Origin Agritech Sets 2026 Vision, Betting Big on AI-Powered Breeding

BEIJING – December 22, 2025 – Chinese agricultural technology giant Origin Agritech (NASDAQ: SEED) has laid out an ambitious roadmap for the future, culminating a three-day strategic conference by establishing aggressive operational priorities for 2026. The plan centers on a significant pivot towards integrating artificial intelligence into its biological breeding programs, a move the company believes will accelerate its transformation and solidify its leadership in China's rapidly evolving ag-tech sector.

The annual Research & Development and Operations Management Conference, held at the company's Beijing headquarters, brought together senior executives, research leaders, and prominent academic experts to review the past year's performance and chart a course for accelerated growth. The outcome is a sharpened focus on three core pillars: advancing its biotech breeding platform with AI, optimizing operational infrastructure, and expanding its commercial footprint.

"This conference marks an important inflection point in Origin's strategic evolution," stated Mr. Weibin Yan, CEO of Origin Agritech. "We have established clear operational priorities for 2026 focused on three core areas: advancing our biological breeding platform through AI integration, optimizing our operational infrastructure, and expanding market penetration. Our systematic approach to R&D innovation and commercial execution positions Origin to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities in China's agricultural biotechnology sector."

A New Corporate Blueprint: The ORIGIN Values

Underpinning the strategic shift is a newly formalized corporate values framework, designed to unify the organization and drive performance. Creatively expressed through the acronym ORIGIN, the values emphasize a singular focus and a commitment to tangible results:

• O: One Goal
• R: Real Value
• I: Integrity
• G: Great Execution
• I: Innovation Drive
• N: Noble Pursuit

This framework signals more than just a branding exercise; it represents a cultural reset aimed at fostering execution excellence and a long-term vision. By aligning all departments and subsidiaries under a unified set of principles, Origin aims to enhance collaboration and ensure that every initiative, from the research lab to the sales field, contributes directly to the company's overarching objectives.

The move reflects a growing understanding in the corporate world that technological ambition must be supported by a robust and aligned organizational culture to succeed. The emphasis on 'Great Execution' and 'Real Value' suggests a pragmatic approach, ensuring that cutting-edge innovation translates into commercially viable products that meet market demands.

The AI Revolution in the Field

The centerpiece of Origin's 2026 strategy is undoubtedly its commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence in crop breeding. The conference featured detailed presentations on the company's progress in biological breeding technology, with a keynote from Chairman of the Board, Dr. Gengchen Han, on the transformative potential of AI-assisted breeding models. This represents a significant leap from traditional breeding methods, which can take a decade or more to bring a new trait to market.

By integrating AI, Origin can dramatically accelerate this timeline. AI algorithms can analyze massive genomic datasets to predict the performance of potential cross-breeds, identify genes associated with desirable traits like drought tolerance or pest resistance, and optimize the entire development pipeline. This data-driven approach allows for a level of precision and speed previously unattainable.

"Our R&D strategy focuses on developing precision breeding technologies that address real market needs," explained Mr. Bill Deng, Vice President and Head of R&D. "By combining traditional breeding expertise with AI-powered analytics and gene editing capabilities, we're accelerating the development timeline for high-value traits while maintaining rigorous quality standards."

This hybrid strategy is key. Rather than abandoning its deep-rooted expertise, Origin is augmenting it with powerful new tools. This allows the company to build upon its legacy—which includes developing the first transgenic phytase corn to receive a Bio-Safety Certificate in China—while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in agricultural biotechnology. The company's existing pipeline, featuring traits for glyphosate tolerance and pest resistance (Bt), stands to benefit directly from this accelerated, AI-powered development cycle.

Strengthening Alliances for Future Growth

Origin Agritech is not pursuing this technological transformation in isolation. The conference underscored the company's strategy of building a powerful ecosystem through collaboration with China's top academic and research institutions. The participation of distinguished leaders from institutions like China Agricultural University and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences highlights the deep integration between Origin and the nation's premier scientific minds.

Experts in attendance included Professor Shaojiang Chen and Professor Feng Tian of China Agricultural University, Researcher Lei Wang of the Institute of Biotechnology, and other leading breeders and professors. Their involvement provides a critical external validation of Origin's direction and progress.

"Origin has demonstrated substantial progress in research infrastructure, systematic development, and strategic partnerships throughout 2025," commented Professor Shaojiang Chen of China Agricultural University. "The Company's integrated approach to biological breeding and commitment to scientific innovation provides a strong foundation for future growth."

These partnerships are a strategic asset, providing a conduit for cutting-edge research, fostering innovation, and ensuring that Origin's R&D efforts remain at the forefront of agricultural science. This collaborative approach is vital for tackling the complex challenges of modern agriculture and achieving national goals related to food security and technological sovereignty.

Disciplined Execution and Financial Prudence

While technological innovation captured the spotlight, the conference also placed a heavy emphasis on operational and financial discipline. Finance Director Mr. Quanguo Du presented a comprehensive analysis of the company's 2025 financial performance, which served as the data-driven foundation for the 2026 strategic plan. Department heads across marketing, production, quality control, and human resources outlined their initiatives to improve efficiency and optimize resources.

This focus on the bottom line ensures that the company's ambitious R&D investments are sustainable and geared towards generating long-term shareholder value. The operational improvements are designed to create a more agile and resilient organization capable of scaling its innovations and expanding its market reach effectively.

"Our focus remains on creating sustainable value for all stakeholders through disciplined execution and strategic resource allocation," affirmed Mr. Yubiao Liu, Director and Vice President. "The operational improvements implemented in 2025 have strengthened our foundation for accelerated growth in the coming year."

As Origin Agritech moves into 2026, it does so with a clear, multi-faceted strategy. The company is coupling its pioneering work in biotechnology with the transformative power of artificial intelligence, all while reinforcing its operational backbone and fostering a culture of unified, execution-focused growth. This comprehensive approach positions Origin not just to compete, but to potentially redefine the future of agriculture in China and beyond.