Computomics - Podcast Details

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Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions From Genes to Farmers’ Fields: The Complex World of Potato BreedingThis episode of the Computomics Podcast features Vanessa Prigge, potato breeder and R[&]D project manager at Saka Pflanzenzucht (Solana Group). She discusses her international research background, the unique challenges of potato breeding - such as vegetative propagation, complex genetics, and long breeding cycles - and the need for compromise-driven selection. Vanessa highlights two major projects: IPMorama, which promotes integrated pest management through resistant varieties, monitoring, and stakeholder collaboration, and POMORROW, which unlocks potato gene bank diversity for future-proof breeding. Together, these efforts aim to make potato breeding more sustainable, collaborative, and future-ready..More information:Solana...

2026-02-1918 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Cold Chains, Climate, and Cutting-Edge Tech: The Future of ProduceIn this episode of the Computomics podcast, Vonnie Estes, VP of Innovation at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), shares insights on the challenges the produce industry faces, particularly around climate change, pest management, and cold chain logistics. She discusses the importance of AI and machine learning in enhancing supply chain efficiency and food safety. Vonnie also highlights IFPA’s initiatives, such as "Supply Chain of the Future" and efforts to reduce single-use plastic in packaging. A grant program supports innovation in the produce sector, offering funding opportunities for startups in developing solutions to industry problems.More:...

2026-01-2222 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions The Future of Farming: No Fungicides, Just GeneticsIn this episode of the Computomics podcast, Pernille Ollendorff Hede, CEO and co-founder of Healthycrop, discusses the company's innovative approach to fungal-resistant crops. Healthycrop boosts the production of Nepenthesin, a naturally occurring enzyme in plants, to degrade fungal enzymes, preventing fungal growth without the need for fungicides. Using cis-genesis and gene editing techniques, Healthycrop enhances the plant's natural defense. While these techniques are classified as genetically modified (GM) in Europe, they are considered non-GM in the U.S. Pernille shares the company's mission to revolutionize agriculture by offering sustainable solutions and hopes for regulatory changes in Europe to facilitate...

2025-12-1122 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Data, Dashboards & DNA: The Life of a Bioinformatics AnalystIn this episode of the Computomics podcast, bioinformatics analyst Michelle Hagen describes how her work bridges biology and data science. As a data analyst in bioinformatics and plant breeding, Michelle transforms raw genetic and environmental data into insights that guide breeding decisions. She particularly enjoys the teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity involved in her job.Michelle works on Computomics’ Climate-Smart Breeding technology xSeedScore and the Metagenomics Analysis Platform MORPHEUS. Her main tasks involve performing data quality control, running bioinformatics pipelines, and creating interactive dashboards for customers. Her work supports the development of climate-resilient, high-yield crops, and it helps br...

2025-11-1323 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Inside Africa’s Leading Veg Breeding Company: The Starke Ayres StoryGlendon Ascough, Research Director at Starke Ayres, discusses the evolution of the company from a historic seed merchant to Africa’s largest independent vegetable breeding company. He shares his personal journey into plant science, driven by a fascination with genetics, and highlights the company’s focus on breeding disease-resistant vegetable varieties tailored to local and international markets. He talks about the collaboration with Computomics, using machine learning to predict sweet corn hybrid performance. Glendon emphasizes the importance of high-quality, diverse phenotypic data and the shift in breeder mindset required for data-driven approaches.

2025-10-1625 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Hopi Dryland Farming: Ancient Methods, Modern LessonsThis episode features Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson, a Hopi dryland farmer from Arizona’s Colorado Plateau. He shares how his community has grown crops for 3,000 years on just 6-10 inches of annual rain without irrigation. Using deep planting, wide spacing, clumped seeds, and reading native vegetation, Indigenous farming conserves moisture and maintains biodiversity. It yields nutrient-rich crops without chemicals, protects soil, and integrates spiritual traditions. Climate change impacts - shorter summers, longer winters, less precipitation - are addressed by adapting planting practices and trusting in seed adaptation through continual cultivation. Michael advocates for growing seeds annually to keep them cl...

2025-09-1821 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Breeding Success: How Computomics Partners With BreedersIn this Computomics podcast episode, Computomics Chief Commercial Officer Juan Manuel Montes shares insights into his passion for learning and his recent experience at the International Seed Federation conference in Istanbul. He discusses industry challenges like climate change and consumer demands, highlighting how Computomics supports plant breeders with technologies like xSeedScore and Pantograph. These tools accelerate variety development and genomic analysis. Juan emphasizes the company’s customer-centric approach, tailoring solutions for clients of all sizes through strategic collaboration. The episode wraps up the current season, with new content returning in September.

