Key Takeaways
- Verinomics introduces Genesis™ and Genova™, two platforms designed to enhance specialty crop development.
- Genesis™ enables transgene-free gene editing, focusing on vegetatively propagated crops.
- Genova™ integrates AI-driven genomic selection, accelerating breeding cycles for both seed and vegetatively propagated crops.
- Verinomics has raised $13 million to support genomics-driven breeding and transgene-free editing research.
- Strategic collaborations, including a partnership with Burchell Nursery, demonstrate real-world applications in almond production and other high-value crops.
Verinomics Introduces Gene Editing and Breeding Acceleration Technologies
Verinomics, a leader in agricultural genomics and gene editing, has unveiled Genesis™ and Genova™, two breakthrough platforms aimed at accelerating crop trait discovery and breeding processes.
These platforms streamline product development, allowing breeders and growers to develop high-value, market-ready crops more efficiently.
Dr. Stephen Dellaporta, President and Founder of Verinomics, stated: “We founded Verinomics with a vision to harness genomic technologies to solve urgent challenges in agriculture. Our precision breeding platform combines chromosome-level genome assemblies, population genomics, AI-based trait identification, and transgene-free gene editing, allowing us to rapidly identify the genetic architecture of valuable traits and develop enhanced, edited varieties without introducing foreign DNA.”
Genesis™: Advancing Transgene-Free Gene Editing
The Genesis™ platform is designed to enable precise gene editing without introducing foreign DNA. Key benefits include:
- Enhancing vegetatively propagated crops by overcoming traditional breeding constraints.
- Targeted trait selection for improved productivity and disease resistance.
- Providing a sustainable and scalable approach to genetic improvement in specialty crops.
This platform brings new opportunities for historically underserved crops, enabling innovation beyond conventional breeding limitations.
Genova™: AI-Powered Genomic Selection for Faster Breeding
The Genova™ platform integrates AI and computational biology to optimize genomic selection and trait identification. Features include:
- AI-driven trait discovery to enhance breeding precision.
- Shortened breeding cycles, reducing development time for new crop varieties.
- Improved predictive modeling to identify desirable genetic traits more accurately.
By accelerating breeding programs, Genova™ supports the development of resilient, high-performance crops tailored to market demands.
Industry Collaboration and Real-World Impact
Verinomics follows a partner-first approach, collaborating with nurseries, seed companies, and growers to develop customized solutions for specific market needs.
A key example is its multi-year partnership with Burchell Nursery, a leading almond nursery in the United States.
Tom Burchell, Owner of Burchell Nursery, stated: “Our partnership with Verinomics has yielded breakthrough solutions for longstanding challenges in almond production. Their gene editing approach to self-compatibility is transforming our almond growing operations to increase yields while reducing resource requirements.”
Burchell Nursery is currently accepting first-come, first-serve orders for the Nonpareil+ almond variety for 2027.
Growth Strategy and Future Expansion For Verinomics
With $13 million raised, Verinomics is preparing for growth financing to:
- Expand Genesis™ and Genova™ platforms into new high-value crop sectors.
- Broaden adoption of next-generation, non-GMO breeding solutions.
- Enhance crop resilience, nutritional value, and sustainability.
Randall Lewis, Managing Partner at Cleveland Avenue and Verinomics board member, commented: “The company differentiates itself by starting with producer and consumer needs before developing tailored solutions. Their proven technology platforms, world-class team, and commercial traction make them a compelling investment as they prepare to raise growth capital.”
