NEW YORK – Illumina and Sequoia Capital China announced on Wednesday the selection of the first two startups to join their Chinese genomics incubator for a six-month funding period.
Mobidrop Biotechnology is a device company developing single-cell sequencing microfluidic technologies for applications in molecular diagnostics.
Sequanta Technologies is a multiomics company building platforms for research and clinical applications. The Shanghai-based firm signed a strategic partnership with Mission Bio to offer single-cell sequencing services in China in July.
Each firm will receive access to investment, business guidance, and use of Illumina sequencing systems and reagents.
"The launch of this incubator marks a new chapter for genomics startups and entrepreneurs in China," Amanda Cashin, cofounder and global head of Illumina For Startups, said in a statement. "Together with Sequoia Capital China and leading genomics entrepreneurs, we look forward to unlocking the power of the genome to improve human health in China and beyond."
Illumina and Sequoia Capital China announced the incubator, located in Shanghai's Zhangjiang Cell Industrial Park, in February. Illumina also runs genomics incubator programs in the US and the UK.
Applications for the program's next funding cycle will close on March 1, 2022.