CROPFIT

New Agbiotech Spin-off at Ghent University – B-COS

B-COSlogo (large view)

(27-06-2025) B-COS, a spin-off from Ghent University, was officially incorporated on 25 June. The biotech start-up specialises in the production highly specific chito-oligosaccharides (COS) using precision fermentation, focusing on agricultural applications.

The core technology is developed in the research group of Professor Marjan De Mey, with application testing performed in the groups of Prof. Kris Audenaert, Prof. Tina Kyndt and Prof. Thomas Van Leeuwen at Ghent University. Through advanced strain engineering, bacterial hosts are designed to produce COS molecules with precisely defined chain lengths. These compounds have shown great promise in agriculture: proof-of-concept trials in tomatoes demonstrated that low doses of COS can activate plants’ innate immune responses, enhancing resistance to drought stress, fungal infections, nematodes, and insect attacks.

B-COS is led by an experienced founding team:

  • Chiara Guidi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • Wouter De Meester, Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
  • Maaike Perneel, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

They are supported by Professor Marjan De Mey (Ghent University, Centre for Synthetic Biology) and Professor Antoni Planas Sauter (University Ramon Llull, Barcelona) as strategic scientific advisors. B-COS was guided by the two IOF-consortia CropFit and Biomolecules, led by business developers Maaike Perneel and Nele Ameloot.

B-COS is the first company to be launched via Ghent University’s Fast Lane program, a streamlined spin-off track that leverages standardised, experience-based conditions tailored to academic entrepreneurship. This approach minimises administrative delays, enabling researchers to focus on technology development and business growth.