APIX Biosciences started from ground-breaking science and a deep understanding of agriculture and the vital role of honey bees. We are dedicated to bringing modern animal nutrition to apiculture.
Founded by leading scientists, we translate decades of pioneering research into effective, science-backed nutritional solutions for honey bees.
Our leadership combines decades of global experience in agriculture and animal health to deliver practical, scalable solutions for today's beekeepers.
Guided by our strong family values, we are dedicated to serving the beekeeping community with a deep sense of purpose and responsibility.
APIX Pollen originated from a cross-collaboration of expert scientist groups, led by Professor G. Wright and Professor S. Shafir – both founders of APIX Biosciences. Together they lay much of the modern foundations of the understanding of honey bee nutrition needs.
Professor Wright studies insect behavior and plant insect interactions since the 90’s and is a world-renowned scientist in honey bee nutrition and physiology. She has – together with her research group – worked for decades on how honey bees regulate the intake of essential nutrients, how the bee brain learns to associate chemical cues with food.
Professor Shafir studies animal cognition since the 90’s and is a world-renowned scientist in honey bee nutrition and cognition.
He has – together with his research group – worked for decades on understanding the decision making processes in honey bees, the impact of honey bee nutrition on learning, brood production, and pollination.
This unique, decade-long in-depth research and understanding of honey bee nutrition is at the basis of APIX Pollen. Although many findings have been published, there is a huge background of knowledge that cannot be replicated.
Developing an effective pollen replacing feed requires more than academic research.
Thierry has been active in the seed and agrochemical industry for decades. Thierry holds a MSc degree from the University of Manitoba and obtained his PhD at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, where he also held a faculty position.
He founded the biotechnology company Devgen in the 90’s, which he built into a global agro-biotechnology company. He discovered and brought to market the first RNAi technology in agriculture & crop protection and with Devgen developed and commercialized high-performing hybrid seed varieties.
Throughout his career, Thierry has combined deep understanding of the complex science – including biochemistry, plant and animal genetics, biology, and pathology – with the understanding of different agronomies and agricultural practices to bring innovations to farmers.
Having worked for decades on insects and insects-plant interactions, he understands the complexities of the honey bee nutrition challenge, the underlying scientific work, and what it takes to bring novel solutions to market.
In 2021, Thierry – together with his son Jan – decided to personally back APIX Biosciences to expand its honey bee nutrition program, develop the required production technologies & systems, and bring a first demonstrated commercial pollen replacing feed to market.
Jan led the initial collaboration of the family with the academic founders. He stepped in as CEO of APIX Biosciences in 2021 to move the business from applied academic research to field validation and commercialization.
Jan & Thierry realized that to develop a real, effective pollen replacing feed, they had to take the research of the academic founders into professional, large scale, monitored field trials in multiple locations and for multiple seasons. This meant coordinating and closely monitoring the effect of nutrition on thousands of colonies in the field over long periods of time.
Such large field trials of new technologies are common best-practice in agriculture – they are the only way to test & develop products in complex agronomies – but had never been done in honey bee nutrition. They require time, experienced resources, and investment.
Jan, with the help of the academic founders, set up collaborations with leading commercial beekeepers, research organizations, and universities in the US – together willing and able to provide thousands of colonies for applied research. These beekeepers and researchers realized the importance of honey bee nutrition and the rising need for pollen replacing feeds. We are very thankful for their continued support.
In parallel, Jan & Thierry also set up the a dedicated honey bee research facility at the family farm, monitoring colonies year-round. Today, Jan & Thierry oversee one of the largest honey bee nutrition R&D programs globally, with thousands of colonies across the US and Europe under monitoring.
CEO of APIX Biosciences US
Patrick is a veterinarian who has spent his entire career in animal agriculture.
He began his professional work in poultry, developing deep expertise in health, nutrition, and production management. Over time, his focus expanded to include swine, beef, and dairy operations, giving him a broad understanding of animal performance and management across species.
COO of APIX Biosciences
Tina has been in the animal feed industry for over 20 years.
She holds a PhD in organic Chemistry from Ghent University and has spent her career in the development, production, and commercialization of new products for animal nutrition.
CFO of APIX Biosciences
Wim has more than 35 years of international experience across multinationals, research institutes, and publicly listed agritech and biotech companies.
As a seasoned finance executive, he combines strategic financial leadership with a pragmatic approach and a strong affinity for science, innovation, and organizational development.
We are proud and thankful to work with the beekeeping communities across the world to bringing modern animal nutrition to apiculture.
Join our priority list to be among the first to secure APIX Pollen for your bees. Be the first to get contacted for exclusive updates, access to launch data, and ensure your place at the front of the line for the next revolution in bee nutrition.
