Growing agricultural biotech research

The Advanced Crop Lab is a state-of-the-art research greenhouse with the ability to sustain a wide variety of growing conditions critical to Syngenta's research and product development, facilitating continued advances in multiple stacked traits and cross-functional products.

A sophisticated growing environment with over an acre of under-glass space, the Advanced Crop Lab is designed to manage specific processes and workflows and connects directly to the RTP Innovation Center, the site's laboratory and administrative facility. Agricultural biotech research performed here focuses on the genetics of crops such as corn, soybeans, sugar cane, rice, wheat, and vegetables. The agronomic traits of these plants are being developed to optimize crop yields through research focused on efficient resource use and ability to resist stresses.

The facility's modern design features a white powder coat structure and diffused glass developed in Germany. The laboratory growth chambers are equipped to control all environmental variables (light, temperature, moisture, etc.) and precisely measure plant responses, allowing research to simulate any growing condition on the planet. The modular chambers are designed to be BSL-3 capable if required by future research.

Earning a Three Green Globes rating, sustainability initiatives include green roofs, rainwater collection, LED lighting, economizer A/C cycles, and incorporation of green space while preserving natural site features and existing hardwood trees.