KEYGENE NV

Their core work

KeyGene is a Dutch plant genetics SME based in Wageningen that develops advanced breeding technologies and genomic tools for crop improvement. They work on traits like disease resistance, stress tolerance, and metabolite production in crops ranging from rice and sunflower to chicory. Their core business is translating genomic knowledge — including CRISPR-based editing, cisgenesis, and polyploidy research — into practical breeding solutions for the agricultural sector. They bridge fundamental plant science with commercial crop development, often hosting Marie Curie researchers to accelerate knowledge transfer.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their earlier H2020 period (2016–2019), KeyGene focused on applied breeding techniques — CRISPR/Cas editing, cisgenesis, chicory bioactives, and responsible innovation communication around new breeding technologies. Their more recent work (2021 onward) has shifted toward fundamental genomics: polyploidy, whole genome duplication, genome structure, and how these drive crop traits like stress tolerance. This signals a move from tool application to deeper biological understanding that could inform next-generation breeding strategies.

KeyGene is deepening its genomic foundations — expect future projects combining polyploidy insights with precision breeding for climate-resilient crops.

How they like to work

KeyGene splits evenly between leading and joining projects: they coordinated 3 MSCA fellowships (hosting individual researchers) and participated in 3 larger consortium efforts. Their coordinated projects are small-scale researcher exchanges, while as participant they join broader multi-partner initiatives. With 33 unique partners across 19 countries, they are well-connected but not locked into a fixed group — a flexible partner comfortable in both leadership and specialist roles.

KeyGene has collaborated with 33 distinct partners across 19 countries, reflecting a broad European and international network anchored in Wageningen's agricultural research ecosystem. Their reach extends well beyond the Netherlands, spanning multiple continents through MSCA mobility schemes.

What sets them apart

KeyGene is one of the few private SMEs in Wageningen that combines commercial breeding technology development with deep participation in fundamental genomics research. Unlike university labs, they translate discoveries into breeding applications with market relevance. Their dual competence in both gene editing tools (CRISPR, cisgenesis) and crop-specific biology (disease resistance, polyploidy) makes them a strong bridge between academic consortia and the seed industry.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CHIC
  Largest budget (EUR 419,605) — a flagship project developing chicory as a dual-purpose crop for dietary fibre and medicinal terpenes using CRISPR and cisgenesis.
• POLYPLOID
  Most recent project (2021-2025) signals KeyGene's strategic move into polyploidy research, a frontier area for understanding crop genome evolution and breeding potential.
• RiZeSisT
  KeyGene-coordinated MSCA fellowship targeting rice sheath blight resistance — demonstrates their ability to host and lead targeted disease resistance research.