Li-Cor Inc., Biotechnology Div.

In 1967 a large project to develop sorghum as a world food product was started at the Agronomy Department of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL). William Biggs was hired as part of the research team and worked on the development of basic research instruments for the project.

A quantum sensor to measure the quantity of light usable to plants for photosynthesis was developed for the project. Scientists from other laboratories around the world began requesting similar instruments, and William Biggs, President and founder, established LI-COR in 1971 to manufacture these sensors and other products.

Since then, the LI-COR Environmental Division has become a recognized worldwide leader and pioneer in designing and manufacturing instrumentation for plant science research and environmental applications.