#China #Beijing #Origin Agritech #Gene Editing #Hi3 technology

Origin Agritech's Hi3 Gene Editing Technology: A Groundbreaking Achievement in Agricultural Science

On December 2, 2025, Origin Agritech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SEED), a prominent player in the agricultural technology sector in China, proudly announced that its innovative corn haploid induction line Hi3 gene editing technology has been honored as one of the Top 10 Major Progresses in Chinese Agricultural Science for the year 2025. This accolade comes from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and highlights Origin's position at the forefront of agricultural biotechnology, emphasizing the transformative potential of its research.

This selection is part of an initiative led by the Agricultural Information Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, aimed at showcasing original innovations in agricultural technology. The evaluation process was particularly rigorous, considering a vast pool of 46,832 papers published by Chinese scholars in 2024 across Web of Science-indexed agricultural journals. The evaluation methodology included bibliometric screening, peer review, and final selection by experts, culminating in the identification of 10 groundbreaking advancements.

The Hi3 gene editing technology is the result of collaborative efforts between Origin's subsidiary, Hainan Aoyu Biotech Limited, and Professor Tian Feng along with his team from China Agricultural University. Their research made headlines with the publication of a significant article in the esteemed journal Nature in June 2024. Titled "Maize Smart Canopy Architecture Enhances Yield at High Densities," this publication outlined the development of the world’s first efficient genetic transformation system for maize induction line Hi3. This innovation allows for rapid, targeted editing of major inbred lines, successfully breaking down barriers that have traditionally hindered crop improvement.

With Hi3 technology, researchers can enhance crucial traits such as leaf angle to optimize plant structure. This advancement not only boosts maize yield at high-density planting but also shortens the time required for crop development by 3-4 years compared to conventional methods, eliminating interference from linked genes.

The commercial implications of this technology are vast. Origin Agritech is currently advancing its commercialization efforts as China accelerates the approval process for biosafety certificates for gene-edited crops including corn, soybeans, and wheat. The company has developed over ten improved maize gene-editing induction lines that address pivotal traits such as optimizing light use through reduced upper leaf angles, enhancing resistance to drought and lodging, extending growth periods, and stacking multiple traits. The goal is to introduce gene-edited corn varieties into the market in the upcoming years. Notably, several commercial corn hybrids employing this technology showed remarkable yield improvements during 2025’s field demonstrations.

CEO Weibin Yan commented on this achievement, stating, "The recognition of our Hi3 gene editing technology as a Top 10 Major Progress in Chinese Agricultural Science for 2025 validates Origin's unwavering commitment to pioneering biotechnology solutions that address global food security challenges. This breakthrough not only elevates our position as innovators but also accelerates our path toward commercializing high-yield, sustainable maize varieties. Our focus is on delivering significant value to shareholders through expanded market opportunities and enhanced crop performance."

Founded in 1997 and based at the Origin RD Center in Tongzhou, Beijing, Origin Agritech has made significant strides in the field of agricultural technology, particularly in crop seed biotechnology. The firm was a pioneer in obtaining the Bio-Safety Certificate for transgenic corn from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, and its product pipeline continues to grow with advancements such as glyphosate tolerance and Bt pest resistance traits.

For more information about Origin Agritech and its revolutionary work in agricultural biotechnology, visit their official website at www.originagritech.com.

As the company forges ahead, advancements like the Hi3 technology serve as a critical step towards meeting the challenges posed by global food security and adapting agriculture to the demands of the modern world.