• R&D project to develop innovative seaweed-based bio-stimulant formulations
• Initial focus on oil palm and rice industries in Southeast Asia
• Early-stage discussions for potential bio-stimulant production plant in Indonesia

BPH Global Ltd (ASX: BP8) has announced the execution of a research and development consultancy agreement with TP Innovation Holdings Pte Ltd (TPIH), acting on behalf of Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore. Under the agreement, BPH's wholly owned subsidiary Stemcell United Pte Ltd will engage TPIH to conduct research into the extraction and analysis of seaweed components for formulation as bio-stimulants. These formulations are intended to enhance growth rates and yields in oil palm trees and rice crops. The R&D program will focus on three specific seaweed species: Eucheuma cottoni, Gracilaria spp, and Ulva Lactuca. The initial industry focus will be on the oil palm and rice growing sectors in Southeast Asia, where seaweed-based bio-stimulants have already demonstrated benefits in improving root development, nutrient uptake efficiency, and resistance to abiotic stressors. As part of its broader commercialization strategy, BPH Global also proposes to establish its own manufacturing facility for the production of seaweed-based bio-stimulants, with early-stage discussions underway regarding a potential plant in Indonesia.

The company aims to offer high-performance, sustainable solutions tailored to the needs of large-scale agricultural producers in the oil palm and rice industries in Southeast Asia.