Cquesta Expands Innovation Platform with Danforth Center Technology to Accelerate Development of Climate-Resilient Corn
January 14, 2026
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Cquesta, a leading agricultural biotechnology company, today announced a research license agreement with the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center for advanced root genetic technology developed by Dr. Christopher Topp. This strategic collaboration strengthens Cquesta’s innovation pipeline and positions the company to deliver next-generation corn hybrids that meet global demand for sustainable, high-yield crops.
Dr. Topp’s technology provides specific alterations of root architecture, enabling breeders to select traits that improve yield, nutrient uptake, water use efficiency, and stress resilience. This capability complements Cquesta’s proprietary genetic traits licensed from the Salk Institute, which are designed to increase carbon capture and root biomass. Together, these technologies create a powerful platform for developing corn varieties that enhance productivity and improve resilience while reducing environmental impact.
Read the full news release here.