2025-07-1718 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions The Psychometric Test for Plants: Accelerating Crop ResearchOur guest in this episode is Keren Moshelion, CEO and co-founder of Plant-Ditech. Karen shares insights into the company’s advanced plant phenotyping platform. The system simulates stress conditions like drought, salinity, and nutrient variability, measuring plant responses with high-resolution sensors up to 500 times a day. These real-time measurements help researchers rapidly assess plant productivity, growth, and water use efficiency. It enables them to customize treatments per plant and analyze physiological traits linked to yield. Designed for greenhouses and growth chambers, the platform significantly accelerates agtech R[&]D, with customers reporting time savings of up to two years. The co...

2025-06-2621 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions AI and Gene Editing: The Future of Crop DevelopmentOur guest in this episode is Kinneret Shefer, co-founder and CEO of AgTech startup GeneNeer. Kinneret shares the founding of GeneNeer, driven by her shift from pure RNA research to market-driven innovation. GeneNeer aims to revolutionize crop breeding by drastically shortening trait development time using fast, tissue culture-based gene editing platforms. Kinneret compares her vision for GeneNeer to Pfizer's rapid vaccine development during COVID-19, enabling fast responses to agricultural challenges like drought or new pests. GeneNeer's "super line" platform allows rapid, iterative trait development with backup options, while their AI-supported platform enables precise, tissue- and time-specific gene editing without...

2025-05-2222 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions From Lab to Legislation: Bridging Science and PolicyIn this episode of our podcast Amrit Nanda, Executive Manager of Plants for the Future ETP, discusses the importance of plant breeding, public-private collaboration, and science-based policymaking in the EU. She highlights the platform’s mission to connect academia, industry, and policymakers, and to improve science communication through initiatives like “Plantastic Discoveries.” A recent study on 20 years of EU research funding revealed limited growth for plant breeding despite strong overall program growth. Amrit stresses the need for long-term funding models, more support for Eastern Europe, and the potential of gene editing and AI.

2025-04-2325 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Leaf Whisperings - Communicating the Science of PlantsOur new episode explores science communication with Tamara Worzewski, focusing on overcoming "plant blindness" and engaging the public with plant-related topics. Tamara highlights the importance of storytelling in making science accessible and building trust between scientists and the public. Topics range from Arctic ecosystems to public outreach strategies, emphasizing creative ways to connect people with plants and nature. Titles like “Plants, Stories, and Science” and “Breaking Plant Blindness” reflect this blend of narrative and education. The conversation inspires innovative approaches to connecting people with science.More:The term-defining publication on “Plant Blindness” Plant Science Café, Sofa Events, and m...

2025-03-2025 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Cracking the Code of Hybrid Vigor and Crop AdaptationIn this episode, John McKay, Chief Scientific Officer at New West Genetics and professor at Colorado State University, discusses his research on local adaptation, genotype-by-environment interactions, and heterosis. His work spans crops like maize, rice, and hemp, applying evolutionary genetics to improve breeding strategies. John's projects aim to enhance crop efficiency and sustainability.More information:New West Genetics hybrid hempGenetic basis of plant root growth traits and their response to environment (current NSF grant)National Science FoundationConditional neutrality in Arabidopsis local adaptationGxE in maize root t...

2025-02-2023 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Genetic Engineering, Metabolism, and the Future of Sustainable AgricultureOur guest in this episode of the Computomics Podcast is Alain Tissier, Managing Director at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry. He discusses his research focusing on the molecular mechanisms in plants, particularly the interaction between primary and secondary metabolism and how plants produce chemical compounds for defense and communication. Alain talks about on his work in metabolic engineering and genome editing, particularly using a novel CRISPR-based technology to introduce specific genetic changes in plants. Hear about the INNO-TOM project which uses pangenomes to breed disease-resistant and nutrient-enriched tomatoes.

2025-01-1622 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Microbiome Matters - Approaching a Better Health Through ScienceIn this episode, Gabriele Berg, a renowned microbiome researcher, discusses her work on microbial communities and their impact on health and planetary ecosystems. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of microbiomes in plants, soil, and humans, and aims to enhance ecological and human health. The project An Apple a Day revealed the microbiome's role in apple health, highlighting microbial diversity within the fruit. Gabriele also talks about Tiny Biome Tales, an educational microbiome-focused game integrating science and public outreach. She advocates soil health restoration, stressing its importance for sustainable food systems. Also, collaboration, innovation, and science communication being key to impactful res...

