About GeneBEcon
GeneBEcon was a Horizon Europe-funded project (September 2022 – August 2025) that explored the transformative potential of gene editing to drive a sustainable bioeconomy in Europe. Through case studies on potatoes and microalgae, the project addressed key regulatory, socioeconomic, and technical challenges while ensuring innovations were developed responsibly, inclusively, and transparently.
A significant outcome of GeneBEcon was the development of a comprehensive gene-editing toolbox, presented as a decision tree, which includes protocols and plasmids for the entire gene-editing workflow. This toolbox is available through GeneBEwise, and the plasmids used are accessible in the Vector Vault repository.
Enhancing resistance to Potato Virus Y and improving starch quality, reducing pesticide use and enabling more environmentally friendly starch processing. This innovation could save up to 75,000 tonnes of chemicals and 7.5 GWh of energy annually in the EU.
Increasing the production of high-value compounds like lutein while repurposing residual biomass as animal feed, thereby reducing waste and CO2 emissions.
Commitment
As part of its commitment to ethical responsibility, GeneBEcon emphasized the careful consideration of the toolbox’s future uses.
Recognizing the transformative power of gene editing, the project underscored the importance of applying these tools in ways that align with societal values, respect biodiversity, and address global challenges such as food security and sustainability. The toolbox is designed to be used in compliance with ethical standards and regulatory frameworks, ensuring gene-editing applications benefit society while minimizing potential risks.
Learn more about the tools and resources developed by GeneBEcon.
Advancing NGTs in R&I for
This document outlines the development of a publicly accessible Toolbox, designed for broad applicability beyond just potato and microalgae, extending its utility to other organisms and species. To ensure global compatibility, sustainable access, and transparent documentation, all plasmids will be based on internationally standardized cloning vector systems.
01// Access the D2.1 – Preliminary toolbox for gene editing
The creation of the preliminary Toolbox, which includes the first version containing existing protocols for plant transfection and regeneration used by EV-ILVO, SLU, and INRAE for gene editing in various crops. Additionally, it provides information on 76 plasmids designed for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas elements. Read more here
02// Access the D2.3 – Roadmap for the molecular characterisation of gene-edited plants
A guide supporting the use of gene editing technologies across species. The document also introduces tools like the GeneBEwise toolbox and a risk matrix to support both developers and regulators in addressing the process of genome editing. Read more here. Read more here