Nowadays, soil erosion has emerged as a pressing global environmental predicament. As per statistical data, approximately one-third of the Earth's landmass is severely afflicted by erosion. Thanks to our cutting-edge EPS systems, our products possess the capability to effectively rehabilitate both soil and water resources. Through entrepreneurial endeavors, we aspire to disseminate worldwide the seeds processed using our revolutionay indole acetic acid (IAA)product, thereby invigorating agricultural economy and resolving the grave issue of soil erosion.
After conducting a futher investigation on areas affected by soil erosion, we have observed a prevailing low standard of living among the local population. Due to their heavy reliance on agriculture , their annual harvests have been consistently declining alongside the decrease of the amount of arable land. Consequently, they find themselves trapped in an inescapably vivious cycle.
![](https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5015/wiki/entre/img1.jpg)
Our goal is to provide solutions for addressing soil erosion through the use of genetic engineering technology.For this reason, we will establish a company to bring our IAA to the public eye. Additionally, with the aim of assisting impoverished regions, the company will set up a special fund dedicated to carrying out projects for soil restoration and economic development.
The acetic acid seed we launched -- indole acetic acid (IAA) -- is based on the power of technology and the care for environment. In the production of this seed, we cleverly used engineered E. coli. With the help of genetic engineering technology, we introduced the key enzyme responsible for IAA in plants into E. coli, so that it can produce IAA. To further enhance the soil's repair properties, we have these E. coli produce sticky biopolysaccharides that contribute to soil improvement through the EPS system. Safety is always our top priority. To this end, we specially introduced arabinose promoters and designed a unique suicide system to ensure that these engineered Escherichia coli do not cause unknown environmental impacts and avoid any biosafety hazards.
The basic structure of the mixed seed is a concentric circle : the seeds are in the very middle, followed by the strain freeze-dried powder, a layer of hydrogel, and the outermost hydrogel containing arabinose. When it is provided with nutrients, the spawn will start producing IAA. Then when the plant puncts the outermost hydrogel, it will contact with arabinose to initiate the suicide system and release IAA.
![](https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5015/wiki/entre/img2.jpg)
For specific details about our technology and products, please refer to our project description.
https://2023.igem.wiki/thinker-sc/descriptionIn order to realize the seed products designed through genetic engineering, we conducted meticulous research on popular cash crops in the market to understand their position and demand in the agricultural market. We also conducted competitor research to anticipate products and understand market dynamics. Based on our findings, we carried out precise calculations to develop a reasonable pricing strategy. Here is our investigation report.
In terms of hardware equipment, we know that farmers in many countries do not have high incomes, and the high price of sowing machines often increases their economic burden. So, inspired by the traditional trolley, we have developed a low-cost yet fully functional hand-pushed planter. The planter is simple, practical and efficient. For
detailed hardware information and parameters, please see our hardware page.
https://2023.igem.wiki/thinker-sc/hardwareNot only that, during our research for the construction of the factory, we discovered that the available production equipment in the market was prohibitively expensive. We aspire to develop an economical and efficient seed processing machine through dedicated efforts from our R&D department in the future. The processing machine is still in the conceptual stage at present, so no detailed design drawings can be provided at present.
Despite the detailed market research in the previous section,we make additional effort, including Chinese seed market investigation, competition analysis, and consumer & investor research. Based on the findings, we now identify our target customers - farmers and planting companies, and have entered into a purchase agreement with Yijing Biotechnology Co.Ltd from Lanzhou.
Based on the research findings, we have formulated a comprehensive business plan that intricately outlines the company's short-term (within 5 years) and long-term development trajectory and meticulously predicts key production indicators in the near term, encompassing capacity, profitability, profit margins, among others.
As for marketing, we choose to adopt to adopt the B2B model, because it can enhance efficiency and ensure stable sales. We will also use environmental protection a selling point to reach a long-term cooperation agreement with the government and large enterprises .At the same time, considering the increasingly fierce competition in the market of genetically modified agricultural products, we also designed the customer loyalty program to strengthen the cooperation with customers. Not only that, in order to prevent problems before they happen, we have analyzed potential risks from multiple angles and developed countermeasures.