2024-12-1921 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Ag Research on a Below-Ground Mission: Reducing Wheat’s Nitrogen FootprintThis episode is all about reducing the Nitrogen footprint of wheat. Wheat is the world’s largest ‘crop’ consumer of nitrogen-based fertilizer, while providing affordable calories to billions of resource-poor people and ca. 20% of globally consumed protein. Victor Kommerell is the CropSustaiN Mission Director of the BNI (Biological Nitrification Inhibition) wheat initiative launched by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and CIMMYT. The initiative aims to develop new wheat varieties capable of reducing agriculture’s nitrogen footprint. In this enjobyable episode, hear from Victor not only about this ambitious new research initiative, but also about his very unsusual career path and his take...

2024-11-2124 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions How European Hobby Gardeners Are Helping ResearchThis episode delves into the world of plant phenotyping. Kerstin Neumann shares her insights from managing a very diverse phenotyping infrastructure. Here, field-like growth is enabled under strictly controlled conditions, including setups to measure abiotic stresses. She explains how this enables the non-invasive tracking of plant growth and the involved genomic regions. The conversation also sheds light on INCREASE, a large European project including a Citizen Science Experiment led by Kerstin, now in its 5th year. INCREASE generates phenotypic data for an extensive collection of common bean varieties - with the help of citizens all over Europe who contribute...

2024-10-1735 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Plant Breeding’s Moonshot: Inside the Next Generation of Plant BreedingThis episode delves into the world of plant breeding with Professor Mark Cooper. Mark shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, highlighting the importance of data-driven approaches, computational power, and strategic partnerships. The conversation also sheds light on the ongoing collaboration between Mark's research team and Computomics, focusing on leveraging advanced data analytics and AI to accelerate breeding processes. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of plant breeding, emphasizing the potential for rapid technological advancements and the importance of data-driven approaches.Professor Mark Cooper is Chair of Prediction Based Crop Improvement at The University...

2024-09-1926 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions The Power of Bacteria to Unlock the Next Generation of AntibioticsIn this episode Nadine Ziemert, professor for translational genome mining at the University of Tübingen, explores the urgent need for new antibiotics due to rising antibiotic resistance. Gain profound insights on how researchers are using bacterial genomes to predict and discover novel antibiotics. Discover the potential of leveraging machine learning to develop innovative approaches in antibiotics discovery and what role the largely untapped soil microbiome plays. Learn about the ambitiuos mission of the BGC (Biosynthentic Gene Clusters) atlas, a global community project aimed at maping the genetic basis of the chemistry in all kinds of metagenomes present around t...

2024-07-1828 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Why European Soybean Benefits People and the EnvironmentIn this episode, Matthias Krön, delves into the inception of Donau Soja, its mission, and its pivotal role in European soy production. Discover the intricacies of protein production and consumption in Europe, and the potential for transitioning from imported soy to European soy to substantially reduce CO2 emissions. Gain insights into how our agricultural system has inadvertently fostered a culture of overconsumption. Matthias Krön was born in Salzburg in 1969. He studied Chinese studies, philosophy and history in Vienna and Taipei. Subsequently he spent one year at the Leo Baeck Institute in New Yo...

2024-06-2027 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions From Lobbying to Legislation: Euroseeds and the New NGT RegulationIn this episode, Garlich van Essen, Secretary General at Euroseeds discusses the brand new regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NGT). Discover the intricacies of the NGT regulatory framework, from its impact on plant breeding to the distinctions between NGT and GMO. Uncover the power of lobbying and understand how Euroseeds acts as the eyes and ears of the European Seed sector. Get insights on the evolving Euroseeds Congress in Copenhagen and what changes and innovations to expect. More: EuroseedsInnovaction Stage at Euroseeds Congress Garlich is German and studied...

2024-05-1629 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Beyond Riesling: The Secrets of Grapevine BreedingIn this episode with Kai Voss-Fels we dive into the complex world of grapevine breeding. Discover the unique challenges of breeding grafted crops. Enhancing genetic gain becomes multifaceted due to the fact that grapevines consist of two genetically distinct parts, the scion (upper) and rootstock (lower). Our discussion centers on addressing challenges such as water limitation, and drought stress for the lower section, while simultaneously focusing on improving sustainability by introgression of resistances in the uppper part. Moreover, we explore the ACGG (Accelerating Crop Genetic Gain) program, an international research initiative funded by the DFG in Germany, aimed at...

2024-04-1830 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Navigating the Promising Future of PangenomesIn this episode Jörg Hagmann, Product Manager Pantograph, explores the concept of pangenomes, a collection of individual whole genome sequences. Discover the reasons why pangenomes and their associated research field is experiencing growth and increasing significance. Jörg discusses the vision behind the development of the interactive browser Pantograph and illustrates practical applications in pre-breeding and the identification of gene editing targets. Join us as we delve into the landscape of DNA exploration and the promising future of genomic navigation with Pantograph. Dr. Jörg Hagmann, Product Manager Pantograph, joined Computomics 8 years ago. He stud...

