environment where bold ideas become transformative businesses.

Want to learn more about how you can tap into the biosolutions ecosystem in Denmark?

For companies and investors ready to explore Denmark’s biological solutions opportunities, Invest in Denmark is ready to facilitate connections, provide strategic insights, and guide you through establishing operations in this thriving innovation hub. Contact us today to discover how Denmark can serve as the foundation for your next biological solutions breakthrough:

Copenhagen

  • Sarina Lohmann

    Title: Special Advisor – Maritime and transport – Analysis & Partnerships

    Area: Copenhagen

    Phone: +4533920423

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