“Challenges make the journey worth it; embrace them with a smile.”

The bio-agrochemical industry is focused on developing sustainable, natural alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture. The sector encompasses the development of biopesticides, bioherbicides, biostimulants, and other plant-based solutions designed to protect crops from pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. As demand for organic farming and eco-friendly agricultural practices continues to grow, bio-agrochemical products are becoming essential for supporting cleaner, more sustainable food production systems. Advances in biotechnology, plant biology, and environmental science are driving the industry, with companies like INBIOAR at the forefront of finding plant-derived molecules to replace harmful chemicals, thus providing more sustainable solutions for farmers while addressing global environmental concerns. Gustavo Sosa is the founder and scientific director of INBIOAR, focusing on developing natural plant-based products for crop protection. He holds degrees in plant biochemistry and molecular biology and led his team in developing novel bioherbicides and biostimulants targeted at promoting sustainable agriculture, as well as advancing cleaner and safer farming practices that are environmental in nature. A journey to scientific innovation began from a love of plant biology, which for Gustavo Sosa ended up building a pioneering company that would discover natural products from plants for the crop protection industry. Sosa’s career is a testimonial to how perseverance, passion, and innovation are driven through faith in nature’s transformative powers.

A Foundation in Science

Gustavo’s way to the foundation of INBIOAR is strongly traced through his academic and research background. As a forest engineer, he pursued further education with a Ph.D. in plant biochemistry and molecular biology. He held two postdoctoral positions, the first in cell physiology in Argentina and the second at The Ohio State University, where he worked on the regulation of gene expression. It was in those early years that he developed his passion for plant biology and the intricate interactions in ecosystems.

“I always loved plant physiology,” Gustavo says, talking about his early career. “While studying, I worked as a research assistant in several laboratories, but it was plant-to-plant interaction that became the core of my future work.”

This deep-rooted fascination with plants and their biological processes led to the foundation of INBIOAR, a company dedicated to discovering natural products that could help solve critical agricultural challenges.

The Genesis of INBIOAR

The idea behind INBIOAR was simple yet ambitious: to uncover plant-derived molecules that could be used in the crop protection industry, especially as natural alternatives to chemical pesticides. To bring this vision to life, Gustavo and his team developed a discovery platform that allows them to screen plants from diverse environments, isolating extracts that could serve as effective bioherbicides. It was not an overnight success. It had taken years of trial and error, along with the persistent efforts of a small, dedicated team, to hone the platform. The turning point came when they identified bioherbicides that could control weeds a significant requirement for the industries that supported organic farming. This led to a breakthrough for INBIOAR to work with such distinguished organizations as the USDA and to patent its bioherbicide technology.

“We have always thought about the needs of the farmer. The work is not only about producing results in the lab but also solving real problems in agriculture and helping farmers with safer, cleaner, and more effective products,” says Gustavo. As the business grew, so did its aspirations. Today, INBIOAR is working on testing plant extracts for not only bio-herbicides but also biostimulants and other pest control solutions to be used on vertical farms, a growing sector in which he believes agriculture’s future lies.

The Strengths that Make Sosa Different

When asked about his greatest strength, Gustavo reflects on his unshakable determination. “I never give up. No matter how big the challenge, I find my way to success, or at least try my hardest to achieve it,” he shares. This resilience, combined with his ability to lead a team, has been crucial in overcoming the many obstacles that come with pioneering new solutions in the agricultural sector.

His leadership style is characterized by a calm, methodical approach to problem-solving. “I stay calm and smile in the face of challenges. I never turn nervous,” he says. “I enjoy the game of challenge.” Gustavo’s ability to keep his cool and hold a positive outlook, even in the tightest games, has secured him the team’s respect and loyalty. He believes in power collaboration, often emphasizing that the strength of many is the strength that overcomes tough problems. He mentors students who are pursuing their Phds and is very keen on building a strong, well-educated team. “Research and development go hand in hand with education,” he explains. “In our company, new students are encouraged to pursue their Phds, and that’s how we foster a culture of continuous learning.”

Key Accomplishments and Vision for the Future

Gustavo credits much of the success of INBIOAR to the strength of his team. “The first accomplishment is the team that is today INBIOAR,” he says. “Without a team, it is impossible to reach the outstanding goals we’ve achieved.” Over the years, INBIOAR has developed a platform for plant screening, which has resulted in the identification of bio-herbicides and the filing of patents in collaboration with the USDA.

But his vision is more long-term. He sees the possibility of helping shift agriculture around the world to organic practices by developing natural alternatives for crop protection. “What if we could change the whole agricultural system to organic farming supported by natural products?” he asks himself. Such forward thinking drives his work: He seeks to create products that will help shift agriculture to safer, cleaner practices.

Gustavo is proud of the partnerships INBIOAR has developed with leading agrochemical companies. Such partnerships have given invaluable insights into the needs of the industry and allowed INBIOAR to develop solutions for real-world challenges in agriculture.

A Legacy of Innovation and Sustainability

The outlook, therefore, for Gustavo Sosa remains a future change for the agricultural industry. The work of INBIOAR continues to move boundaries and set the scope of possibilities in the field of bio-agrochemicals, all eyes on sustainability, aiming at a cleaner future of farming.

“I believe that biological solutions will play a vital role in addressing environmental concerns while ensuring effective pest control,” Gustavo concludes. “Global organic agriculture supported by natural products that’s our goal.” With his unchanged commitment to innovation and vision for sustainability, Gustavo’s journey is not nearly over. His work will find inspiration in generations of scientists, businesspeople, and innovators who wish to make the world a better place through natural solutions. 

Inspiration and Advice for the Next Generation

Gustavo credits his professors for inspiring his love for science and his commitment to excellence. “They taught me that mistakes in science are not tragedies, but opportunities to learn,” he says. “In science, mistakes are moments to ask, ‘Why not?’ and find better solutions.” This mindset, coupled with a sense of humor and humility, has guided Sosa throughout his career.

For aspiring business people and entrepreneurs, he offers simple yet profound advice: “Never give up. Be in love with something.” His passion for his work has been the driving force behind his success, and he believes that finding one’s true calling is essential to achieving greatness. “When you’re in love with what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. You just enjoy the journey,” he explains. Gustavo encourages young people to find their passion, in whatever field it may be; science, business, or anything else. And then he tells them to dedicate themselves to that. “Find your love in science, and everything else will follow,” he says. “Dedication, endless hours of work, and striving for perfection will make you a better professional, a better thinker, and the best version of yourself.”