Our new bioprocess plant – pioneering R+D+i
The new, recently inaugurated, facilities in San Fernando de Henares (Madrid), are an example of cutting-edge biotechnology with state-of-the-art fermenters that allow the production process to be monitored and controlled in real time.
Our downstream process and innovative drying technology enable us to develop solid form (WP) formulations at very high concentrations compared with other products. Thanks to this technology we have been able to reduce the doses applied to crops.
We also have a modern microbiology laboratory kitted out with all the necessary equipment to assist the bioproduction plant with quality controlling and maintaining the probiotic strains, in addition to conducting research and development.
In the lab, we select the strains of microorganisms that are most efficient when it comes to biologically fixing atmospheric nitrogen (N), solubilizing phosphorus (P), mobilizing potassium (K) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Si), and biostimulant action.
Highly specialized, the best biofertilizers and probiotics
We are the only company that is completely specialized in probiotics, biofertilizers, biostimulants and Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB). Given the urgent need to seek solutions for regenerating and revitalizing soils, it is necessary to provide new sources of, principally, nitrogen and phosphorus in organic, biodynamic, and conventional agriculture.
Ceres Biotics formulations contain microorganisms selected from nature, rather than genetically modified organisms. These enhance both the growth of crops and the quality of agricultural soils. Within a single species of microorganism, each strain has a different genetic expression and therefore has a different effect on the crop. Our technology has enabled us to identify the most effective strains at the agronomic level, which are safe and harmless, and these are multiplied in a controlled manner, under sterile conditions.
The main lines of R+D+i focus on selecting the most efficient strains of microorganisms in terms of biostimulation, fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, solubilization and mobilization of phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. The production process is then fine-tuned and optimised in the laboratory, and later scaled-up to the industrial plant.
As a result of our work over the past few years we have our own collection of strains from different species (Azotobacter sp.; Paenibacillus sp.; Herbaspirillum sp.; Bacillus sp; etc.). The exhaustive study of the strains used is verified with laboratory and field tests. In addition, we have conducted analyses to characterize the effectiveness of strains, at various external centres, including the University of Salamanca.
The use of probiotics in agriculture presents limitations when working with living microorganisms that have a limited shelf life and resistance to different agronomic conditions. For this reason, in Ceres Biotics we have developed inoculants that are particularly resistant due to their mechanisms of action and morphology; and our manufacturing technology enables us to present our products in solid form, which is much more stable compared to liquid formulations, and therefore has a much longer expiration date.
The results are highly concentrated products that are easy to use and long expiry date, without need for cold storage.
Some of the tests carried out in our laboratories
We protect our research traceability and security
We protect our R+D+i biofertiliser and registration processes in different countries. The strains with the greatest potential and interest that we have isolated and identified in recent years have been deposited for patent purposes and/or restricted use in the Spanish Type Culture Collection (CECT) and/or the International Type Culture Collection in Budapest.
Our passion: R+D+i is in our DNA
We are a multidisciplinary team of engineers, agronomists, chemical engineers, and doctors in microbiology and biotechnology, with a long track record in the agricultural sector, in continuous contact with the field and with the will to share the challenge of sustainability with farmers and technicians.
More than 70% of our team are doctors, microbiologists, or engineers, and they are the mainstay of our R+D+i-based project. This highly qualified network shares a passion for research, with the certainty of putting our best know-how at the service of future agricultural sustainability. Doing a job we like and contributing to such an important social challenge is a real privilege for us.
Since its beginnings, Ceres Biotics has been developing an R+D+i strategy aligned with the needs of a highly technical and specialised agricultural sector. The Innovative SME seal, awarded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, confirms the research vocation of the team.
MICROBIO-UP (2025-2028)
MICROBIO-UP [Microbial biofertilizers to increase nutrient use efficiency (NUE) in crops] is an R&D project aimed at developing new-generation microbial biofertilizers to improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE) in crops, focusing on the mobilization of low-availability nutrients in the soil such as phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and iron (Fe). The approach combines the selection of resilient rhizospheric microorganisms, the application of advanced co-cultivation strategies and microbial synergies, and the use of prebiotic compounds and metabolic/biochemical enhancement to maximize agronomic functionality and dose optimization.
In addition, it incorporates circular economy through the use of agro-industrial by-products as secondary raw materials, together with bioprocessing, stabilization, and formulation developments to ensure viability and performance under real conditions. The ultimate goal is to have robust prototypes that help reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and their environmental impact, while maintaining soil productivity and health.
The contract is part of the Torres Quevedo 2024 grant, file no. PTQ2024-013791, funded by MICIU/AEI / 10.13039/501100011033 with a budget of 419,543 €.
NUE-BIO (2024-2026)
The CDTI PID NUE-BIO project (File IDI-20250099), titled “RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE AND ROBUST ADVANCED BIOFORMULATIONS WITH HIGH EFFICACY IN THE EFFICIENT USE OF NUTRIENTS IN AGRICULTURAL SETTINGS ,” aims to research and develop innovative and robust advanced bioformulations of rhizosphere microorganisms with high environmental tolerance and high nutrient mobilization capacity for the development of an innovative, broad-spectrum, highly stable root-acting product, produced using advanced and sustainable fermentation technologies, capable of meeting current demands regarding the efficient use of nutrients (NUE), particularly phosphorus, potassium, and iron, as well as offering high robustness and tolerance to current environmental conditions.