The implementation of this strategic plan, coupled with the excellence of our products, will undoubtedly propel our company's continuous growth. It will enable more and more agricultural practitioners to benefit from IAA, thus contributing to the brighted prospect of the industry.
Here is our business plan:
The goal of our team is to create a new type of plant hormone seed product to promote germination and growth of seeds. To achieve our goal, we will use engineered E. coli in our products to produce IAA, and then we will mix this engineered E. coli with ungerminated seeds to promote seed germination and growth. There are numerous laws and regulations governing its usage. For example, due to the fact that our products come into direct contact with the soil, it is imperative for us to ensure the safety of soil. Here are some pertinent laws and regulations pertaining to the utilization of plant hormones:
Guidance for Plant Regulator Products and Claims, Including Plant Biostimulants[2] clearly points out that our plant hormones are defined as plant growth regulators and will be regulated by FIFRA.
The Regulations of China on Pesticide Management [3] specify the requirements for the production, distribution and use of pesticides in China. Production and sales can only be carried out after rigorous evaluation and obtaining relevant approvals.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Pesticide Residue Standards [4] and the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) Standards [5] both provide standards for residues of pesticides, including plant hormones, in agricultural products.
To ensure that our products are safe and effective, our company needs to follow the following principles:
- Strictly abide by laws and regulations.
- Scientific and rational use of plant hormones.
- Strictly follow the instructions to avoid misuse.
- Strengthen product quality and residue monitoring.
- Ongoing training and education of employees.
In general, we must comply with relevant laws and regulations to ensure the scientific and rational use of plant hormones to ensure product quality and environmental safety.
After conducting plant trials together, we and Thinker Shenzhen saw the commercial potential of cooperation of our project.
In July, we organized an offline workshop with the business representatives of Thinker-Shenzhen. During the meeting, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of our products and shared our cooperation plan. Eventually, we agreed on a collaboration approach called "seed with fertilizer" sales: Thinker-SC will recommend Thinker-Shenzhen's fertilizer to our customers while selling seeds, and in return, Thinker-Shenzhen will offer their fertilizer at a discounted price to those customers.
Not only that, in September, we invited Thinker-Shenzhen to join our public welfare program to provide high-quality fertilizer for soil restoration and agriculture revitalization.
![](https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5015/wiki/entre/img3.jpg)
To exploremore detials, please refer to the page of cooperation.
https://2023.igem.wiki/thinker-sc/collaborationsIn our in-depth investigation of areas with soil erosion, we found that many of these areas face economic challenges, especially those communities that are highly dependent on agriculture. Due to the reduction of cultivated land caused by soil erosion, it is difficult for local residents to carry out traditional planting activities, which in turn affects the overall economic development. In order to better understand and seek solutions, we initiated a sincere dialogue with the local government and agricultural workers and developed a comprehensive plan for soil and water conservation restoration and economic revitalization.
We look forward to working closely with the local government to take forward the project with a strategy of "land restoration first and agricultural revitalization second". First, by using IAA products and crop cover technology, we set out to repair damaged land and lay a solid foundation for future agricultural production. Then, as the land gradually recovers its ecological health, we restart agricultural activities. More importantly, throughout the project, we will give priority to the employment of local residents to promote the regeneration of the community economy.
We firmly believe that this project will bring dual value to the local area: it will not only reduce the damage caused by soil erosion, but also it will also bring economic opportunity and vitality to the community. We are committed to working side by side with our communities for a more prosperous future.
Here is our Community Economic Revitalization Plan:
[1]. The presentation form of our entrepreneurial plate draws lessons from 2022 Gems-Taiwan,https://2022.igem.wiki/gems-taiwan/entrepreneurship.
[3]. https://flk.npc.gov.cn/detail2.html?ZmY4MDgxODE4MGUwYTYxMzAxODExZTI4OGUxYjFlYWI%3D
[4]. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-tolerances
[5]. https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/committees/cac/about/en/