Nexus Agriscience Acquires IP Portfolio, Boosts Molecular Farming for Natural Ingredients
Nexus Agriscience has announced a significant advancement in its molecular farming operations. The company has acquired the hemp division of Biotech Institute, enhancing its intellectual property portfolio related to cannabis genetics. This acquisition includes a suite of patents and proprietary germplasm.
Nexus Agriscience’s Strategic Acquisition
On January 26, 2026, Nexus Agriscience, based in Livermore, California, revealed its acquisition of Biotech Institute’s hemp division. The deal enhances Nexus’s capabilities in delivering plant-based solutions for flavor, fragrance, and functional ingredient markets.
Expansion of Intellectual Property
- The acquired patent portfolio protects genetic pathways for high-value cannabis compounds.
- Ownership over this technology strengthens Nexus’s competitive edge.
- Core genetics and R&D are now in-house, enabling quicker market entry.
CEO Shareef El-Sissi emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating that it streamlines operations and allows for rapid scalability. With the cannabis plant being a major source of natural flavor and fragrance compounds, this acquisition provides Nexus with essential tools for commercial production.
Market Potential and Innovative Solutions
Nexus Agriscience operates within a $37 billion addressable market for functional ingredients. The company aims to engineer hemp to supply plant-based alternatives to synthetic additives, reducing environmental impact and contributing to sustainability.
Dr. Mark Lewis, a primary inventor involved in the patents, highlighted the remarkable potential of hemp as a biosynthetic platform. Investing in genetic engineering can transform hemp plants into efficient production systems for valuable compounds.
Operational Efficiency and Market Adaptability
Nexus’s molecular farming strategy is distinct from traditional fermentation processes. This approach allows for lower capital investment and quicker scalability, making it a more feasible option for large-scale production.
- Proven successful at hundreds of acres.
- Lower upfront costs compared to fermentation systems.
- Fast market response times for product deployment.
The company emphasizes non-cannabinoid, hemp-derived natural ingredients, maintaining control over the production process from genetics to downstream processing. Their products are already being utilized in cannabis consumer packaged goods (CPG) and aim to expand into functional beverages and specialty ingredients.
Leadership and Future Directions
Following the acquisition, Biotech Institute’s operations have been fully integrated into Nexus. Gary Hiller from Biotech will join Nexus’s board of directors, enhancing oversight and strategic direction. Additionally, Dr. Mark Lewis and Steven Haba will take leadership roles in genetic development and operational execution.
About Nexus Agriscience
Nexus Agriscience is dedicated to unlocking the potential of hemp as a sustainable source of natural ingredients across various applications, including wellness, flavor, and pharmaceuticals. Founded in 2019, the company rebranded in 2025 to reflect its expanded mission following the strategic acquisition of Biotech Institute’s hemp assets.
By merging agricultural and regulatory expertise, Nexus provides high-quality, plant-derived ingredients to global partners, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