The project has a budget of €666,346, is being carried out at the CERES BIOTICS facilities in San Fernando de Henares (Madrid) between November 2024 and December 2026, and it is funded by the CDTI and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
INPHO (2024-2028)
INPHO [Research and development of biotechnological products based on microorganisms that improve phosphorus use efficiency (NUE-P) in crops of agronomic interest] is an R&D&I project by CERES BIOTICS aimed at developing new-generation microbial biofertilizers that improve phosphorus use efficiency in crops of agronomic interest. The project researches and selects microorganisms capable of mobilizing soil P (via acidolysis, volatile compounds, and enzymatic pathways), and analyzes the microorganism-plant-soil interaction from a multiomic perspective to maximize nutrient absorption and utilization. To this end, it combines a screening and functional characterization phase with the study of mechanisms of action using omic approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics) and validation under controlled/greenhouse conditions.
The last goal is to maintain or improve productivity by reducing dependence on phosphate fertilizers and their environmental impact (losses due to washing/leaching and eutrophication), in line with European sustainability strategies.
The contract is part of grant DIN2024-013314 (grant reference) funded by MICIU/AEI / 10.13039/501100011033 with a budget of 130,248 €.
MEMM-BIO (2023-2024)
Development of a biofertilizer and biostimulant product based on Endophytic Microorganisms Modulating the Plant Microbiome (EMM) through the implementation of a multi-platform for advanced mass microbial screening.
MEMM-BIO is an industrial R&D project by CERES BIOTICS to develop a broad-spectrum biofertilizer and biostimulant product based on Plant Microbiome Modulating Endophytic Microorganisms (MEMMs), selected using a massive microbial screening multiplatform (CereScreenTECH) supported by bioinformatics and advanced analysis and decision-making systems using artificial intelligence (AI). The project integrates a production approach aligned with the circular economy and sustainability, and optimizes the stabilization and formulation of active agents to maximize their effectiveness in the field, in line with the Farm to Fork, Green Deal, and One Health strategies.
CDTI PID MEMM-BIO Project (Exp. IDI-20240010), co-financed by CDTI and ERDF, with a budget of 532,272 €.
ENDO-BioN (2023-2024)
ENDO-BioN [Industrial research and sustainable development of innovative advanced nitrogen-fixing endophytic plant probiotics for broadacre crops] is an industrial research project aimed at the sustainable development of a new biofertilizer based on nitrogen-fixing endophytic microorganisms, specifically selected for broadacre crops such as corn and wheat. The project combines the identification and optimization of plant probiotics with high colonization potential and biostimulant functions, together with the development of more sustainable bioprocesses through the use of agri-food by-products as secondary raw materials and the design of advanced drying, preservation, and formulation strategies to ensure product stability, viability, and activity.
The aim is to offer a scalable alternative that reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers and contributes to more efficient agriculture in line with the circular economy.
CDTI PID Endo-BioN project (exp. IDI-20230488), funded by CDTI and ERDF, with a budget of 254,133 €.
INTER-BIOMOD (2023-2026)
Research and Development of the interaction and bio-modulation between Endophytic Probiotic Microorganisms (EPM) and the endogenous plant microbiome.
INTER-BIOMOD is an R&D project aimed at furthering our understanding of the interaction and bio-modulation between EPM and the endogenous plant microbiome, with the aim of promoting more sustainable and efficient agriculture. The project combines the selection of endophytic strains with high colonization capacity and growth-promoting functions (biofertilization, biostimulation, and stress tolerance), the characterization of microbiomes in crops of agronomic relevance, and the development of bioprocesses aligned with the circular economy through the use of by-products as secondary raw materials. The objective is to identify MPE-microbiome synergies that improve plant growth and efficient nutrient use, contributing to reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and improving soil health and the resilience of the agricultural system, in line with European sustainability strategies.
The contract is part of the Torres Quevedo 2022 grant, file no. PTQ2022-012338, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.
INNOSYMBIO (2020-2023)
NNOSYMBIO ([Healthy crops under a changing world: innovative multidisciplinary approaches to symbiotically reinforce crop sustainability] is a collaborative R&D project that develops holistic solutions to “symbiotically” reinforce the sustainability of horticultural crops (tomatoes and cucumbers as models), integrating bioproducts based on beneficial microorganisms and macroorganisms, advanced biocontrol strategies, and plant health monitoring and prediction tools (e.g., NIR/metabolomics and decision support systems). The aim is to increase resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, reduce the use of water, fertilizers, and plant protection products, and improve fruit quality under a One Health approach, contributing to the Farm to Fork strategy and facilitating transfer to other crops.
Project PLEC2021-007774, funded by MCIN/AEI with NextGenerationEU (PRTR) funds, with a fundable budget of the consortium of 1.773,859.74 €.
SINERBIOTIC (2019-2022)
SINERBIOTIC; “Obtaining innovative synergistic formulations based on endophytic microorganisms and targeted prebiotics.”
R&D project aimed at developing synergistic biofertilizers that combine endophytic microorganisms and targeted prebiotics to enhance their agronomic performance. At CERES BIOTICS, we investigate how certain prebiotic compounds can selectively stimulate the metabolism and functional activity of beneficial microorganisms, reinforcing key processes such as biological nitrogen fixation, nutrient availability, and plant growth promotion (PGP). The approach integrates biological selection, formulation optimization, and validation to achieve more robust and scalable solutions, aligned with sustainable agriculture and the improvement of microbial activity in soils with lower biological fertility.
CDTI Cervera Project (exp. IDI-20190372), co-financed by CDTI and ERDF, with a budget of 467,652 €.
We have the best allies in R+D+i
All of our work is made possible in a large part through collaboration with prestigious research centres and universities in the field of microbiology and PGPB. Some of our research staff work in these centres to enhance synergies and accelerate research processes.
In this way, we work closely with the University of Salamanca, which in 2018 celebrated its 800th anniversary, and we are immersed in pioneering projects to identify new endophytes in very agriculturally interesting crops. Also, we are conducting a ground-breaking project to improve our formulations with the Biotechnology Centre AINIA, in Valencia, and we also work with Leitat, in Lleida, and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, among others.