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Innovation

Benchmark Genetics is a world-leader in breeding and genetics for aquaculture. By combining our long-established breeding programs and the latest genomic tools, we help aquaculture producers increase quality, yield, health, and welfare of their animals.

How do we innovate at Benchmark Genetics?

Benchmark Genetics is a global leader in aquaculture breeding and genetics. Through long-term family breeding programs combined with advanced genomic technologies, we help producers achieve higher quality, improved yield, stronger health and enhanced animal welfare across salmon and other key aquaculture species.

Our innovation efforts focus on delivering science-based solutions that are commercially relevant today, while investing in long-term research that will shape the future of sustainable aquaculture.

In addition to our in-house breeding programmes for Atlantic salmon, we also support a significant number of selected breeding programmes worldwide for key aquatic species, including sea bass, sea bream, tilapia, abalone, and coho salmon.

Our innovation – your benefit

Innovation is central to our mission. By integrating industry insight, biological expertise and cutting-edge R&D, we maintain a robust, close-to-market innovation pipeline—supported by strategic long-term research aimed at breakthrough genetic solutions.

Our work spans:

  • Genomic selection and marker-assisted selection
  • Cryopreservation and biobanking
  • Development of new traits related to growth, robustness, welfare and product quality
  • Genetics services and genotyping services
  • Advanced analytics and bioeconomic modelling
  • Exploration of future tools, such as gene editing

Our international team of more than 30 researchers and geneticists collaborates across species, regions and research environments. This global knowledge-sharing ensures we maximise genetic gains while tailoring solutions to local biological and environmental challenges.

Technologies developed for one species or region are evaluated for relevance across others—ensuring efficient transfer of knowledge. Atlantic salmon producers benefit significantly from our cross-species insights and shared innovation platforms.

To ensure our position as a leading provider of genetics and genetic services, we need to be at the forefront of the developments within R&D. This implies research partnerships and project participation with world-leading research institutions. Currently, Benchmark Genetics have several strategic collaborations, including with Nofima, The University of Iceland, The Marine Research Institute, The University of Stirling, CSIRO, and The Roslin Institute.

For each individual programme, we are optimising the use of available infrastructure and genetic resources and adapting our technologies with one main objective in mind: To obtain the largest possible genetic gains to the benefit of our clients.

Morten Rye, Director, External Services and International Strategies

Each individual male fish used as breeding candidates represents tremendous values, and such a risk reduction is important both for us as a company but also to ensure that the industry is not left without the latest and best breeding material if something unforeseen should happen.

Rosana Estevez, Global Cryolab and Product Quality Manager, Benchmark Genetics

R&D institute collaborations

Close up photo og SNP chip used in genetic and genotyping services

Selection Methods: From Phenotypes to Genomics

We aim to be at the forefront of technology by continuously evaluating new techniques, including potential future use of gene editing. In the early phases of our breeding program for Atlantic salmon, selection was based on mass selection of phenotypes such as growth, body shape, and early maturation. Today, family and genomic selection are applied for all traits.

The methods

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Illustration of blue and red particles dna helix glowing over dark blue background. Concept of genetics, science and medicine. Biotech.

Gene Editing: A Future Tool for Health and Welfare

Gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9 and TALENs, enable precise and targeted changes in DNA. These changes could occur naturally, but at a very low frequency. As part of our strategic R&D, we explore gene editing as a future tool to improve efficiency, health and welfare—while acting responsibly and in full compliance with ethical and regulatory frameworks.

More about the process
photo of cryoconservation of salmon milt

Cryopreservation and Biobanking

The technology of cryopreservation helps us preserve the best genetics and contributes to the progress of the aquatic industry. This benefits both our genetic gain in the breeding nucleus, and also ensures the highest quality genetics for commercial products delivery to our clients.

What is cryopreservation?

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R&D Licenses

Benchmark Genetics holds dedicated research permits from the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries, managed in collaboration with SalMar and Sinkaberg. These permits enable us to conduct commercial-scale trials, deepening our understanding of salmon breeding, genetics, and trait development.

Research locations along the Norwegian coast ensure results that accurately reflect real production environments.

Read more about our work on R&D licenses:

R&D Licenses
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Benchmark Genetics
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