Bionema's Technology Future In New Hands With Stephen Ford As CTO

Bionema Group Ltd, celebrated for its King Awards in Innovation and a pioneer in sustainable biopesticides, biostimulants, and biofertilisers, is excited to unveil Stephen Ford as their new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With extensive experience in agricultural biotechnology and pathology, Mr. Ford is set to drive forward eco-friendly solutions for crop protection and sustainable farming.

With over two decades of experience, Stephen Ford is a highly experienced innovator and plant pathologist, specializing in mycology and phytopathogenic diseases. His career includes founding and leading companies dedicated to sustainable agriculture in New Zealand, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. His expertise encompasses agricultural biotechnology, R&D, pest and disease management, and product commercialization. 

As the founder of Biotelliga Holdings Ltd, Ecolibrium Biologicals Holdings Limited, and Cellora Limited, Stephen played a crucial role in developing and launching new biological insecticides and forging key partnerships with industry leaders like Syngenta. His strong track record in bringing groundbreaking products to market promises a bright future for Bionema.

In his new position as Chief Technology Officer at Bionema, Mr. Ford will spearhead the company's technological direction and strategy. He will set up a biocontrol center of excellence in Wales, leading a team of 10 talented scientists and researchers. His role will be pivotal in guiding the creation of cutting-edge biotech products and ensuring that the technology development aligns with Bionema's strategic objectives. Stephen will also oversee the construction of a new research facility in Wales and production sites abroad. These developments will be crucial for meeting regulatory requirements and successfully bringing Bionema's products to market.

Prof. Dylan Jones, Chairman of Bionema Group Ltd, voiced strong confidence in Stephen Ford's capacity to drive the company's technological progress. He remarked, "We are thrilled to have Stephen join our executive team. His vast experience in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture and his proven leadership in bringing innovative products to market make him the ideal person to drive Bionema's technological advancements. We are confident that our research and development efforts will reach new heights under his leadership, further solidifying Bionema's position as a leader in sustainable crop protection."

“Stephen's appointment as CTO marks a significant milestone for Bionema. His deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our industry, coupled with his passion for sustainable farming, will be instrumental in achieving our mission to develop environmentally friendly solutions for crop protection. We look forward to working closely with Stephen to bring our innovative products to market and make a lasting impact on global agriculture,” Dr. Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group Ltd, further aded. 

Stephen Ford expressed his excitement about his new role, on "I am excited to join Bionema and contribute to the company's mission of promoting sustainable farming practices. The opportunity to lead a talented R&D team and work on pioneering biotechnology solutions aligns perfectly with my passion for developing sustainable alternatives to traditional agricultural chemicals. I look forward to driving innovation and helping Bionema deliver on its commitment to enhancing crop protection and plant health”.

Stephen Ford earned his Master’s in Plant Pathology and Bachelor’s in Horticultural Science from Massey University in New Zealand. His contributions to agricultural biotechnology have been widely acknowledged, earning him several accolades such as the esteemed Auckland University Entrepreneurs Challenge and the NZ Bio Award.