Origin Agritech Showcases Advanced Biotechnology Capabilities and Announces Landmark Partnership at International Seed Industry Conference

Rhea-AI Summary

Origin Agritech (NASDAQ: SEED) announced major advances in biotechnology and a significant partnership at the 4th Sanya International Seed Industry Conference. The company formed a three-way partnership with China Agricultural University and Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, focusing on corn 'smart plant type' improvement.

Key achievements include: establishing four provincial R&D platforms, developing a large-scale corn genetic platform, creating the world's first corn haploid induction line Hi3 gene editing system, accumulating nearly 300,000 corn germplasm resources, and obtaining authorization for multiple gene editing traits. The company secured a second-generation BT and GT GMO corn BBL2-2 biosafety certificate in May 2024.

Origin also established the 'Origin Marker Biological Breeding Service Consortium' with China Golden Marker Biotechnology, launching four biotechnology services: BBL2-2 transgenic applications, molecular marker and variety improvement, gene editing trait improvement, and corn mutant library applications.

Positive

• Secured strategic partnership with China Agricultural University and Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences
• Obtained BBL2-2 biosafety certificate for second-generation BT and GT GMO corn in May 2024
• Developed world's first corn haploid induction line Hi3 gene editing technology system
• Established four provincial R&D platforms and accumulated 300,000 corn germplasm resources
• Launched four new comprehensive biotechnology services through Origin Marker consortium

Negative

• None.

Insights

Biotechnology Research Analyst

The partnership with China Agricultural University and Beijing Academy represents a strategic consolidation of research capabilities in agricultural biotechnology. The development of the Hi3 gene editing system for corn haploid induction is particularly noteworthy, as it enables more precise and efficient crop improvement. The BBL2-2 GMO corn biosafety certificate obtained in 2024 is a major regulatory milestone that opens commercial opportunities.

The establishment of four provincial R&D platforms and accumulation of 300,000 corn germplasm resources positions Origin Agritech with substantial intellectual property and research infrastructure. The company's focus on smart plant type improvement through gene editing of traits like leaf angle and plant height demonstrates a sophisticated approach to crop optimization.

In simple terms: Origin is building a powerful toolkit to create better corn varieties by partnering with top research institutions and using cutting-edge gene editing technology. They've received government approval for their genetically modified corn and have collected hundreds of thousands of corn varieties to work with.

Agricultural Market Analyst

The formation of the Origin Marker Biological Breeding Service Consortium signals a strategic pivot toward a service-based business model in the agricultural biotechnology sector. This diversification from pure seed development to offering comprehensive biotech services could create multiple revenue streams through:

• BBL2-2 transgenic applications licensing
• Molecular marker and variety improvement services
• Gene editing trait customization
• Corn mutant library access

For the average investor: Think of this as Origin transforming from just a seed company into a technology service provider - similar to how IBM evolved from hardware to services. They're now selling their expertise and tools to other companies in the agriculture industry, which could lead to more stable and diverse income sources.

SANYA, China, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Origin Agritech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SEED) (the "Company" or "Origin"), a leading Chinese agricultural technology company, today announced significant advances in its biotechnology breeding program and a groundbreaking partnership during the 4th Sanya International Seed Industry Scientist Conference and 2025 International Seed Industry Technology Expo.

During his keynote presentation at the conference's Corn Seed Forum, Origin CEO Yan Weibin outlined the Company's strategic vision and latest achievements. "Building long-term strengths and becoming a high-tech seed service company led by biotechnology is Origin's first consideration," stated Mr. Yan. "We are committed to developing into an international seed enterprise with strong scientific research capabilities, team strength, market awareness, variety portfolio, and service capabilities."

In a significant development, Origin announced a three-way partnership with China Agricultural University, the world's top-ranked institution in agricultural science, 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.

"By uniting the strengths of these prestigious institutions with Origin Agritech's biotechnology capabilities, we are creating a powerhouse for agricultural innovation," said Yan. "This partnership represents a collaboration that will reshape the future of corn development and smart plant technology."

Key Achievements and Capabilities:

• 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."

Images from the conference are available on the Company's X account: https://x.com/origin_agritech.

About Origin Agritech Limited
Origin Agritech Limited, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Zhong-Guan-Cun (ZGC) Life Science Park in Beijing, is a leading Chinese agricultural technology company. In crop seed biotechnologies, Origin Agritech's phytase corn was the first transgenic corn to receive the Bio-Safety Certificate from China's Ministry of Agriculture. Over the years, Origin has established a robust biotechnology seed pipeline, including products with glyphosate tolerance and pest resistance (Bt) traits. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.originagritech.com. The Company also maintains an X account for updating investors on Company and industry developments which is https://x.com/origin_agritech.

For more information, please contact:
Origin Agritech Limited Contact:
Kate Lang (Mandarin/English)
Director of Investor Relations
Phone: +86 186-1839-3368
Email: bing.lang@originseed.com.cn

Investor Relations Contact:
Matthew Abenante, IRC
President
Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
Tel: 347-947-2093
Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/origin-agritech-showcases-advanced-biotechnology-capabilities-and-announces-landmark-partnership-at-international-seed-industry-conference-302353284.html

SOURCE Origin Agritech Limited

FAQ

What major partnership did Origin Agritech (SEED) announce in January 2025?

Origin Agritech announced a three-way partnership with China Agricultural University and Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences for corn 'smart plant type' improvement and innovative variety development.

What biotechnology achievements did Origin Agritech (SEED) present at the 2025 Seed Industry Conference?

Origin presented achievements including four provincial R&D platforms, a corn genetic platform, the first corn haploid induction line Hi3 gene editing system, 300,000 corn germplasm resources, and multiple gene editing trait authorizations.

When did Origin Agritech (SEED) receive the BBL2-2 biosafety certificate?

Origin Agritech received the second-generation BT and GT GMO corn BBL2-2 biosafety certificate in May 2024.

What new services did Origin Agritech (SEED) launch through the Origin Marker consortium?

Origin launched four services: BBL2-2 transgenic applications, molecular marker and variety improvement, gene editing trait improvement, and corn mutant library applications.