KUCHING, Nov 15: Sarawakian biotechnology company TIZA AI has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in agricultural innovation by utilizing AI-powered CRISPR-Cas9 technology to significantly enhance the growth and yield of tobacco crops.
This pioneering development promises to advance sustainable agriculture, biofuel production, and economic growth in Sarawak.
Leading the breakthrough is TIZA AI CEO Franklin Lingga, who spearheaded the project while conducting renewable energy research in Europe.
Franklin described the achievement as a transformative step for agriculture, highlighting its precision in improving crop productivity through targeted genetic modifications.
“Our AI-driven CRISPR technology is redefining agricultural possibilities by enabling precision genetic modifications that significantly enhance crop productivity.
“This innovation is tailored for Sarawak, aiming to transform the region’s agricultural landscape and support its biofuel ambitions,” said Franklin in a statement.
According to Franklin, the team employed advanced comparative genomic cross-matching, a method that aligns genetic markers between high-yield plants and target crops.
By analyzing the genomic data of chervil, a plant renowned for its robust growth, TIZA AI identified specific genes linked to cell division, nutrient absorption, and photosynthesis.
This enabled the creation of targeted gRNA sequences for precise CRISPR-Cas9 editing in tobacco plants, resulting in improved growth characteristics and higher biomass yield.
TIZA AI’s success with tobacco demonstrates the scalability of its AI-CRISPR approach. The company’s next objective is to apply these genetic advancements to bio-oil-producing crops, which are essential for biofuel production.
“This could revolutionize Sarawak’s biofuel industry, providing a sustainable energy source while boosting the region’s economic resilience,” the statement added.
As Sarawak continues to position itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, TIZA AI’s groundbreaking research aligns seamlessly with the state’s vision of leveraging technology to achieve food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
This breakthrough marks a critical milestone in agriculture, blending data-driven gene editing with AI technology to address global challenges while placing Sarawak at the forefront of agricultural biotechnology innovation. – TVS
