Solynta wins global recognition for innovative potato seed technology

NETHERLANDS – Solynta, a Netherlands-based biotechnology company, has been named BioAg Breeding Solution of the Year at the BioTech Breakthrough Awards.

The recognition celebrates the company’s work in developing non-GMO hybrid potato breeding technology that helps farmers grow healthier and more resilient crops.

Solynta’s work focuses on replacing bulky, disease-prone seed tubers with clean, lightweight hybrid true potato seeds (HTPS). The company says this shift is already improving productivity and access in regions where farmers face challenges getting clean planting material.

“This acknowledgment reflects the growing recognition of what’s possible through Solynta’s non-GMO hybrid potato breeding technology,” the company said in a statement. “Our approach accelerates the development of resilient, disease-resistant potato varieties, but the real breakthrough lies in access.”

By using hybrid true potato seeds instead of traditional tubers, farmers benefit from lower transport and storage costs and a much lower risk of spreading diseases between regions. The technology also makes it easier to distribute clean seed to remote areas, improving both food security and farmer incomes.

“This technology isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about empowerment. Every seed represents a step toward more sustainable, resilient, and food-secure communities,” Solynta added.

Backed by European investment for global scale

The award comes just months after Solynta received a €20 million (US$23.4 million) loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The funding, backed by the European Commission’s InvestEU programme, will help the company expand research and bring its disease-resistant seeds to more markets.

EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti said the investment aligns with Europe’s goals for innovation and climate adaptation. “Climate action and adaptation are at the heart of our financing, as is the successful scaling up of innovative European companies so that they grow and thrive. The Solynta operation is a win-win in that sense,” she said.

“Potatoes are a food staple around the world. Making sure that they can grow in increasingly difficult climates and with higher chances of a good yield is extremely important,” Vigliotti added.

Solynta’s hybrid potato seeds are designed to withstand late blight, one of the most damaging crop diseases globally. The seeds are also non-GMO and adaptable to different growing conditions.

“At Solynta, we remain committed to driving progress through innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence,” the company said. “This recognition underscores our mission to transform global potato production and ensure that every grower, regardless of location, has access to quality starting material and the tools needed for success.”

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