The proposal aims to strengthen a recent relationship between a SME from Germany and an established Marie Curie Chair from Portugal for lasting research collaboration. The company (INOQ) produces arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) for application in sustainable agriculture. Commercial AMF application can significantly improve the stability of plant production. The importance of the symbiosis between AMF and plants in the rhizosphere is increasingly recognized in plant production for healthy food and feed, but also for energy and industrial plants and the maintenance of soil structures. The market for AMF products is steadily growing and the involved SME shows a good standing in the field.AMF demonstrate high genetic diversity, which can be an important reason for unstable product quality of AMF isolates. Research on functional gene characterization of AMF products is an innovative strategy to set new quality standards and to provide commercial advantage to the company. It will at the same time advance importantly current knowledge in fundamental and applied research. The alternative oxidase (AOX) gene family was recently proposed by the Chair holder within the frame of COST870 as a promising candidate to characterize AMF functionality. This view got now strong confirmation through published results. The aim of this common research project is to study the appropriateness of AMF AOX gene polymorphisms as marker for the functional integrity of AMF isolates.During the project, the two partners will intensively exchange competences and both will recruit experienced staff to reach the common goals and strengthen their capacities for interaction. The partners aim to establish a longer lasting collaboration to adjust continuously the good standing of the company and improve the competitiveness of the research group. A novel spin-off company will be founded in Portugal that links both partners for the post-project phase as members of the Consortium.