TraitSeq

Norwich Research Park

TraitSeq is a spin-out company from the Earlham Institute that has developed a technology that uses machine learning methods to ultimately enable highly precise trait performance predictions to be made that could significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of breeding and product selection processes for the agri-biotech industry.

Recently it announced a new collaboration with large agri-tech company Syngenta, a world leader in developing the next generation of biologicals products for agricultural use. TraitSeq’s technology in the development of innovative, high-performance biostimulants will be used with Syngenta’s extensive knowledge of crop biology to identify highly specific indicators of a plant’s cellular state, called biomarkers, that will help to identify a crop’s ability to utilise available nutrients in the soil.

This in turn, will enable them to quickly and accurately assess the efficiency of new biostimulants, products applied to plants, seeds or the root environment that enhance natural plant processes in enhancing plant health. The development of such biostimulants will also support farmers transition to regenerative practices.

Felicity Knowles, COO and co-founder, said, “Norwich Research Park not only gives you a sense of community, but it really drives that innovation forward. You need to reach out to a lot of people in order to build a business and TraitSeq wouldn’t be here without the support from Anglia Innovation partnerships. You get to meet potential investors, people that could support you in terms of your IP position and generally expand your network for the befit of the business.