Enhancing Crop Yield- 2025 Project
The Project
Brandon took the top prize at the 100K competition.
Teosinte Branch 1 (TB1) is a gene that controls apical dominance in plants. This MSU team discovered that reducing TB1 function through targeted mutation decreases apical dominance and increases tillering leading to increases in grain yield in wheat by as much as 15%. This team is currently funded to perform customer discovery and build relationships with potential customers to license this IP for targeted crop improvement.
In the spring of 2025, Brandon won the top prize in MSU's 100K Venture Competition in the Deep Tech/University Based Research competition track, earning an additional $20,000 in support of this project.
The Impact
Genetic exploration within this project has increased yield in durum wheat, which is used for making pasta, and bread wheat which is used in many food products.
Meet the Team
Brandon Tillett
Ph.D. Plant Sciences/Genetics
Team Lead, Head of Marketing Activities
The Journey
"The NSF ART program has been instrumental in helping us launch our technology. Participating in NSF lead I-Corps programs helped identify key stakeholders in the agriculture industry who would benefit from our technology.The Builders Program is additionally helpful in keeping us focused on our goals while providing an environment with others starting new businesses to share tips and tricks for success."
