Three-way partnership with China Agricultural University and the Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences to scale corn genetic platform
An international seed industry technology company, Origin Agritech Ltd., announced significant advances in its biotechnology breeding program and a groundbreaking partnership during the Sanya International Seed Industry Scientist Conference and 2025 International Seed Industry Technology Expo.
Origin announced a three-way partnership with China Agricultural University, the world’s top agricultural science university, and the Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences. This partnership establishes a comprehensive research and development initiative focused on corn “smart plant type” improvement and innovative variety development.
Corn Seed Forum, Origin CEO Yan Weibin spoke about the Company’s strategic vision and latest achievements, saying “Building long-term strengths and becoming a high-tech seed service company led by biotechnology is Origin’s first consideration. By uniting the strengths of these prestigious institutions with Origin Agritech’s biotechnology capabilities, we are creating a powerhouse for agricultural innovation. This partnership represents a collaboration that will reshape the future of corn development and smart plant technology.”
Some of the highlights are,
- Establishment of four provincial and ministerial R&D platforms with research bases in Beijing, Hainan, and Henan
- Development of a large-scale corn genetic platform for efficient functional gene exploration
- Creation of the world’s first corn haploid induction line Hi3 gene editing technology system in collaboration with “Science Exploration Award” winner Professor Tian Feng
- Accumulation of nearly 300,000 corn germplasm resources
- Authorization for multiple gene editing traits, including leaf angle, plant height, and rust resistance
- Obtaining the second-generation BT and GT GMO corn BBL2-2 biosafety certificate in May 2024
- Establishing the “Origin Marker Biological Breeding Service Consortium” with China Golden Marker Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and launching four comprehensive biotechnology services: BBL2-2 transgenic applications, molecular marker and variety improvement, gene editing trait improvement, and corn mutant library applications
“China’s seed industry is at a crucial juncture in biotechnology breeding,” added Mr. Yan. “Origin is committed to continuing our substantial R&D investments and providing leading biotechnology services for the seed industry while embracing digital and information technologies to enable multi-dimensional industrial development.”