Phytoform

Introducing CRE.AI.TIVE - Phytoform’s platform for modulating gene expression in plants 🌿 through the use of an AI model which identifies and recommends precision edits to the plant’s DNA 🧬 needed to achieve a desired crop trait. In this paper we present the CRE.AI.TIVE model and validate its recommendations in the lab, showcasing how the model can be used alongside CRISPR-Cas genome editing to enhance drought tolerance in tomatoes 🍅 Going forward we aim to use this technology to achieve Phytoform’s mission of creating more sustainable and climate resilient crops, whilst reducing food waste and increasing crop yields across the agriculture industry. Read the paper below: https://lnkd.in/e-FmngMx Or check out one of the press releases: https://lnkd.in/gpGzg-cK

Phytoform’s AI technology-platform CRE.AI.TIVE can address “bottlenecks” experienced using precision crop breeding tools. “Plants already have the genetic solution to stressors such as drought, but it’s a case of switching on exactly the right part of the code. Until now, you don’t have a way to turn genes on scalably. Existing methods took years and weren’t always successful” says Dr Nicolas Kral, PhD chief technology officer at Phytoform Labs https://lnkd.in/eD4XeKq5 #AI #precisonbreeding #innovation https://lnkd.in/eWK7Q5C9

The cat is out of the bag! Phytoform is pushing the boundaries of plant genetics, by building a first-of-its-kind AI multispecies genomic platform and demonstrating how we can use it to develop new crop traits! 🚀 This amazing work combines our foundation AI model and high throughput validation and opens up many possibilities for plant biotechnology. We show this with tuned gene activity for tomato drought tolerance! 🍅 Our scientific publication (link in the comments) is on BioRxiv now! This would not be possible without our amazing team 🦾 , most notably Sania Jevtic and Colleen Drapek leading the technology development. I also want to thank our supporters Amazon Web Services (AWS) and IRCAI for the #ComputeForClimateFellowship, #ManchesterPrize an initiative of Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and our trusted OligoPools supplier Twist Bioscience! A big thank you also to VIB for letting me present this amazing work at the #NGSB24 in lovely Ghent!

Phytoform’s AI technology CRE.AI.TIVE can redesign plant DNA to futureproof our food supply. Phytoform’s AI driven genetics platform makes plants more resistant to drought, disease and pests by unlocking precision crop breeding to build a resilient food system. Phytoform’s foundation plant genomic model, detailed in a paper published today on the pre-print platform BioRxiv https://lnkd.in/ey2hr2DB was trained across multiple plant species to fine tune the activity of crop genes to unlock novel traits. Phytoform is excited to be leading development of the next generation of traits that will secure a sustainable and resilient food system. https://lnkd.in/eD4XeKq5 #AI #futureproofingfoodsystems #climateresilientcrops #precisionbreeding https://lnkd.in/ea3649Pa

Phytoform Labs develops “breakthrough” mini tomato http://ow.ly/rc0w105NQ1i

🌟 A precision-bred tomato variety that produces up to 400% more fruit over one year than conventional tomatoes could be the catalyst for vertical farming in the global fresh produce industry. 🌱 Phytoform, one of our business tenants here at Rothamsted, has developed a miniaturised – or dwarf – version of the elite tomato variety Ailsa Craig, which can produce a kilogram of fruit from a plant one-sixth of the typical size for tomatoes. The crop is tailored to the needs of vertical farms, where fresh produce is grown indoors under controlled conditions. “Our consumer surveys clearly show people want sustainable, chemical free produce,” says Phytoform chief executive and founder, William Pelton. “Bringing in appealing new options that can help vertical farming become more diverse and competitive can only be a good thing for a greener and more secure food system in the UK and beyond. “We hope our tomatoes are going to be a reset for vertical farming. It’s a small crop that can transforms business models from thin margins to decent profits. The growers we’re working with are as excited as we are.” 👉 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/emyU54nr #verticalfarming #precisionbreeding #genomeediting #geneediting #agritech #sustainablecrops #innovation #futureproofingfoodsystems Nicolas Kral, PhD Sarah Beretta Claire Wolstencroft Nicole Sadd Rothamsted Research Bayer Phil Taylor Harvest London Jones Food Company

Join our founders William Pelton and Nicolas Kral, PhD at the Biotech Tour London hosted by the brilliant Pillar VC. We look forward to seeing you there! https://lnkd.in/eAT_w9MM

Phytoform’s partners recent trial results of precision bred tasty tiny tomatoes in vertical farms has the potential for real impact in our world, starting with the UK. Antony V. E. Chapman, PhD the company’s lead tomato genome engineer says “With dwarf varieties, almost every single trait is bad [for vertical farms], except for the size. Instead, we decided to make elite varieties into dwarfs, starting with something good and going from there – that’s how we came up with this vertical farming tomato,” #Agtech #Agri-food #UKinnovation https://lnkd.in/eeMBykuG

Phytoform's tiny and tasty tomatoes can produce 190% to 400% more kgs of fruit per sq meter. This is just the start of how William Pelton, Nicolas Kral, PhD, and their team can grow food smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Excited that Rethink Food is along for the ride 🚀

Phytoform’s tiny tasty, tomatoes are packing a punch with indoor vertical farms which have been successfully trialling Phytoform’s new tomato variety! Providing a more locally produced tomato is especially key for the UK as so many tomatoes are imported. William Pelton the company’s chief executive officer says “Things are changing so fast now, both in terms of climate change and human population growth, that I don't think traditional breeding can keep up any longer. The technologies that can dramatically speed up this process are ready to be used and need to get out there.” #UKinnovation #verticalfarming #newbreedtomato https://lnkd.in/eU7883pk