Illumina invests in Desktop Genetics’ technology to support the platform’s integration with NGS pipelines and improve CRISPR genome editing workflows

Desktop Genetics Ltd (“DTG” or “the Company”), a software company revolutionizing the way biologists use CRISPR gene editing technology, announced today that it has received investment funding from Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN), the global leader in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The investment will be used to fund the continued development and commercialization of the DESKGEN platform with a particular focus on integration with NGS pipelines.

The investment from Illumina follows DTG’s recent fundraising from a syndicate of venture capitalists and angel investors. This combined funding is being used to continue developing DTG’s proprietary DESKGEN genome editing software platform and core CRISPR algorithms. DTG is also investing in the expansion of its existing sales infrastructure and expanding marketing efforts to drive adoption of the technology across the industry.

The DESKGEN platform makes CRISPR gene editing more predictable, accessible and efficient, providing scientists with the capabilities they need to scale their genomics research. Users are walked through every step of the CRISPR gene editing process with a suite of lab-validated algorithms derived from leading peer-reviewed research and industry expertise. With DESKGEN, researchers can access  the latest advances, algorithms and expertise in CRISPR gene editing as new techniques are invented, enhancing their productivity and reducing the time and cost of gene editing.

Through partnerships with specialist service-providers including Transcriptic and Horizon Discovery, DTG offers CRISPR library design, synthesis and screening services, for high-throughput cell line engineering services in the cloud. To date, the DESKGEN platform has enabled over 2,000 gene editing experiments and has driven thousands of users to design and access the optimal reagents for their research.

Riley Doyle, CEO of DTG, commented: “We are delighted that Illumina has decided to invest in DTG, in recognition of the value our DESKGEN platform and software development expertise can add to CRISPR-based genome editing programs and next-generation sequencing applications.”

Nicholas Naclerio, Ph.D., SVP of Corporate and Venture Development at Illumina, commented: “We have been impressed by DTG’s proprietary DESKGEN platform for CRISPR-based gene editing. CRISPR is becoming increasingly important for NGS applications, and we are pleased to support DTG in executing their vision to build this market.”

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