This article was originally published on January 8, 2010.
Stratos Genomics, a Seattle-based biotech startup, has won access to a microfabrication laboratory run by the Washington Technology Center, an economic development organization, "to further its DNA sequencing product development," WTC said last week.
According to WTC, Stratos Genomics is developing a new DNA sequencing method "that will dramatically reduce the time and costs of high-throughput DNA sequencing."
The award will allow Stratos Genomics to access WTC's Seattle-based microfabrication facility for three months for a proposal entitled "Nanopore Noise Reduction Project." According to WTC, the project aims to meet a technical goal that is part of a proof of concept for Stratos' technology, which "creates, encodes, and measures surrogate molecules derived from DNA targets to produce DNA sequence information."
"Successful demonstration of the technology will open the door for company growth to address the next commercialization steps," according to WTC.
WTC made the award under a new technology stimulus program that grants small businesses in Washington access to its 15,000-square-foot microfabrication laboratory. The lab includes facilities and specialized equipment for microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS, research and product or process development.
According to its website, WTC helps companies develop and commercialize new products and technologies by channeling state, federal, and private resources.
Stratos Genomics, founded in 2008, is part of Stratos, which designs and develops products for a variety of companies, including Microsoft, Abbott Laboratories, Nike, and Spacelabs Medical.