Zygote - increased research capacity in applied biotechnology and sustainable breeding for the Inland region

Duration: 2022 - 2028
Research Area: Machine Learning

The main goal of Zygote is to create a robust, internationally competitive research environment in sustainable breeding and applied biotech in Innlandet, Norway to provide the regional business sector with access to increased expertise and research capacity.

The main goal is to be achieved through the following sub-goals:

To elucidate physiological mechanisms for regulating gamete production capacity for the selection of individuals mature for efficient sperm, milk, and oocyte production.
To establish new methods and tools to characterize ejaculates for fertilization ability using new assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) and traditional processing methods for sperm and milk.
To generate new knowledge on how to characterize and identify oocytes and embryos for successful embryo transfer and embryo development.
To improve existing and develop new preservation methods for gametes and embryos.
To publish and communicate scientific results, ensure active participation of all stakeholders, and establish active competence and information exchange between research and development environments and industry partners.

The project is run by the Department of Biotechnology at Inland University of Applied Sciences and receives funding from the Research Council of Norway, from 2022 to 2028.

SimulaMet, through the Department of Holistic Systems, is a partner in the project. Other partners in the project include Geno, Norsvin, Cryogenetics, SpermVital, Klosser Innovasjon, NCE Heidner Biocluster, Oslo University Hospital, OsloMet, SINTEF, and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

Together, the partners will conduct relevant research aimed at bringing improvements to the breeding industry. This is intended to make the industry safer, more environmentally friendly, and more efficient and competitive.