Origin Agritech Limited announced that its Hi3 gene‑editing platform for maize has been selected by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences as one of the Top 10 Major Progresses in Chinese Agricultural Science for 2025. The award recognizes the platform as the world’s first efficient genetic transformation system for the maize induction line Hi3, enabling precise trait editing in a single year.
The recognition follows a 2024 Nature publication that detailed Hi3’s ability to deliver targeted edits with high efficiency and minimal off‑target effects. By cutting the development cycle from 4–5 years to one year, the technology positions Origin to accelerate the launch of high‑yield, disease‑resistant corn varieties in China’s rapidly expanding biotech seed market.
While the award highlights Origin’s scientific leadership, the company’s financial performance remains under pressure. Revenue has declined in recent quarters, and the firm reported negative EBITDA and a high debt‑to‑equity ratio. Management noted that the investment in R&D and the pursuit of regulatory approvals are driving short‑term cash outflows, but the company believes the breakthrough will translate into long‑term revenue growth once the technology is commercialized.
CEO Weibin Yan said the award “validates Origin’s commitment to pioneering biotechnology solutions that address global food security challenges” and added that the breakthrough “accelerates our path to commercializing high‑yield, sustainable maize varieties.” He emphasized that the company is working closely with regulatory authorities to secure biosafety certificates for gene‑edited crops, a process that has been expedited in China.
The award also signals a broader shift in China’s agricultural biotechnology landscape, where government investment and regulatory reforms are creating a favorable environment for gene‑edited crops. Origin’s dual capability in GMO and gene‑editing gives it a competitive edge, but the company must navigate the current financial headwinds while scaling the technology to meet market demand.
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