How BPH Global’s Seaweed Bio-Stimulants Could Transform Southeast Asian Crops
BPH Global has launched a focused R&D collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic to develop seaweed-based bio-stimulants aimed at boosting growth and yields in Southeast Asia's oil palm and rice sectors. Early talks are also underway for a production facility in Indonesia to commercialize these innovations.
- Two-month R&D consultancy agreement with Temasek Polytechnic's TPIH
- Development of seaweed-derived bio-stimulants targeting oil palm and rice crops
- Focus on enhancing growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance in plants
- Early-stage discussions for a bio-stimulant manufacturing plant in Indonesia
- Project intellectual property owned by BPH Global with non-commercial licensing
Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture
BPH Global Ltd (ASX – BP8) has taken a significant step in its seaweed innovation journey by entering a research and development consultancy agreement with TP Innovation Holdings Pte Ltd (TPIH), representing Singapore's Temasek Polytechnic. This collaboration aims to harness the bioactive properties of seaweed to formulate bio-stimulants that can enhance crop performance, particularly in oil palm and rice cultivation across Southeast Asia.
Seaweed-based bio-stimulants are gaining traction as natural enhancers that activate plants’ physiological processes, improving nutrient absorption, growth rates, and resilience against environmental stresses. Unlike traditional fertilizers, these products stimulate the plant's internal mechanisms, offering a more sustainable approach to agriculture.
Focused R&D on Key Seaweed Species
The R&D program will investigate three seaweed species; Eucheuma cottonii, Gracilaria spp, and Ulva Lactuca; selected for their availability and proven bioactive compounds. TPIH will conduct extraction trials using fermentation, solvent, and boiling methods to isolate beneficial compounds such as carbohydrates, amino acids, and phytohormones. Subsequent testing will analyze mineral content and auxin levels to identify optimal formulations.
These formulations will be tested for their ability to improve root and shoot development, nutrient uptake efficiency, and tolerance to drought, salinity, and temperature extremes. The project timeline is concise, spanning two months from mid-July to mid-September 2025, with deliverables including extraction methodology reports and trial bio-stimulant formulations.
Commercial Ambitions and Regional Manufacturing
Beyond R&D, BPH Global is exploring the establishment of a dedicated manufacturing facility in Indonesia. This move aims to localize production, reduce costs, and better serve the agricultural markets in the region. Early discussions with potential partners are underway, signaling the company's intent to transition from research to commercial rollout.
Managing Director Matthew Leonard highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership, emphasizing the dual focus on sustainable agriculture and expanding into traditional medicine and functional food sectors. The intellectual property generated will be owned by BPH Global, with provisions allowing Temasek Polytechnic to use it for non-commercial research collaborations.
Positioning in Southeast Asia’s Agricultural Landscape
The choice to target oil palm and rice industries reflects their economic significance in Southeast Asia. Bio-stimulants have demonstrated potential to increase oil yield in palms and improve grain quality in rice, aligning well with regional agricultural priorities. By leveraging local seaweed biomass and scientific expertise, BPH Global aims to offer tailored, high-margin products that support both productivity and sustainability.
Bottom Line?
As BPH Global advances its seaweed bio-stimulant program, the next milestones will reveal how quickly these innovations can move from lab to field, and factory.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the expected timelines and milestones for commercial-scale production?
- How will BPH Global differentiate its bio-stimulants in a growing market?
- What regulatory hurdles might impact the adoption of seaweed-based bio-stimulants in Southeast Asia?
