A new global research partnership, GAIN-RT, will combine artificial intelligence, genomics, gene editing and field research to accelerate the development of climate resilient potatoes and other root and tuber crops for farmers facing climate change, pests and disease.
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A new global research partnership is combining artificial intelligence, genomics, gene editing and field research to accelerate the development of climate resilient crop varieties.
The National Potato Innovation Centre is part of a global partnership launching an international research initiative to accelerate the delivery of improved crop varieties to farmers facing climate change, pests and disease.
Genetic Acceleration through Artificial Intelligence for Root and Tuber Crops, or GAIN-RT, combines expertise in crop breeding, artificial intelligence, gene editing and field-based research. The initiative aims to accelerate the journey from laboratory research to farmers’ fields.
The partnership includes NPIC, which is hosted by The James Hutton Institute; the International Potato Centre, or CIP; the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, or KALRO; and Egerton University.
Breeding Struggles to Keep Pace With Climate Threats
Climate change, evolving pests and emerging diseases are advancing faster than conventional crop breeding can respond. This widening gap threatens farmer livelihoods, food security and nutrition, particularly in vulnerable regions such as sub-Saharan Africa.
GAIN-RT aims to help close the gap by using advanced AI models to predict which crop varieties will perform best under climate stress. Researchers will also use the technology to identify stronger and more durable disease resistance, improve breeding efficiency and shorten development timelines.
By drawing insights from large genomic, environmental and field datasets, AI could significantly reduce the time required to develop and release improved varieties, giving farmers access to better-performing crops sooner, according to a press release.
Potatoes Serve as the Initial Focus
The project will initially focus on developing climate-resilient potato varieties. Its goals include increasing yields and reliability for smallholder farmers, reducing chemical use through stronger disease resistance and improving food and nutrition security.
Building on the first phase’s results, researchers plan to expand the approach to sweet potatoes and other strategically important crops.
Professor Ingo Hein, principal investigator from the Hutton and Deputy Director of the National Potato Innovation Centre, said, “This collaboration harnesses the potential of AI and emerging technologies including gene editing to help accelerate the development of more resilient potatoes and other strategically important crops, supporting a more sustainable future and strengthening food security.”
AI Could Help Breeders Respond More Quickly
“Breeding has traditionally taken many years to deliver improved varieties,” said CIP Director General, Simon Heck. “But climate change and pests do not wait. They evolve rapidly. Artificial intelligence gives us the tools to catch up, helping breeders identify better varieties faster and reduce the risks farmers face.”
The researchers expect AI-driven analysis to help breeders make better selections earlier in the development process. This could reduce both the time and resources needed to identify varieties capable of withstanding changing environmental and disease pressures.
Partners Combine Research With Local Delivery
GAIN-RT’s strength lies in the complementary expertise of its partners.
CIP brings global leadership in potato and sweet potato breeding, along with strong connections to farmers and national programs. The Hutton contributes expertise in artificial intelligence, genomics and plant science.
KALRO and Egerton University provide regional knowledge, field validation and pathways for adoption in Africa. Together, the partners combine scientific innovation, real-world testing and local delivery systems, increasing the likelihood that research findings will produce tangible benefits for farmers.
Initiative Will Build Local Scientific Capacity
Beyond developing new technologies and crop varieties, GAIN-RT will invest in training scientists in AI-driven breeding and gene editing. The initiative will place particular emphasis on supporting women and early-career researchers.
Building this expertise locally is intended to strengthen national research systems, sustain innovation capacity over time and ensure the initiative delivers a lasting impact.
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