# Bayer and Switch Bioworks partner on nitrogen-fixing soil microbes that switch on mid-season

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/bayer-and-switch-bioworks-partner-on-nitrogen-fixing-soil-microbes-that-6704fa4e
Date: 13 Oct 2026
About: [Bayer](https://technooptimist.io/companies/bayer.md)
Original source: https://agfundernews.com/switch-bio-partners-with-bayer-to-advance-switchable-tech-for-biofertilizers

Bayer Crop Science has entered a strategic collaboration with Switch Bioworks, a California startup, to develop switchable nitrogen-fixing soil microbes. The microbes first settle on plant roots, then turn on ammonia production several weeks into the growing season. Financial terms were not disclosed.

## Key facts

- In grow-room studies, switchable strains produced five times more nitrogen than always-on control strains.
- Switch has field-tested its microbes on corn across the US Midwest and received field-release approval in Brazil.
- Switch targets replacing 25% of nitrogen fertilizer while keeping yields, and aims to commercialize within two to three years.
- The first phase pairs Switch's best strains with Bayer hybrids; Bayer handles formulation, field testing, commercialization and crop genetics.

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