Project summary

FloraForge is a modular gene editing platform for creating new aesthetic traits in ornamental plants. The first step is engineering a landing-pad petunia line that allows pigment modules to be swapped in and out. The initial proof-of-concept is a vein-pattern rescue in a white petunia line, showing that pigment logic in plants can be intentionally designed rather than bred by trial and error.

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

The goal is to build the first programmable system for aesthetic traits in plants. I will engineer a stable landing-pad line in Petunia hybrida that accepts pigment modules through site-specific recombination. This transforms visual trait development into a modular, repeatable workflow.

The first milestone is a vein-pattern rescue prototype. Once the landing pad line is validated, I will test additional pigment modules to create new vein patterns, gradients, and spatial expression designs. The technical plan, construct architecture, and transformation workflow are already prepared. I will use contractor transformation services, growth chambers, and lab work to execute the prototype.

How will this funding be used?

With the full five thousand dollars, I can execute the complete prototype cycle:

• DNA synthesis and construct parts
• Petunia transformation services
• Growth chamber rental
• Reagents, QC, and imaging supplies
• Initial pigment-module test run

With the minimum one thousand dollars, I can begin ordering early DNA components, prepare construct materials, and support focused time on finalizing the landing-pad design. This allows immediate progress while the remaining funding accumulates.

The full amount shortens the time to producing the first visible engineered petunia line.

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

I am the sole founder. I have a background in genome and cell engineering with years of experience working with CRISPR systems, plasmid design, and practical molecular biology. I began FloraForge in Spring 2025 and am working on it full time.

I have already designed all constructs, prepared the modular landing-pad system, and planned the transformation workflow. I am currently in discussions with a professor at Michigan State University regarding sponsorship for transformation work at PBROC.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?

The main risk is slow plant regeneration or low transformation efficiency, which could delay the prototype. In this case, funds would still result in partial progress: validated constructs, QC data, and a revised transformation strategy. Even in failure, the work generates valuable information on modular pigment expression systems and provides groundwork for the next iteration.

Total project collapse is unlikely because the plan is technically straightforward and uses standard transformation pipelines.

How much money have you raised in the last 12 months, and from where?

I have committed fifteen thousand dollars of personal funding toward FloraForge’s construct design, preparation, and project setup. I have not taken external funding yet; this microgrant would be the first outside contribution.