Dr. Kinneret Shefer is the CEO and co-founder of GeneNeer, a Canadian-Israeli agtech company developing next-generation gene editing technologies for crop improvement. The headquarters launched in Manitoba in early 2026. Shefer has a background in molecular biotechnology and non-coding RNA biology, and earned a Ph.D. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem before being awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to conduct postdoctoral research at the RNA Center at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Motivated by the opportunity to transform scientific discoveries into solutions that create real-world impact, Shefer has led the development of several patented technologies, and has secured millions of dollars through investments, grants and strategic partnerships. In this month’s This is Agriculture feature, Shefer shares how she came to agriculture through her background in science, why GeneNeer decided to headquarter its company in Manitoba, and where she believes the future of agriculture is headed.
Describe your job or product.
As CEO of GeneNeer, I lead the company’s strategy, fundraising, partnerships, intellectual property development, and commercialization activities. I also work closely with our scientific team to ensure that our technologies address important challenges facing agriculture today and in the future.
How did you start your career in agriculture?
My path into agriculture came through biotechnology rather than farming. Throughout my scientific career, I was fascinated by the power of biology to solve real-world problems. Agriculture stood out because innovations in this field can improve food production, sustainability, and grower profitability while benefiting millions of people around the world.
How does digital agriculture or agtech play a role in your current job?
GeneNeer is a tech company. We develop technologies that are very unique, that are IP protected. We call it the next generation of gene editing. Gene editing as it is today, other than GeneNeer’s, has an incremental value and is limited in its ability to enhance crop performance for several reasons. GeneNeer has basically overcome those limitations – it’s a more advanced perspective on manipulating a level of gene expression. At first we were just a tech company, but technology also needs to show what it can do, and it’s not enough just to be a tech company. So we analyzed the market, thinking about where our strength is, where we can really contribute and make a difference, where there are challenges, and we decided to focus on potatoes, which is one of the biggest markets in North America.
Why did you choose to locate GeneNeer’s headquarters in Manitoba?
Winnipeg is rapidly becoming one of North America’s most exciting agricultural innovation hubs. The strength of the local ecosystem, combined with world-class researchers, industry partners, and supportive organizations such as EMILI, made it a natural choice for GeneNeer’s Canadian expansion.
I think the Manitoba First Fund is a brilliant model. By investing in venture capital funds rather than directly in startups, the province leverages the funds’ expertise and due diligence to support companies that are both relevant to Canada and investment-ready.
Moving from Israel to Manitoba had some challenges. When you land in Manitoba in January, I don’t think it’s that different than landing on the moon! There were many people who made the experience more tolerable. I want to thank Damian Crowley, Tall Grass Ventures, the Jewish community, the Manitoba First Fund, Minister Moroz, Manitoba Agriculture and Manitoba in general – all those people that in different ways made it possible for us.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in digital agriculture?
Don’t assume you need a traditional agricultural background. Agriculture needs scientists, entrepreneurs, engineers, business leaders, software developers, and innovators. If you want to work on challenges that matter globally, agriculture offers tremendous opportunities.
What is one thing people misunderstand about agriculture?
Many people view agriculture as a traditional industry. In reality, modern agriculture is highly innovative and increasingly driven by biotechnology, genetics, data science, automation, and advanced research. It is one of the most exciting sectors for innovation today.
What’s your favourite part about working in digital agriculture and agri-food?
Agriculture is one of the few industries where innovation has a direct and measurable impact on people’s lives. A successful technology can improve yields, reduce environmental impact, strengthen food security, and create value across the entire food system.
What does the future of agriculture look like to you?
I believe the future of agriculture will be driven by biology, data, and sustainability. Advanced breeding technologies and gene editing will enable the development of crops that are more resilient, productive, and better adapted to the challenges of climate change and growing global food demand.
This profile is part of EMILI’s This is Agriculture series, highlighting talented and diverse individuals across the digital agriculture sector. While individuals working in agriculture come from a variety of backgrounds, they share a common interest in growing and strengthening Canadian agriculture to ensure an environmentally and economically sustainable future for generations to come.