VIB launches new Agtech spin-off Rainbow Crops to develop climate-resilient crop varieties
VIB proudly announces the launch of its latest spin-off, Rainbow Crops, a next-generation Agtech company focused on engineering complex, high-value agronomic traits that have long been difficult to address. Through an AI-powered technology platform that combines multiplex genome editing and precision breeding, Rainbow Crops develops crop varieties that are both climate resilient and optimized for yield and other key traits. The company is backed by a strong syndicate of early-stage investors, including Agri Investment Fund (AIF), PINC (the venture capital arm of Paulig Group), Qbic and VIB.
Computational analyses
Due to the highly dynamic nature of growth, data gathered through molecular analyses and high-throughput phenotyping often require custom developed software to fully capture the underlying biology. Therefore, we apply statistical techniques and machine learning approaches to link genomic and transcriptomic data to phenotypical data, to identify enhancers that drive growth-related genes and to identify spatial and temporal gradients.
News
Our new collaboration with ESA and BELSPO to study maize growth in space is highlighted in the link below!
We participated in the Dag van de Wetenschap 2025!
Useful links
We collaborate closely with the Innovative Breeding team: https://www.inzelab.be/
We are part of the BOOSTER project: https://boosterproject.eu/
We participate to Plants for the Future: https://www.plantetp.eu/
We contribute to the Plant Cell Atlas: https://www.plantcellatlas.org/
We support genome editing in European agriculture: https://www.eu-sage.eu/
Research and team philosophy
In our weekly group meetings, we not only discuss science, but also focus on the well-being of the team. We make time for regular social activities, consider individual stress barometers and constantly look for new initiatives to create an atmosphere that promotes and maintains a sense of belonging. We encourage collaboration within the team, but also with our partners from academia, industry and other stakeholders. We strive to recognize the value and dignity of everyone and respect talents, beliefs, backgrounds and lifestyles.