2024-03-2125 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions How Academia and Industry Are Working Together to Fight Plant DiseaseIn this episode Helen Brabham, Team Lead at 2Blades, provides a glimpse into the diverse projects of 2Blades. As a nonprofit organization 2Blades is bridging academia and industry, focusing on advancing scientific technologies for disease-resistant crops. Explore how they translate research into practical solutions for smallholder farmers, such as their Africa Soybean Program combating soybean rust. Delve into the NLRseek initiative, aimed at identifying crucial resistance genes to bolster crop resilience against threats like stem rust. Discover their utilization of gene sequences, harnessing machine learning and protein modeling to enhance predictions. Helen is a Team Leader at 2...

2024-02-2223 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions From Fields to Classrooms: Decoding Maize Diseases and Cultivating Scientific MindsIn this episode Addie Thompson, Assistant Professor in the Plant, Soil & Microbial Sciences Department at Michigan State University, discusses her research on disease resistance to tar spot, a fungal pathogen affecting maize. Learn about different modeling prediction techniques and data collection approaches, ranging from manual measurements to high-throughput lidar data obtained via drones. Emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach, Thompson underscores the pivotal role of collaboration in staying at the forefront of research. Additionally, Addie touches on her educational approach in science, teaching her students on how to think about science, how to ask the right questions, and then how to...

2024-01-1826 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Adoption in AgricultureOur guest in this episode is Randall (Randy) Barker – Co-Founder and CEO at INTENT and Strategic Advisory Board Chairperson at Computomics. He discusses the challenges of adapting innovative agriculture products to the diverse practices and environments of different farmers and how technology helps farmers adopt products more effectively. Get insights into the global adoption of AgTech, highlighting the varying technological landscapes in different regions. And finally receive tips for startups in the ag tech space. Barker shares his views on the complexities and opportunities in the intersection of agriculture, technology, and innovation. Randy is the co-f...

2023-12-2132 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Practical Farm Research: Helping farmers succeedIn this episode, we talk to Jim Schwartz, Director of Research, Agronomy and PFR and Jason Gahimer, PFR Manager, both working for Beck’s Hybrids about the Practical Farm Research (PFR) program. Learn what the PFR program is, why it is important, and how farmers can get involved. Dive into the origins of the Practical Farm Research (PFR) program, tracing its roots back to 1964 when Sonny Beck started this unbiased research program to help farmers succeed by providing them with reliable information on agronomic practices, equipment, and other inputs. Jason Gahimer, PFR Manager at Beck’s Hybrids grew...

2023-11-1627 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Microorganisms - the good, the bad and the uglyToday’s guest is Kalliopi Rantsiou, professor at the University of Turin. Kelly is sharing insights into the SAFFI - Safe Food for Infants – project. This European funded project evaluates how pathogenic microorganisms may contaminate food for infants, and how we can understand ways of controlling these microorganisms. Learn what role next-generation sequencing technologies play in understanding the microbiota. In a second project, Kelly delves into fermented olives trying to understand what the influence of the microbiota during primary production is and how inoculating a microbial community can foster certain health promoting characteristics. Kalliopi Rant...

2023-10-1926 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions "Better Barley": Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting farmersIn this episode, we continue our conversation about barley with Matthias Nachtmann, Sustainability Business Development Lead at BASF. Matthias gives us insights into the "Better Barley" project, which has the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in barley cultivation while supporting farmers to meet the high protein standards for malting barley. Learn how companies can work with farmers to overcome the challenges of balancing sustainability and productivity. By developing new barley varieties that are both high-yielding and sustainable, the project is helping to ensure that the food industry can continue to produce food in a way that...

2023-09-2128 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Diving into the world of barleyIn this episode Brent Atthill, managing director of RMI Analytics GmbH delves into the fascinating world of barley. Explore the entire supply chain, uncovering the challenges and emerging trends within the industry. Brent provides valuable insights into why having the best quality barley is crucial for the malting process in the brewing industry and gain a better understanding of the role of technology and data in this sector. With his dedication to fostering exchange and sharing best practices, Brent takes the lead in engaging with all stakeholders in the barley network, ensuring a collaborative and thriving industry. ...

2023-07-2026 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions PhenoRob - giving each plant the love it needs to prosperIn this episode Cyrill Stachniss, professor at the University of Bonn and spokesperson of the DFG Cluster of Excellence “PhenoRob - Robotics and Phenotyping for Sustainable Crop Production” sheds light on the purpose and focus of PhenoRob. Gain insights into the importance of optimizing field management with digital technologies like robotics or machine learning. How can we analyze every plant at high speed to provide management and automatic target actions for every plant. Are there different complexity levels in analyzing and taking actions? What methods, applications and technologies are used to analyze the data? What's the technological outlook for the...

