LIVERMORE, Calif. — Nexus Agriscience acquired the hemp division of cannabis intellectual property owner Biotech Institute.
The patent portfolio protects genetic pathways and proprietary germplasm that enable predictable expression of high-value compounds across the primary terpene classes found within the cannabis genome.
Nexus, a molecular farming company delivering plant-based solutions for flavor, fragrance, and functional ingredient markets, plans to engineer hemp plants to produce plant-based alternatives to potentially harmful synthetic additives, such as petroleum-based chemicals, in the food supply. Hemp offers a carbon negative alternative to incumbent supply chains.
Nexus Agriscience produces one hundred percent non-cannabinoid hemp-derived natural ingredients with vertical control from genetics through downstream processing. Its products are used in flavoring and functional applications for cannabis CPG, with expansion underway into functional beverage, specialty natural ingredient, and commodity chemical markets.
The operations and intellectual property associated with Biotech Institute’s hemp assets were integrated into Nexus, including a portfolio of issued and pending utility and plant patents, living plant materials, seed inventory, and specialized technical expertise.
Gary Hiller of Biotech Institute will join Nexus’s board of directors. Dr. Mark Lewis and Steven Haba will join Nexus to lead genetic development and operational execution.
