As consultant, operating as VP Licensing & Strategic Partnerships for Tropic Biosciences and driving the Licensing & Partnership strategy for Tropics gene editing technology and product pipeline.

StartLife (www.start-life.nl) is a leading agrifoodtech accelerator that helps impact-driven foodtech & agtech startups to build and grow a business that aids to sustainable food system. As a startup mentor I try to add as much value to the startups as possible to maximize their chances of success.

“I am passionate about developing innovative ideas into successful & marketable products!”Leo Melchers has 30+ years of international experience in executive management and leadership roles at a biotech startup and with industry leaders, including Zeneca Agrochemicals and Syngenta. He worked in NL, USA, UK, China and Switzerland.Leo is a strong team player with leading edge competence in agribusiness research, biotechnology, technology/germplasm licensing, germplasm protection (patents & breeders rights), and negotiating + managing strategic partnerships. He has broad experience in leveraging the power of multi-disciplinary teams and values cultural diversity.Leo career is now focused as an agribusiness consultant. He develops and implements strategy on corporate/business/research level with extensive expertise in plant research, seeds, biotechnology, business development, licensing & IP.Leo is looking forward to engage & work with start-ups, universities and companies involved in innovative research and/or business activities.Melchers Management & Biotechnology consulting offers expertise & added value in the following fields:• Interim management• Business Development• Licensing & Intellectual Property• Structuring & negotiation of strategic partnerships• Mediation

Proteon Pharmaceuticals is a leader in bacteriophage technology for livestock farming and aquaculture. Our mission is to eliminate the need for unnecessary antibiotic use and reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Proteon Pharmaceuticals develops natural, safe, and environmentally sustainable solutions from a proprietary Phage Development Platform. Proteon is interested in partnering to co-develop and commercialize phage applications in the field of human, animal -and plant health.

International Assignment - worked for 3,5 years at Syngenta Biotechnology Inc. in Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina (USA).

Key roles and repsonsibilities:1. Manage ZENECA MOGEN research site based in Leiden (NL) to succesfully deliver innovative plant biotechnology products to Zeneca Agrochemicals.2. Provide leadership to the Zeneca MOGEN staff (including Patent Attorneys, Research, HR, Finance, IT, SHE & Support) and contribute to Zeneca’s business and R&D strategy.3. Chairman of Zeneca’s Biotechnology function manager’s team operating across Biotech R&D sites in the UK and Holland. Contributed to set-up the Orynova Rice JV with Japan Tobacco.4. Managing Director of the Licensing BV (100 % owned by ZENECA MOGEN) to provide out-licensing income from BVS plant transformation technology and related patents.