One Genomics, an AI-focused genomics company advancing de-aging research and co-founded by Harvard Professor George Church alongside former Harvard and MIT research fellows and alumni, announced a strategic research collaboration agreement with the CiRA Foundation to advance precision genome engineering technologies. Established by Kyoto University, the CiRA Foundation is a leading induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell manufacturing and research foundation.

Despite rapid progress in the field, conventional genome engineering technologies continue to face critical challenges. In addition to off-target mutations and bystander effects, current CRISPR-based approaches generally lack the ability to fine-tune editing outcomes. These constraints restrict the precision, safety, and reliability required for advanced cellular engineering, particularly in clinically relevant human cell contexts, and remain a key bottleneck to broader adoption.

Through this collaboration, One Genomics will contribute its proprietary high-precision, fine-tunable CRISPR design platform, including its patented “Safeguard” approach, while the CiRA Foundation will apply these technologies in human iPS cells, drawing on its world-leading expertise in regenerative medicine to improve engineering performance across relevant cellular contexts.

Together, the parties aim to advance genome engineering technologies that enable greater precision, controllability, and reliability for cellular and clinical applications.