2023-06-1529 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions The domestication of Amaranth or how wild plants become cropsIn this episode Markus Stetter, group leader at the Institute for Plant Sciences at the University of Cologne and member of CEPLAS (Cluster of Excellence on Plant Science) takes us into the exciting history of Amaranth. Markus combines molecular and computational biology approaches to study the domestication of wild plants. Learn how wild plants became crops and how these crops spread around the globe. Furthermore get insights into CEPLAS, its research mission, focus area and education program. Since 2019, Markus Stetter is a group leader at the Institute for Plant Sciences and member of CEPLAS (Cluster...

2023-05-1828 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions URUPOV, SAA and the South American Seed MarketIn this episode Diego Risso, Executive Director of URUPOV (Uruguayan Plant Breeders Association) and Secretary General of the SAA (Seed Association of the Americas), gives insights into the activities of both organizations. What are the major assets, what are the goals and challenges? Diego talks about the UPOV91 framework, intellectual property rights, plant breeders rights and much more. Which role does technology play for the seed industry? Which technology will be relevant in 2023 for agriculture and the seed industry and has the most impact? Get a recap of the SAA Congress 2022, a short outlook to the congress in 2024 and...

2023-04-2031 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Why Pollination Bags and NAPB are closely linkedHannah Senior is CEO of PBS International, President of NAPB (National Association of Plant Breeders) and a podcast creator. In this episode you will get a glimpse into Hannah’s broad experience. Learn about the process of developing new solutions within PBS International for plant breeding. On top of that, Hannah shares her story on how she became the first president of the NAPB from outside North America. During her period as president of the NAPB Hannah is focusing on 3 themes: Putting more structure into the organization, fostering exchange with other international plant breeding organizations and communication and ad...

2023-03-1631 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions The Crop Trust: securing global plant genetic resourcesIn this episode Stefan Schmitz, Executive Director of the Crop Trust, gives comprehensive insights on the background, history and purpose of the Crop Trust. Learn how conserving seeds works and how it is ensured that the seeds are safe and secure. What is the difference between seed banks in general and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault? Why is the Global Seed Vault located in Svalbard and what is so extraordinary about it? Stefan Schmitz joined the Crop Trust as Executive Director in January 2020. He previously worked as Deputy Director-General and Commissioner for the “One World – No Hunger” Initia...

2023-02-1632 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions How archery, plants and machine learning come togetherIn this episode, Patrizia Ricca from Computomics gives us comprehensive insights into xSeedScore – a breeders’ tool to develop new crop varieties adjusted to future climates. Learn about how to work with xSeedScore, about the benefits of using machine learning, and how it differs from conventional methods. What data is needed to apply xSeedScore? What role does the interaction between genetics and temperature play for future varieties? Patrizia Ricca joined Computomics 4 years ago as Bioinformatics Analyst. She studied Plant Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics at the University of Tübingen, graduating at the Center for Plant Molecular Biology and the M...

2023-01-1927 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Doubled haploid technology in maize breeding and the role of organic farmingIn this episode Thomas Lübberstedt a professor of agronomy from Iowa State University shares his research goals focusing on doubled haploid technology in maize breeding. What are the challenges, what did they achieve already and what are the further research plans? How can doubled haploid speed up the process of getting homozygous lines? A second focus area is on the organic farming industry. Within 2 organic projects, Thomas is working with a sweet corn breeder and a popcorn breeder on different research goals ranging from the use of natural traits instead of GMO to inbred performance under weedy c...

2022-12-1530 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Applying machine learning models to real world agricultural applicationsIn this episode Prof. Dr. Dominik Grimm from TUM Campus Straubing and Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences gives us insights into CropML, a BMBF funded project. The project evaluates new machine learning techniques for more accurate plant breeding by integrating heterogeneous external factors. Different phenotype prediction models, including basic genomic selection methods to more advanced deep learning-based techniques have been compared. Learn why advanced models are the future and where the challenges are. Dominik is heading the Bioinformatics department at TUM Campus Straubing. He received his PhD from Max-Planck-Institute for Intelligent Systems & Max-Planck-Institute for Developmental Biology Tübi...

2022-11-1724 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Computomics 10-Year AnniversaryThe October episode is a special one as we are celebrating 10 years of Computomics! We give a retrospect of Computomics through plants. Get to know 10 different plants Computomics has worked on. The plants range from rather well known ones like rice, soy, corn and banana up to rather unusual ones like the mamala tree which is native to various tropical islands. You will hear some fun facts about the plants before receiving some insights on the challenges and questions Computomics addressed. In the last 10 years Computomics performed genome assemblies, genome annotations, methylation patterns, predictive plant breeding and much more.

