Illumina Inc, San Francisco, has selected four new investments for the Illumina Accelerator, the world’s first business accelerator focused solely on creating an innovation ecosystem for the genomics industry.

Photo Ronaghi Mostafa crop640

Mostafa Ronaghi, PhD, Illumina.

“Illumina Accelerator is pleased to have such a promising group of startups join our growing genomics community,” says Mostafa Ronaghi, PhD, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Illumina, and cofounder of Illumina Accelerator. “We’re here to provide access to our best-in-class sequencers, a support team of genomics professionals and entrepreneurial coaches, and the tools each of these startups need to advance breakthrough applications in genomics.”

The selected startups for the third funding cycle are:

  • MetaMixis Inc, a synthetic biology company spun out of the University of British Columbia, specializing in the rapid discovery of enzymes and pathways to produce bio-based materials and chemicals.
  • NextGen Jane Inc, a novel medtech company based on technology developed at Harvard University, offering women insights into their reproductive health through a genomics-driven approach to tracking biological changes predictive of disease.
  • Skinomics Inc, a skin microbiome company formed by faculty members from the University of California, Los Angeles, harnessing genomics information from the cutaneous microbiome to create advances in skin care, with a current focus on acne.
  • Vitagene Inc, a health technology company leveraging genomic science to offer physicians a platform for data-driven care and delivering highly customized products and services for optimal health.

During the 6-month accelerator funding cycle, each startup will gain access to business guidance and fully operational lab space in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as seed investment, a subscription to Illumina’s NextBio translational genomics database, Illumina’s Genologics Clarity LIMS software, access to match funding through the $40 million Illumina Accelerator Boost Capital, and Illumina’s sequencing systems and reagents.

Amanda Cashin, PhD, Illumina Accelerator.

Amanda Cashin, PhD, Illumina Accelerator.

“Illumina Accelerator continues to propel talented entrepreneurs by providing unparalleled resources to help advance their genomics startups,” says Amanda Cashin, PhD, cofounder and head of Illumina Accelerator. “The quality and diversity of our four newest investments is an indicator of the potential impact of genomics in a range of different fields. We’re thrilled to have such an inspiring group join us for round three.”

Applications for the spring 2016 funding cycle are due by March 1, 2016. To apply, visit www.illumina.com/accelerator.