Phytelligence names vice president of business development

Phytelligence has named Tim Zenk as vice president of business development.  Zenk comes to Phytelligence from Sapphire Energy and Algenol Biotechnology, where he served  in various executive roles, including business development and policy, and with focus on China, India, public and energy sector strategic partnerships.

In his role, Zenk will help the company develop strategic relationships in new global markets and monetize the growing portfolio of technologies developed at Phytelligence’s research and development lab in Pullman, Washington. In securing strategic domestic and international partnerships, he will explore and pursue partnerships with industry, public sector and non-governmental organizations (NGO) to help farmers increase quality, yields and income from food crops. Zenk also brings experience working with USDA, NDRC and other public sector and agriculture entities.

Zenk said the goal is to help growers throughout the life cycle of their crops, and directly, positively improve their ROI and the quality of the products they produce and sell.

Currently in the development pipeline, Phytelligence is spearheading the expansion of the pear market by developing new pear and cherry varieties. To improve the markets for pears, the company has developed compounds to help them ripen after they’re delivered to consumers. In addition, Phytelligence scientists are developing new rootstocks and varieties that are drought resilient, and resistant to many agriculture disease and viruses.