2022-10-2038 min

The Food Fight Breeding better plantsSebastian Schultheiss, Managing Director of Computomics, teaches us all about plant breeding and how they are streamlining the industry with their new hybrid plant prediction technology.

2022-10-1209 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions From farmer to consumer - sustainable agricultural productionIn this episode, listen to Anne Buchwalder, an experienced plant breeder for different crops ranging from pea, cantaloupe, sweet and hot pepper to cocoa. Anne shares her view on sustainable agricultural production, what it implies for the consumer but also the impact on the producing country. Learn about the value chain from farmer to customer. The second part of this episode covers the role technology plays for plant breeding and how it can help plant breeders breed forward. Technology has improved over the last 25 years and plant breeders have much more tools in their [nbsp]toolbox available today.

2022-09-1536 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Podcast "Minisode": Look back at season 3 and preview of season 4To shorten the summer break we take a quick look back what we covered in the last season and give a preview of what to expect in season 4. We already have a great line-up for the next season, stay tuned and don't miss any episode! If there is anyone out there you would like to listen to with interesting stories in agriculture and technology, let us know. Just send us a short message to podcast@computomics.com.

2022-08-2503 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Surf the Wave of DataAnthony Hall is giving comprehensive insights into the Earlham Institute, the research projects he is working on and why it is important to surf the wave of data. Learn how technology helps in integrating all data – genomic, phenotypic and environmental data - and which role AI plays. Generating data, analyzing it and making it reusable is key to Anthony. Get insights into projects on circadian regulations of the transcriptome in polyploid crops, introgression breeding in wheat and GWAS on heat tolerance in wheat in collaboration with CIMMYT. Anthony is the head of Plant Genomics at Earlham Institute. He...

2022-07-2136 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Forward Fooding and the Future of AgriFoodTechIn this episode, Alessio D’Antino, the founder of Forward Fooding tells us about the start of the platform – from the very beginning of the idea to how it developed. Why is it important to connect all the players in the food and beverage ecosystem? How can we contribute positively to a system that leverages new technologies and makes it more efficient? What is the methodology behind the FoodTech 500 (FT500) - the fortune 500 of AgriTech?. Why is sustainability such an important criteria for FT500? On top of this, receive insights into the trends and future of AgriTech. Alternative proteins, AI a...

2022-06-1643 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions How to make machine learning work in medicineIn this episode, Karsten Borgwardt gives insights into his current research projects. In two examples, Karsten explains how machine learning algorithms are being developed specifically in the medical sector. Learn about the importance of massive amounts of data, and how this data is used to train a machine learning model to predict the probability of a sepsis of individual patients. Understand the various challenges, the importance of big datasets, the importance of validation, and why it’s a huge undertaking to make machine learning in medicine work. Apart from the Sepsis Study hear how Karstens career started in plant ge...

2022-05-1933 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions What does hockey have in common with corn breeding?In this episode we talk to Tom Koch, research manager at Beck’s Hybrids. Tom talks about the challenges of a mid-size breeding company and gives insights into how technology helps Beck’s stay ahead of competition. Apart from technology, learn what else is important in corn breeding and what role data plays especially for phenotyping.

2022-04-2020 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Gene editing with CRISPR and its impact on plant breedingIn this episode we talk to Gabino Sanchez, Director Business Development at Hudson River Biotechnology (HRB). He gives detailed insights on CRISPR technology, how it evolved and that it can be a game changer for many companies. Learn about the Partnership between Computomics and HRB and the joint solution AccelATrait. Another important topic is legislation and regulations in Europe and other countries. How should edited plants be positioned versus genetically modified organisms (GMO).

2022-03-1726 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Trends and Hot Topics in Consumer FoodsLearn from Cyrille about the hot topics in consumer foods from food inflation, the shift in consumer behaviour, the long term story of climate change and the reduction of emissions. What is the cause for food inflation and how does geo politics and labor affect the supply chain and with that food inflation? How does the shift in consumer behaviour impact food companies? What is quick commerce? And what role does plant breeding play in consumer foods?

2022-02-1729 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Insights into the Wheat Initiative and what role "Spätzle" playedGet to know Dr. Alisa-Noemi Sieber and gain insights into the Wheat Initiative in this episode of the Computomics podcast. What is the idea behind the Wheat Initiative, who is part of it and what are first results? Additionally, learn what a pre-breeders work is and what role the Swabian specialty "Spätzle" played in the work life of Alisa. Last but not least understand what role plant breeding plays to support the UN Sustainability Goals (SDG).

