NRGene’s AI technology expected to improve results in BASF soybean breeding projects

BASF and NRGene today announced a research collaboration that includes the adoption of NRGene's cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology into BASF soybean research projects. The GenoMAGIC™ technology will allow for more comprehensive evaluations to accelerate trait discovery and breeding across diverse crops.

"This collaboration will explore the power of digitalization to improve and accelerate agricultural research," said Rick Turner Senior Vice President Seeds & Traits in BASF's Agricultural Solutions division. "BASF and NRGene are both focused on developing and delivering technologies to support farmers to grow better harvests, protect their crops, and deliver more to society in the face of mounting environmental challenges."

NRGene's advanced multi-purpose breeding platform is a cloud-based solution for managing the full genomic diversity of species. It can analyze unlimited volumes of genomic data, enabling scientists and breeders to easily relate genomic sequences with beneficial traits, making genomic selection and trait mapping much more productive. Data use is accelerated, making breeding both faster and more cost effective.

"BASF remains committed to providing farmers with the most productive seeds and deploying best-in-class technologies to help unlock their genetic potential," said Rene van Schaik, Head of Seeds Technologies & Analytics at BASF. "Our focus on data allows us to make better breeding decisions than ever before, and with GenoMAGIC, we expect to provide our research teams with a more comprehensive view to improve their analyses and decisions."

"We are excited to commence this journey with BASF in soybean," said Dr. Gil Ronen, NRGene's CEO. "Over the years, we have accumulated a vast amount of data as well as specific competences in soy, which will add value in the collaboration with BASF to make their breeding more productive and efficient."

About NRGene

NRGene is a Genomics company that provides turn-key solutions. Relying on a vast proprietary database and AI-based technologies, we provide the largest seed and food companies in the world with the computational tools they need to maximize their crop yield, significantly saving them time and cost. NRGene's tools have already been implemented by some of the leading agribiotech companies worldwide, as well as the most influential research teams in academia. For more information, please visit www.nrgene.com, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

About BASF's Agricultural Solutions division

With a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and healthy environments. Working with farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others, it is our role to help make this possible. That's why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline and broad portfolio, including seeds and traits, chemical and biological crop protection, soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we connect innovative thinking and down-to-earth action to create real world ideas that work - for farmers, society and the planet. In 2018, our division generated sales of €6.2 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 122,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €63 billion in 2018. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.