DNA sequencing company Illumina partners with Sequoia Capital to launch genomics incubator in China

Illumina is one of the leading companies when it comes to DNA sequencing and array-based technologies. And today, the company announced a partnership agreement with Sequoia Capital China to launch a genomics incubator in China.  Powered by Illumina, the collaboration aims to catalyze the startup ecosystem in China with the launch of the Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator. The company creation engine will focus on building life sciences startup companies advancing breakthrough applications in genomics.

Founded in 1998 by David R. Walt, Satnam Alag, Larry Bock, and John Stuelpnagel, the San Diego, California-based is a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments.

Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina will leverage the expertise of Illumina for Startups in building genomics companies with the unparalleled track record of Illumina Accelerator in the San Francisco Bay Area and Cambridge, UK. Sequoia Capital China will dedicate to this genomics incubator its investment expertise and unmatched community of entrepreneurs to advance genomics founders, which marks another strategic step following the launch of Sequoia Capital China Digital Intelligent Incubator.

“Illumina has a successful track record of creating venture-backed genomics startup companies through Illumina Accelerator in the U.S. and UK,” said Francis deSouza, Chief Executive Officer at Illumina. “Together with Sequoia Capital China, we will now partner with leading entrepreneurs in China to build genomics startup companies that unlock powerful breakthrough genomics applications and clinical sequencing solutions that harness the unique strengths and dynamic markets in China.”

“As a key driver fueling and accelerating innovations and entrepreneurship, we are committed to taking the initiative in incubating startups and enabling innovators to access global resources, ultimately transforming advanced technologies into products and services of essential value,” said Neil Shen, Steward of Sequoia Capital, Founding and Managing Partner of Sequoia Capital China. “Together with Illumina, we aim to build a genomics innovation platform to discover and nurture founders in the field of genomics in China. We also look forward to working together with many more leading healthcare companies to jointly promote the development of human wellbeing.”

During two six-month funding cycles per year, the genomics incubator will provide selected startups with access to investment and business guidance from Sequoia Capital China, access to Illumina sequencing systems and reagents, as well as genomics expertise, and fully operational lab space in Shanghai, China. The inaugural funding cycle of the genomics incubator will begin in Fall 2021.

“China has a vibrant genomic startup ecosystem, supported by the country’s strategic plan and robust long-term investment. We’re thrilled to bring our best genomics technologies and innovation models to this market and Chinese innovators,” said Li Qing, Vice President and General Manager of Greater China at Illumina. “Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina will fuel genomic startup creation and demonstrates Illumina’s development and commitment in China.”

Applications for the inaugural funding cycle of Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina, are open until June 1, 2021. Interested tech startup founders can apply here.