2022-01-2022 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Computomics disruptive technology and the impact of the new investmentIn this episode Sebastian Schultheiss, Managing Director of Computomics, is talking about the new investment of BVC and Amathaon, the impact it has, the technology and why entrepreneurial independence is of highest importance to Computomics.

2021-11-1819 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Insights into the MAZE project - Accessing diversity of maize to improve quantitative traitsIn this episode Prof. Dr. Chris Schön shares insights about her research especially within the MAZE project which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The goal of the MAZE project is to analyze the diversity of landraces and make them available to widen the diversity of germplasm we use today. More information: All details about the MAZE project Computomics' participation in MAZE Phase 2

2021-10-2130 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions The Seed Industry, ASTA and the Future of CSS & Seed ExpoIn this first episode of season 3 we are speaking with Andy LaVigne, the President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). He tells us how he ended up in agriculture, gives insights on the focus and main challenges of ASTA, explains how the pandemic changed and impacted the seed industry, shares ASTA’s plans for the setup of the CSS & Seed Expo 2021 and much more.

2021-09-1626 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Overcoming Challenges in the Latin American MarketMiguel Rapela talks to us about his career in bridging the divide between intellectual IP and agricultural development in Argentina as well as about the collaboration between UBATEC and Computomics.

2021-07-0122 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Client Success Journey with Ruth MayesIn this episode we chat with our Director of Global Business Strategy, Ruth Mayes, on the ways we can support our clients on their journey to success.

2021-06-0219 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Role of Large AGTech Corporations in Driving InnovationKevin Falk is a recent PhD graduate of Iowa State University where he focused on soybean breeding, plant phenomics and image analytics. In 2019 he started with Corteva Agriscience as an Integrated Field Sciences Research Scientist where he sits on the IFS Global Innovation team. Kevin is also on the National Association of Plant Breeders education committee, has a passion for science communication and enjoys bringing his camera with them wherever he goes. This week we talk about the field of agriculture and innovation and the role that "Big-Ag" plays in driving that innovation.

2021-05-0631 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Predicting Phenotypes in Untested LocationsIn this episode we discuss the need to integrate environmental data into phenotype predictions. Our Computomics xSeedScore Scientist Björn leads us through what type of data is needed to untangle complex traits and how a focus on the client's needs is integral in providing data that is actionable and useful.

2021-04-0819 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Remote Sensing Made Useful with VITOVITO is an international research organization with the mission of accelerating our path to a more sustainable world through research in the applied technology domain and by utilizing human creativity. We discuss their products for translating remote sensing data to actionable insights for the agricultural sector.

2021-03-1120 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Methylation Analysis in Breeding with Claude BeckerIn this episode we discuss the current status and the promise of the epigenetic landscape within plant sciences. Claude Becker serves as Professor of Genetics at the LMU in Munich and studies the role of epigenetic marks in plant-environment interactions; to understand how and when epigenetic variation arises, if and how it is inherited, and whether it influences plant physiology and phenotype. He is also co-developer of our product MethylScore. For more information on MethylScore check out or website or directly contact us.

2021-02-1123 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Q&A Follow-Up of Webinar on Innovation on Plant BreedingIn this podcast we follow up on the questions we received during our December Webinar titled Innovation in Plant Breeding: Advanced machine learning for predictive plant breeding. If interested, please download the webinar: https://computomics.com/webinar-2020.html or listen to the replay https://seedworld.com/seed-world-innovation-webinar-series-advanced-machine-learning-for-predictive-plant-breeding/ Contact Ruth Mayes for further information: rm@computomics.com

2021-01-2824 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions The Scientific Journey with Detlef WeigelDetlef Weigel, Computomics co-founder and Managing Director at the MPI for Developmental Biology discusses his scientific career and where he sees scientific discovery headed in the future.

2021-01-1432 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions End of Year Episode with Sebastian SchultheissIn this end of the year episode we look back on lessons from 2020 and look forward to 2021.

2020-12-1018 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Delving into the Human behind the MachineThis episode dives into a discussion on human psychology and dealing with the instability in our world while moving technology forward.

2020-11-2617 min

results. UnternehmerPodcast #17 Künstliche Intelligenz: Wunderwaffe für den Mittelstand? Alle reden über Künstliche Intelligenz, doch wie sieht es mit der konkreten Anwendung aus? Wo liegen die Chancen, wo aber auch die Grenzen? Wie können auch mittelständische Unternehmen KI nutzen? Darüber spricht Wirtschaftsjournalist Boris Karkowski mit Dr. Sebastian Schultheiss vom Tübinger Unternehmen computomics, einem Spezialisten für KI-Anwendungen im Agrarbereich.(Aufnahmedatum 19.10.2020)

2020-11-1212 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Integrating Earth Observation Data for AgricultureMax from ConstellR discusses the challenges of integrating and homogenizing earth observation data and the need to make it accessible and usable for agricultural purposes.

