Dr. Shirley Chao, Fayetteville State University biology professor, has been approved for a grant of approximately $1.1 million from NCInnovation to help bring to the market a groundbreaking non-toxic pesticide that can keep agricultural products safe from insect pests. Subject to execution of final grant agreements, this funding is part of NCInnovation's larger mission to unlock the innovative potential of North Carolina's world-class public universities throughout the state.

Dr. Chao's non-toxic pesticide has many potential applications; however, the initial focus will be to help solve long-standing challenges with insect pests impacting the poultry industry. Currently, chicken producers find it very difficult to control certain beetles commonly found in poultry houses, which can cause intestinal obstruction in young chickens, carry many important disease-causing microorganisms and cause damage to the poultry houses. 

Dr. Chao's patented biopesticides, derived from industrial hemp flour and other safe and natural products, offer the added benefit of being non-toxic to birds and, therefore, can be applied inside poultry houses where harmful beetles reside with the birds, according to early testing. This should result in healthier chickens, lower operating costs and reduced harm to pollinators and health risks to farmers applying current pesticides.

"Though Dr. Chao has been most diligent and determined in this work for many years now, we are thrilled that NCInnovation has decided to make a major investment in this groundbreaking work happening right here on the campus of Fayetteville State University," said Darrell T. Allison, chancellor at FSU, in a press release. "Dr. Chao and her talented team exemplify the innovative spirit and practical problem-solving, strengthening FSU's commitment to advancing solutions that serve our community, state, nation, and, potentially, beyond."

NCInnovation helps university innovations advance towards commercialization by supporting university applied research through the critical R&D phase between proof of concept and readiness for the private market.

"Dr. Chao's work at Fayetteville State University has the potential to impact one of North Carolina's most important industries: agriculture," said Michelle Bolas, NCInnovation's executive vice president and chief innovation officer, in a press release. "NCInnovation helps universities advance discoveries with real-world applications, strengthening the university-to-industry pipeline central to American competitiveness."