KeyGene USA expands its R&D facilities in Maryland

On April 30, 2015, KeyGene USA, celebrated the opening of its new R&D facilities co-located at the University of Maryland’s Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR) in Rockville, Maryland. The R&D facilities include offices, molecular biology labs, a state-of-the-art greenhouse and access to modern growth chambers, tissue culture facilities and other resources. KeyGene USA is part of KeyGene, a leader in molecular breeding and translational agriculture with its headquarters in Wageningen, the Netherlands. KeyGene USA’s research programs will primarily be focused on crops of significance to the North and South American markets.

KeyGene’s expertise in using plant genomics, transcriptomics and digital phenotyping for rapid trait discovery positions the company as a leader in sustainable crop improvement. KeyGene USA is building strategic alliances with businesses in North and South America involved in food and agriculture to rapidly translate its end-to-end capabilities in the crop improvement process.

“Food security for the future is not just about producing more- it is also about quality, sustainability and ultimately, responsible agriculture. KeyGene’s end-to-end capabilities and creative business models put our technology and trait platforms within reach of any organization dedicated to solving world hunger” said Fayaz Khazi, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of KeyGene USA. “We are all in this together. We look forward to leveraging our partnership with IBBR to not only lead the industry in innovation but also towards creating a successful business that contributes positively to the bio-economy of Maryland” added Dr. Khazi.

“The Institute is all about serving as the nexus of excellence in education, integration of bioscience and technology, and commercial application” said Thomas Fuerst, Ph.D., Director of IBBR. “This partnership between the University of Maryland and KeyGene, a relationship that will leverage these strengths, affirms our tremendous potential for continued growth and success moving forward. “