2020-11-1219 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Using AI to Reduce Food WasteWe talk with Johannes from Colugo and Oliver from the Max Plank Institute for Developmental Biology about our new venture to use our CropScore cameras combined with AI interpretation to predict and help identify markers of food waste in fruits and vegetables.

2020-10-2819 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Maize Breeding with Professor Albrecht MelchingerProf. Dr. Albrecht Melchinger provides a primer on maize breeding and how machine learning capabilities can improve accuracy and prediction capability for complex traits.

2020-10-1528 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Microbiome Analysis for Human Health: CeGaTThis week we talk to Saskia Biskup, the co-founder of CeGaT, a diagnostic company that's moving the field of human health forward. Their microbiome analysis tools utilize MEGAN6 to bring patients improved understanding of what their metagenomics results really mean.

2020-09-3014 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Daniel Huson on MEGAN6 and the Future of MetagenomicsThe final episode in our series on Metagenomics analysis concludes with an interview with Computomics Co-Founder and MEGAN6 author Daniel Huson. We discuss how MEGAN came about, what long-reads sequencing has meant to Metagenomics, and the way forward.

2020-09-1617 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions MORPHEUS: An Interactive Metagenomics Analysis PlatformDr. Oliver Deusch from Computomics will talk about interactive and reproducible metagenomics data analysis with MORPHEUS. MORPHEUS enables comparative data analysis and storage of hundreds of samples without the need for your own high performance compute infrastructure. It offers interactive and reproducible analysis of taxonomy and function.

2020-09-0317 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Next Generation of Metagenomics Analysis Series: IntroductionWe launch a multi-episode series focused on metagenomics analysis and Dr. Sebastian Schultheiss, Managing Director of Computomics, gives us an overview of what we envision as the future of metagenomics analysis tools.

2020-07-3012 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions CANNABIS-Net Canadian-German NetworkWe interview Simone Graef-Hoenninger who is head of CANNABIS-NET on the benefits of international collaborations in agricultural challenges around cannabis and hemp production.

2020-07-1613 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Using GIS and Sensor Data in Agriculture with LandviserWe talk with Larisa Golovko from Landviser on the emerging and interesting field of using geospatial, drone, and sensor data for agricultural challenges.

2020-07-0214 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Optimizing Urban Farms with Volkmar KeuterVolkmar is Head of the Department of Photonics and the Environment at the Fraunhofer UMSICHT and he tells us about their guiding principles in making urban farms as efficient as possible. Find their most recent project here: https://www.altmarktgarten-oberhausen.de

2020-06-1815 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Discussion on Biotechnology with Michael KrohnMichael Krohn is head of Research and Development at Brain and he sits down with us to discuss the topic of biotechnology and what the future holds.

2020-06-0415 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions What is AgricultureWe talk about what our words really mean when we discuss Agriculture and Small Farms with writer and researcher Sarah Mock.

2020-05-2116 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Cannabis and Hemp GeneticsThe CEO of Sproutways joins us for a discussion of what it's like to work at the cutting edge of emerging fields in plant genetics and breeding.

2020-05-0612 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Planning for climate change with machine learning based predictionsAs it's necessary to plan for global change, breeders are facing the need to tackle climate change in the next decade. How can data and machine learning help in these challenges?

2020-04-1720 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Pantograph SARS-Cov2 / Covid-19 genome browserJosiah Seaman and I discuss how bioinformaticians, computational scientists, software developers can contribute to the current Covid efforts. Visit graphgenome.org

2020-04-1521 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Machine Learning for Biological Data: Why Computomics Was FoundedSebastian Schultheiss discusses machine learning and how we can apply it to biological data

2020-04-1512 min

Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions Discussions with Computomics on the value of machine learning in plant breeding & global challenges

2020-02-2900 min

GetConnected HPE Discover Conference, Facebook's Cryptocurrency & moreMike Agerbo and John Biehler are in Las Vegas for the big HPE (Hewlett Packard's Enterprise division) conference. Mike talks with Michael Vogel (Netcoins) about Facebook's new cryptocurrency, we discuss our experiences in Las Vegas where we got to try out the new Star Wars Secrets of the Empire VR simulation at The Void, sequencing genomes in plants with Dr. Sebastian J Schultheiss (Managing Director of Computomics), Christian Reichenbach explains the Blockchain-based marketplace for vehicle and mobility data that HPE is helping with. As always, we close out the show with an Alexa skill - t...

2019-06-2238 min