CHICAGO INNOVATION AWARDS

Valent BioSciences Corporation

A top 25 finisher in the 2008 CIA process, Valent BioSciences Corporation is back with an updated nomination package for RyzUp SmartGrass™ that includes more information, including new details on the US market. RyzUp SmartGrass™ (branded as ProGibb SmartGrass™ in some markets) is based on a patented formulation of Gibberellic Acid (GA3), a growth regulator that occurs naturally in plants. Our novel 40% WSG formulation (US Patent No. 6,984, 609) is a concentrated organic, shelf stable, dust-free, and highly water dispersible product ideally suited for developing new uses of GA3 such as RyzUp SmartGrass™ (Devisetty et al., 2007). The positive effects of GA3 on grass growth were first described in the 1950s, but the use for pasture grass production was never successfully developed on a large scale basis, even after 50 years. Valent BioSciences Corporation recently discovered that targeted applications of RyzUp SmartGrass™ deliver significant economic benefits when used in highly managed pastures in times of cold weather stress. This innovative use of RyzUp SmartGrass™ allows the production of high quality forage during periods of grass shortage, thus increasing overall pasture efficiency. Applied to pastures in early spring or late fall, RyzUp SmartGrass™ will promote higher growth rates at suboptimal growth temperatures. Farmers & dairymen can thereby increase livestock numbers or shorten grazing rotational intervals for pastures under an intensively managed production system. Such practices also reduce the need for supplemental feed for livestock, and may allow for more efficient use of fertilizers.