SAN DIEGO, Nov. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Illumina, Inc.
(NASDAQ: ILMN), and Sequoia Capital China, a leading investment
firm, today jointly announced the selection of the first two
startup companies joining the Sequoia Capital China Intelligent
Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina. Located in
Zhangjiang Cell Industrial Park, Shanghai, the incubator will serve as a
company creation engine focused on supporting life sciences
startup companies who are poised to deliver breakthrough
applications in genomics and multiomics.
"The launch of this startup incubator demonstrates
Illumina's commitment to supporting the development of China's genomics industry and is a vital part
of the company's long-term localization strategy," said
Li Qing, Vice President and General
Manager of Greater China at
Illumina. "By leveraging this first-of-its-kind platform, and
together with Sequoia Capital China, we will continue to grow
China's biotechnology innovation
and business presence, as well as foster groundbreaking discoveries
with the aim to help millions of patients in China and around the world."
The startups selected for the inaugural funding cycle are:
Mobidrop Biotechnology, a medical device and
research tools company developing cutting-edge, single-cell
sequencing microfluidic technologies for molecular diagnostics
applications.
Sequanta Technologies, a multiomics company
committed to building DNA, RNA, epitome, and proteomics technology
platforms for research and clinical applications.
"Paying close attention to healthcare sector since our
inception, Sequoia Capital China has built up years of experience
in this field and developed a systematic portfolio," said
Yibo Cao, Managing Director of
Sequoia Capital China. "Through the Sequoia Capital China
Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina, we
look forward to working together with Illumina to translate
outstanding scientific research achievements into industrial
applications, to fuel the momentum of entrepreneurship and
innovations in China."
Startups will be selected twice a year to join the incubator for
a six-month funding cycle. Sequoia Capital China will provide them
with access to investment and business guidance, and they will work
with Illumina sequencing systems and reagents in a fully
operational lab space, accessing Illumina's genomics and business
expertise.
"The launch of this incubator marks a new chapter for genomics
startups and entrepreneurs in China," said Amanda
Cashin, Ph.D., co-founder and Global Head of Illumina For
Startups. "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."
Applications for the second funding cycle are open until
March 1, 2022. To learn more, please
visit the application website.
About Illumina For Startups
Illumina for Startups is focused solely on creating an
innovation ecosystem for the genomics industry by partnering with
leading venture capital investors and entrepreneurs to create,
launch, and grow genomics startups. Illumina for Startups
initiatives include Illumina Accelerator, founded in 2014, and
Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator,
Powered by Illumina, launched in 2021. Illumina Accelerator is a
company creation engine co-located with Illumina research and
development sites in San Francisco Bay
Area and Cambridge, UK.
Illumina Accelerator has invested in 61 genomics startups across
the globe, which have collectively raised over $1 billion in venture capital funding. For more
information, please visit our website.
About Illumina
Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the
genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as the 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. To
learn more, visit www.illumina.com and connect with us
on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram,
and YouTube.
About Sequoia Capital China
Sequoia China helps daring
founders build legendary companies. In partnering with Sequoia,
companies benefit from our unmatched community and the lessons
we've learned over the years. As "The Entrepreneurs Behind
The Entrepreneurs", Sequoia China focuses on three sectors: TMT,
healthcare and consumer/service. Over the past 16 years we've had
the privilege of working with more than 900 companies in
China.
Investors:
Brian Blanchett
858.291.6421
IR@illumina.com
Media:
Dr. Karen Birmingham
EMEA: +44 7500 105665
US: 646.355.2111
kbirmingham@illumina.com
Sam Shen (China)
+86 21 6032 1066
sam.shen@illumina.com
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SOURCE Illumina, Inc.