Skip to content
Illumina For Startups

breakthrough genomics startups

Building Breakthrough Genomics Startups in China

Illumina and Sequoia Capital China launched Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina, in 2021. The company creation engine focuses on building life sciences startup companies advancing breakthrough applications in genomics. 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.

breakthrough genomics startups

Key Resources to Drive Value for Genomics Startups

capital investment

Capital

Sequoia Capital China provides startups access to seed investment.
high quality business coaching

Coaching

We provide our startups with high quality business guidance and expertise to help guide your go-to-market strategy, financing strategy, team building, and beyond.
access Illumina sequencing products

Sequencing

Startups work with Illumina sequencing systems and reagents in a fully operational lab space.
access to fully equipped facilities

Facilities

Startups have access to fully equipped lab and office space so they can begin experiments on day one. The facility is located in the Zhangjiang Cell Industrial Park, Shanghai.

Gallery

Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina Investments

We partner with genomics-driven startups in China to drive new commercial innovations and unlock the power of the genome. Our investments are advancing breakthrough applications in genomics and multi-omics, including novel therapeutics, diagnostics, agriculture, synthetic biology, software, and direct-to-consumer applications.
  • Mobi Drop
  • Sequanta

Hear from China Genomics Incubator Companies

  • “Illumina and Sequoia China are both recognized in China and globally for helping startups achieve technology breakthroughs. We’re excited to accelerate our product development by working with Illumina.”

    Hao Pei

    Co-founder & CEO, MobiDrop

  • "We would like to take this chance to work on our multi-omics projects together with Illumina and explore the possibilities for future proteomics and multi-omics applications."

    Yuan Li
    General Manager, Sequanta

Frequently Asked Questions

Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina


In 2021, Illumina collaborated with Sequoia Capital China to catalyze the startup ecosystem in China with the launch of 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 in China.


The incubator will leverage the expertise of Illumina for Startups in building genomics companies. Sequoia Capital China will dedicate to the genomics incubator its investment expertise and community of entrepreneurs to advance genomics founders.
 

General Q&A

 You are eligible if you are:

  • Genomic researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, or early-stage companies from academia or industry in China, or want to enter China market
  • Using genomics and/or multi-omics sequencing technology to commercialize therapeutics, diagnostics, research tools, synthetic biology, Al/software, direct-to-consumer products, and applications for plant, animal health, or human health
  • From concept stage to Series B

Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina selects applicants based on team dynamic, experience, and product characteristics (eg, intellectual property (IP), demonstrated market acceptance, etc). Factors also include the go-to-market strategy, overall market potential, and total financial considerations.

The final selection decision is made by steering committee of Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina, which comprises members of IIIumina and Sequoia Capital China.

Selected startups must locate at the genomics incubator facility in Shanghai, China during the 6-month cycle. Startups may maintain a second operational site, but at least two co-founders must be full-time, on-site during the 6-month funding cycle.

During two, six-month funding cycles per year, Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina, will provide selected startups access to:

  • Up to $500,000 USD upfront investment and business guidance from Sequoia Capital China
  • Access to Illumina sequencing systems and reagents
  • Genomics expertise to drive key milestone for the selected startups
  • Fully operational lab space in an independent facility, located in Shanghai, China
Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina, have two, six-month funding cycles per year. The startup application portal can be found here and includes information about the upcoming funding cycle timelines.

Yes, Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina, is happy to connect with prospective startups. Please see the contact information below for Sequoia Capital China and Illumina For Startups.


Sequoia Capital China
incubatorbio@sequoiacap.com


Illumina For Startups
ChinaIncubator@illumina.com

Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, powered by Illumina Shanghai
Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare

Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare

Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina
No. 43, Lane 100, Banxia Road Pudong New Area, Shanghai

For Research Use Only

Not for use in diagnostic procedures (except as specifically noted).

Innovative technologies

At Illumina, our goal is to apply innovative technologies to the analysis of genetic variation and function, making studies possible that were not even imaginable just a few years ago. It is mission critical for us to deliver innovative, flexible, and scalable solutions to meet the needs of our customers. As a global company that places high value on collaborative interactions, rapid delivery of solutions, and providing the highest level of quality, we strive to meet this challenge. Illumina innovative sequencing and array technologies are fueling groundbreaking advancements in life science research, translational and consumer genomics, and molecular diagnostics.

All trademarks are the property of Illumina, Inc. or their respective owners.
For specific trademark information, see www.illumina.com/company/legal.html.

© 2024 Illumina, Inc. All rights reserved.