Monsanto and NRGene enter agreement to use big data genome-analysis technology

Monsanto Company announced that the companies have reached a non-exclusive, multi-year global licensing agreement on NRGene’s genome-analysis technology to enhance Monsanto’s ability to predict, compare and select the best genetic makeup from its vast data sets of genetic, genomic and trait information.

NRGene’s platform, GenoMAGIC, was developed by a unique mix of highly experienced algorithm designers, software engineers, plant breeders and plant geneticists and is used by seed companies and major academic and research institutions around the world.

NRGene’s GenoMAGIC and its DeNovoMAGIC genome assembly solution continue to allow seed companies and major academic and research institutions around the world to support their research on maize, wheat, soybean, vegetables and other crops critical to support global food security.

“Monsanto employs best-in-class data analytics technologies to help unlock the genetic potential of our research and development pipeline for our farmer customers,” said Tom Osborn, Monsanto’s Molecular Breeding Technology Director. “Our focus on data is allowing us make better decisions than ever before, and with GenoMAGIC, we expect to provide our plant breeders with a more comprehensive view to improve their analyses and decisions.”

“Monsanto is a global leader in technology that provides farmers with high-yielding seed hybrids and varieties, and we are proud that they have selected GenoMAGIC as a tool to support their advanced breeding programmes,” says Dr Gil Ronen, NRGene Chief Executive Officer.

“Partnering with companies like Monsanto, combined with our recent achievements, including being the first to map the wheat genome, are significant milestones on our roadmap to become the worldwide leader of genomic big data solutions.”

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Both companies noted their dedication to developing technologies that support farmers as they work to grow better harvests, protect their crops and deliver more to society in the face of mounting environmental challenges. Monsanto’s research and development pipeline is focused on providing solutions to those challenges through plant breeding, plant biotechnology, crop protection, ag biologicals, and data science.

With nearly half of Monsanto’s annual research investment focused on plant breeding, the use of leading genome analysis technologies like GenoMAGIC, along with the industry’s largest testing capability and scale and premier discovery technologies, are expected to increase current genetic gain. Monsanto may expand its relationship with NRGene into a longer-term commitment following an in-depth evaluation of the technology. The GenoMAGIC platform extends Monsanto’s capabilities for genome selection, trait discovery, and genome enhancement.

NRGene is a genomic big data company developing cutting-edge software and algorithms to reveal the complexity and diversity of crop plants, animals, and aquatic organisms for the most advanced, sophisticated breeding. NRGene tools have already been employed by some of the world’s leading seed companies, as well as the most influential teams in academia.