The Future of Agbioscience: Insights from Christy Wright at AgriNovus Indiana

As a seasoned leader in global food systems, Christy Wright is acutely aware of the myriad challenges confronting stakeholders in the food and agriculture supply chain. Previously serving as the director of global food systems at Corteva Agriscience, she seamlessly transitioned to her new role at AgriNovus Indiana on August 18, bringing her wealth of experience to a nonprofit committed to enhancing the agbioscience economy.

Navigating a Perfect Storm

Wright describes the current agricultural landscape as a “perfect storm,” influenced by a combination of global economic, environmental, and technological pressures. “We are witnessing fluctuating commodity prices, extreme weather patterns making crop cultivation increasingly difficult, and the growing influence of new technologies—like GLP-1 drugs—which are shifting dietary preferences,” she explains. “Federal government initiatives are also playing a pivotal role in driving change.”

Despite these challenges, Wright finds optimism in the disruptions facing the industry. “Disruption can serve as a powerful catalyst for breakthrough innovation,” she asserts. “Currently, businesses ranging from startups to multinationals are re-evaluating their approaches.”

Opportunities Amidst Adversity

Citing the mantra of outgoing president and CEO Mitch Frazier—“pessimists sound smart, optimists make money”—Wright emphasizes that tough times compel stakeholders to devise creative solutions for obstacles like labor shortages, trade uncertainty, extreme weather, and rising operational costs. “This scenario opens doors for startups specializing in AI, robotics, and gene editing,” she says. “Companies are rethinking product design, sourcing models, and supply chain structures. Progress is being driven by science and collaborative innovation.”

Wright insists that this moment transcends merely doing more with less; it’s about collaborating effectively. “AgriNovus is uniquely positioned to facilitate these partnerships and encourage agbioscience-driven solutions.”

Connecting Resources and Communities

Wright’s career, which began in public affairs, includes leadership roles at Dow AgroSciences before her tenure at Corteva. Her commitment to Indiana shines through as she highlights the state’s exceptional assets in agbioscience. “Food and agriculture startups in Indiana benefit from a robust network that provides diverse resources and perspectives,” she notes, citing collaborations with prestigious institutions such as Purdue, Indiana University, and Notre Dame.

Further supporting this network is the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, which fosters cross-sector collaboration vital in today’s converging industries. “Organizations like AgriNovus, operating under the CICP umbrella, amplify the potential for innovation and growth,” she explains.

Coordination Between Startups and Corporations

While AgriNovus primarily supports startups, Wright asserts that large corporations, such as Corteva with its Corteva Catalyst platform, also gain from collaborating within the ecosystem. “Corteva not only champions global scientific endeavors but also provides startups with invaluable access to corporate R&D expertise,” she reveals. “As the largest U.S.-based ag input company, they hold the mechanisms to bring products to market that many startups cannot.”

Looking Ahead: The First 100 Days

As she prepares to embark on her new journey at AgriNovus, Wright emphasizes a focus on listening and learning during her initial days. “Existing initiatives like the Quadrant events and the Velocity accelerator have laid a strong foundation,” she states. “I’m eager to delve into the Accelerate 2050 strategy, which outlines three critical pillars for innovation: farmer-focused development, bioinnovation, and the concept that food is health.”

Food as a Public Health Concern

Wright highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing health-related issues through agriculture, citing the OneHealth Innovation District—a partnership between Elanco, Purdue University, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Our existing initiatives with Biocrossroads signal significant potential for fostering collaborations around One Health,” she explains.

“With world-class medical and pharmaceutical institutions, Indiana is uniquely poised to integrate academic expertise with agrifood industry knowledge—from startups to multinational corporations.”

Technological Innovations on the Horizon

Wright expresses excitement for various emerging technologies, likening the process of selecting favorites to choosing children. “From biologicals to decision science, AI, and gene editing, there are countless transformative tools on the horizon,” she says, stressing that gene editing is particularly promising. “It holds the key to creating a more nutritious and resilient food system.”

She adds that gene editing has the potential to meet consumer demands for healthier foods and products with specific sensory qualities. “Ultimately, the integration of these technologies will be the key to unlocking the future of agriculture.”

>> Christy Wright is set to host the AgriNovus Indiana Quadrant event today (August 20) at VisionLoft Stutz in Indianapolis. To find out more and register, click here.