Leo Melchers

Leo Melchers has a diverse work experience in the agriculture and biotechnology industry. Leo is currently the Head of Licensing & Partnerships at Proteon Pharmaceuticals, where they focus on developing natural and sustainable solutions using bacteriophage technology. Prior to that, they worked as the VP Licensing & Strategic Partnerships at Tropic Biosciences. Leo also served as an Agrifoodtech Startup Mentor at StartLife, where they helped foodtech and agtech startups build and grow their businesses.

Leo has also worked as an Independent Consultant in Agriculture and Biotechnology at Melchers Management & Biotech Consulting. In this role, they utilized their 30+ years of international experience in executive management and leadership roles at biotech startups and industry leaders, including Zeneca Agrochemicals and Syngenta. Leo has expertise in agribusiness research, biotechnology, technology/germplasm licensing, germplasm protection, and negotiating and managing strategic partnerships.

Furthermore, Leo has served as a Board Member at HollandBIO and Niaba, contributing their insights and expertise. Leo also had various roles at Syngenta and Syngenta Biotechnology Inc., including Head Licensing, Head of Legal IP Licensing Cereals, and Global Head Licensing - Seeds & Biotechnology. Leo also had an international assignment at Syngenta Biotechnology Inc. in the USA.

Prior to their time at Syngenta, Leo served as the Managing Director of Zeneca MOGEN BV, where they managed the research site to deliver innovative plant biotechnology products. Overall, Leo Melchers has a strong background in the agriculture and biotechnology industry, with extensive experience in licensing, partnerships, and consulting.

Leo Melchers completed their Drs. degree in Mathematics & Life Sciences from Leiden University, where they studied from 1979 to 1985. Following that, they pursued a PhD in Molecular Plant Sciences at Leiden University from 1985 to 1989.