Announcing the Winners of the Bernard Blum Awards 2025

Celebrating innovation in biocontrol

Basel, Switzerland, 20 October 2025 – The International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) announces the winners of the prestigious Bernard Blum Awards 2025, celebrating excellence and innovation in the biocontrol industry. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in developing sustainable solutions that contribute to the future of agriculture. Awardees are selected based on scientific merit, degree of innovation, contribution to sustainable agriculture and commercial opportunity. The award ceremony was held today at ABIM.

Gold Award: Axpera by Amoéba

Axpera has been awarded the Gold Award for its groundbreaking approach to biocontrol by introducing amoeba as a new category of microbials in plant disease control. This innovative product offers a natural and effective solution for managing a variety of plant diseases, setting a new standard for sustainable agriculture.

Silver Award: Outreach SC by Valent BioSciences

The Silver Award goes to Outreach SC, recognized for its dual-function microbial approach to pest management. This product provides broad-spectrum nematode control, enhancing sustainability and effectiveness in agricultural practices.

Bronze Award: Bellator by IPL Biological Ltd.

Bellator receives the Bronze Award for its multifunctional fungal and bacterial consortia. This eco-friendly solution offers broad-spectrum efficacy against plant-parasitic nematodes, supporting farmers with sustainable pest control options.

Product Assisting Biocontrol: PlatyForm Gel by Platypus

 This innovative formulation technology and controlled-release platform is revolutionizing the delivery of semiochemicals and natural substances. PlatyForm Gel is a ready-to-use, biobased, and biodegradable delivery system that enables the slow and consistent release of volatile bioactives, such as pheromones and essential oils. This universal delivery platform allows manufacturers to develop targeted solutions against a wide range of pests and pathogens, including insects, molds, bacteria, and even rodents.

About the Bernard Blum Awards

Named in honor of Bernard Blum, a pioneer in the biocontrol field, these awards highlight the importance of innovation in developing sustainable agricultural solutions. The awards focus on products that demonstrate significant advancements in biocontrol, contributing to environmental health and agricultural productivity.

**IBMA’s Commitment to Innovation:**

The IBMA is dedicated to promoting biocontrol as a key component of sustainable agriculture. By recognizing and celebrating these innovative products, the Bernard Blum Awards aim to inspire continued advancements in the industry.

Join Us in Celebrating Innovation

We congratulate all the winners and nominees for their exceptional contributions to the biocontrol industry. Their work exemplifies the spirit of innovation and dedication needed to drive sustainable solutions in agriculture.

For more information about the Bernard Blum Awards and the winning products, please contact: Isabelle Pinzauti Babrzyński, IBMA Senior Advocacy and Outreach Manager, isabelle.pinzauti@ibma-global.org