Semantic Knowledge Graph Platform for Agricultural Biotechnology Data Integration

Technology
In development
Company

DISQOVER is a semantic knowledge graph platform that integrates siloed agricultural and life sciences data into a unified, queryable digital twin for plants. It enables cross-species trait analysis, gene discovery, and resistance development by harmonizing public datasets with internal study data using AI-based semantic search and ontology mapping.

Overview

DISQOVER is a semantic knowledge graph platform designed to break down data silos in agricultural biotechnology by integrating diverse public and internal datasets into a unified digital twin for plants. The platform addresses key challenges in the field, including bias toward model species, inconsistent data formatting and metadata, and fragmented evidence across experiments. By combining ontologies, public data sources, and proprietary study data, DISQOVER enables researchers to perform cross-species trait analysis, uncover novel gene-trait relationships, and accelerate discoveries in plant biology and resistance development. The solution supports both machine and human use of data, providing a holistic view of plant physiology that connects genes, traits, and environmental conditions.

Technical specifications
  • Semantic knowledge graph architecture: Integrates public datasets such as AraPheno, AraGWAS Catalog, Gene Ontology, InterPro, and panteome with internal multi-omics study data
  • Ontology-driven harmonization: Uses standard ontologies and resources to standardize formatting and metadata, enabling seamless data integration
  • Cross-species trait analysis: Associates trait-related datasets with ortholog information to support evidence mapping across different plant species
  • AI-based semantic search: Leverages natural language processing and machine learning to transform structured and unstructured data into actionable insights
  • LLM integration: Open and interoperable architecture supports integration with large language models for advanced data exploration
  • Gene views and dashboards: Provides intuitive visualizations for exploring relationships between genes, traits, and environmental factors
  • Audit-ready data foundation: ISO 27001:2022 certified, ensuring security and regulatory compliance for life sciences organizations
  • Iterative implementation process: Setup, data ingestion, ontology selection, data modeling, visualization, and LLM integration completed in iterative cycles with stakeholder verification
Technology readiness level

The platform has been validated in three prior projects: human models for pharmaceutical target screening and multi-omics analysis, a collaboration with VIB on plant knowledge graph integration using DISQOVER and PLAZA, and a cross-species trait discovery project with an agricultural biotechnology partner. Future validation will focus on harmonizing additional public datasets into the knowledge graph, building robust semantic infrastructure linking plant traits, genes, and environmental factors, and designing intuitive interfaces for diverse users including researchers, agronomists, and executives. The project timeline is approximately one year, with iterative development and customer verification built into the process.


About Ontoforce

Ontoforce is a software company specializing in semantic technologies and knowledge graph solutions tailored for the life sciences industry. Its flagship platform, DISQOVER, integrates and enriches siloed biomedical data into a unified, traceable knowledge graph. By utilizing AI-based semantic search and natural language processing, the platform transforms complex, structured, and unstructured data into high-quality, actionable insights. This technology is designed to help researchers and data teams navigate vast amounts of information, providing a semantic layer that supports AI models and ensures data is queryable and ready for scientific analysis. The company focuses on bridging the gap between raw data and informed decision-making through advanced information management.

For pharmaceutical and life sciences organizations, Ontoforce addresses the challenges of data accessibility and integration, which are critical for accelerating drug discovery, optimizing clinical trials, and streamlining research workflows. The platform is trusted by global life sciences leaders and research institutes, enabling teams to move faster with confidence by providing a secure, audit-ready data foundation. With a commitment to security, including ISO 27001:2022 certification, Ontoforce supports customers through the entire lifecycle, from onboarding and customization to ongoing technical support, ensuring their solutions align with complex regulatory and research requirements. Through these efforts, the company aims to eliminate data barriers and support the development of new treatments for patients.

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