Development of next-generation breeding technologies

This investment aims to develop the know-how and technical platforms required to deliver New Breeding Technologies (NBTs) for the Australian Grains Industry.

New breeding technologies including gene editing, targeted mutagenesis, transformation and cisgenics are genome engineering tools with the potential to accelerate genetic gain in plant breeding programs. This in-turn provides opportunities to deliver improved outcomes for Australian grain growers through development of more sustainable, resilient and profitable crops. The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has established the Accelerating Genetic Gain Strategic Initiative to drive the implementation of NBTs. This investment is supporting new collaborations between researchers, end-users and commercial entities to improve uptake of pre-breeding research outputs, create new paths-to-market and ensure grower adoption of new genetics.

Through global engagement, several priority areas have been identified and GRDC is now seeking a response to the following open Tender.

Theme B: Creating and using genetic diversity

Priority Area B.1: Development of next generation breeding technologies

Summary of the opportunity: A suite of tools including targeted mutagenesis, gene editing, transformation and cisgenics are widely deployed in pre-breeding research. The challenge now, is how to adopt such research-scale technologies in a breeding context so that outcomes benefit Australian growers. Approaches which address both technical challenges and licencing needs by bringing together traditional and non-traditional partners, Australian and International organisations, public and private entities will be required for success. In the first instance, a focus on key trait(s) with a strong value proposition for Australian grain producers will be required to demonstrate the value and path-to-market opportunity for next generation breeding technologies.

Plant SynBio Australia Collaboration Opportunities

Plant SynBio Australia (PSBA) was established through a 'Step Change' investment by the Commonwealth under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), managed by Bioplatforms Australia (BPA). It comprises a national network of facilities that provide plant synthetic biology infrastructure and expertise to academic, government, and industry users. Capabilities such as plant gene editing, transformation, and genetic technology development are offered through fee-for-service, research hotel, and collaborative engagement models. GRDC supports the engagement of tenderers with BPA for access to, and partnerships with, these facilities, enabling researchers and industry to generate knowledge and apply plant synthetic biology to deliver agricultural solutions. For more information, contact Dr Darren Plett at [email hidden] or visit https://bioplatforms.com/synthetic-biology/.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate freedom to operate and strict stewardship protocols for the new breeding technologies in target crops; wheat and/or barley. GRDC is seeking a 50:50 co-investment for this contract, please refer to the GRDC budget template (https://grdc.com.au/research/partnering-in-rde-investment/other-resources) for definitions of cash and in-kind contributions. GRDC investment will be up to AUD$5.8M over 4.5yrs.