Colorful collaboration in Indiana ag tech space
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Seed genetics startup Insignum AgTech has signed an agreement with Beck’s Hybrids, the largest family-owned seed company in the U.S, to test Insignum’s corn traits in some of Beck’s products. The companies, both of which are based in the Hamilton County town of Atlanta, will collaborate to cross the trait into proprietary Beck’s genetics for field-testing in 2023.
Insignum’s gene editing technology affects pigment change in the crop, depending on the stress or pressure it faces. It allows growers to identify issues, such as insect pressure, low fertility, and disease.
“With this trait, a corn plant generates purple pigment, indicating that a fungal infection has started but is not yet apparent. Additional traits will utilize other natural pigments, such as red or blue, that give an early indication of yield-limiting factors such as insect pests or fertility loss,” said Insignum Ag Tech CEO Kyle Mohler, a Purdue University alumnus. “Farmers will gain the ability to sustainably and precisely treat when and where needed, ultimately increasing yields without arbitrarily increasing costly inputs.”
In March, Insignum closed on a pre-seed funding round to advance its genetic development technology. The company did not disclose the amount of the investment, however investors included Ag Ventures Alliance and Countryside Angels, both based in Iowa, as well as Indianapolis-based Elevate Ventures.
In January 2022, the startup received a $100,000 investment from the Purdue Ag-Celerator, an agriculture innovation fund that helps Purdue-connected entrepreneurs get their products to market.
Initial results of the trials will be available to select stakeholders at Insignum’s Field Demonstration Days in central Indiana in the fall.
“Farmers can see what their plants need and then respond to improve crop health and yields,” said Tom Koch, research manager at Beck’s. “We were encouraged by Insignum’s results we saw in field trials last year, and we’re hopeful about this collaboration.”