Nexus Agriscience Expands Natural Ingredients Platform with New Acquisition

Nexus Agriscience, a pioneer in molecular farming, has made significant strides in the natural ingredients sector with its recent acquisition of the hemp division from the renowned Biotech Institute. This move, announced on January 26, 2026, strengthens Nexus's capacity to provide plant-based solutions that cater to flavor, fragrance, and functional ingredient markets.

Background of the Acquisition

The acquisition involves a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio that encompasses patents for genetic pathways and proprietary germplasm crucial for the reliable production of high-value compounds derived from cannabis. This addition enhances Nexus's intellectual property landscape, supporting its ongoing investments aimed at expanding their molecular farming capabilities. The CEO of Nexus, Shareef El-Sissi, highlighted that this acquisition was pivotal, allowing the company to remove significant limitations and expedite its entry into various markets.

“The cannabis plant is the most prolific natural producer of flavor and fragrance compounds, and our newly acquired technologies enable predictable and commercially viable expression of these compounds,” stated El-Sissi.

Strategic Significance and Market Potential

Nexus Agriscience operates at the intersection of precision agriculture, plant science, and scalable manufacturing, poised to tap into a $37 billion market for functional ingredients. By engineering hemp to produce natural substitutes for harmful synthetic additives, Nexus aims to contribute significantly to the food supply while offering carbon-negative alternatives to existing supply chains.

Key inventor Dr. Mark Lewis asserted, “Hemp is an extraordinarily powerful biosynthetic platform. By engineering it with precision, we can literally turn plants into factories for high-value compounds.” The integration of this portfolio synthesizes years of research in genomics, chemistry, and breeding, fast-tracking the shift from theoretical science to large-scale production.

Advantages of Molecular Farming

Nexus’s hemp-focused molecular farming approach presents a cost-effective and scalable alternative to traditional fermentation-based systems, which often demand high capital investment and complex infrastructure. Contrary to fermentation, which utilizes bioreactor setups, Nexus's strategy has already been validated on an extensive scale across multiple acres, facilitating quick deployment and reduced financial outlay.

The company prides itself on delivering 100% non-cannabinoid hemp-derived natural ingredients while maintaining a vertical control system that spans from genetic development to end-processes. This control ensures chemical fidelity and stability, with the ability to launch innovative ingredients into mass markets in collaboration with brand partners.

Following the acquisition's finalization, Nexus has seamlessly integrated Biotech Institute's operations, securing a range of patents, living plant materials, and specialized expertise, which are essential for advancing their project objectives. Noteworthy is Gary Hiller from Biotech Institute joining Nexus's board of directors and significant contributors like Dr. Mark Lewis and Steven Haba taking roles in genetic development and operations management.

Company Overview

Founded in 2019 as Terpene Belt Farms, Nexus Agriscience has undergone significant evolution, rebranding to its current name in 2025 after acquiring key assets from Biotech Institute. The company's mission revolves around unlocking hemp's potential for an array of applications in wellness, cuisine, fragrance, and pharmaceuticals. By leveraging expertise in agriculture, chemistry, and regulatory matters, Nexus aims to bring plant-derived ingredients to international markets efficiently and effectively.

In conclusion, Nexus Agriscience's recent acquisition exemplifies its commitment to transforming the natural ingredients industry through innovative, plant-based solutions that prioritize both sustainability and market responsiveness. As the demand for natural ingredients continues to surge, Nexus stands at the forefront, ready to redefine industry standards and consumer expectations.