Alithea Genomics wins CHF 150,000 to massively increase the throughput of RNA sequencing
28.04.2021
Lausanne-based Alithea Genomics has developed a novel technology that enables a high throughput library preparation for RNA sequencing. The startup’s MERCURIUS BRB-seq sample preparation protocol enables RNA sequencing on a large number of samples in a fast, robust, and cost-effective way. BRB-seq empowers the discovery of new drugs and biomarkers from large-scale studies. With the CHF 150,000, the startup will advance their BRB-seq kit offering and continue to expand the throughput and cost-efficiency of RNA-seq.
 The Alithea Genomics co-founders (from left to right): Dr. Daniel Alpern, Prof. Bart Deplancke, and Dr. Riccardo Dainese
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A fundamental challenge of biomedical research today is to understand the cellular function. Whereas the genes, the DNA, are well documented, and gene sequencing has become a commodity, the expression of genes, the RNA, and their sequencing remains a major challenge. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technologies allow unbiased, high-content analyses of thousands of genes at once to accelerate the discovery of new drugs and biomarkers. However, the high cost of standard sample preparation for RNA-seq experiments restricts and prevents the use of gene expression analysis in studies involving large sample sets, such as high-throughput drug screening.
To address this technological limitation, Alithea Genomics has developed a proprietary sample preparation solution—called BRB-seq—that drastically decreases costs while increasing the throughput of RNA-seq. The startup’s technology enables projects that were previously unimaginable because they were too expensive and laborious. Alithea Genomics’ solutions provide R&D platforms with complete high-content actionable data, making biobank functionalization and drug screenings efforts more feasible and efficient for insightful discoveries.
Alithea Genomics’ target markets include academic and industrial biomedical R&D labs, drug screening facilities of pharma companies, and biobanks—a market that is projected to reach USD 4.2 billion by 2024.
Alithea Genomics was founded in 2020 by Dr. Riccardo Dainese, Dr. Daniel Alpern, and Prof. Bart Deplancke. The startup will use the CHF 150,000 to expand its BRB-seq kit offering further and boost the revenues and services through dedicated marketing and sales activities. Moreover, part of the funds will be invested in the development of Alithea Genomics’ next-gen solution, which will bring throughput and cost-efficiency of RNA-seq to yet another new level.
“We entered the Venture Kick program following strong recommendations from fellow entrepreneurs. Our high expectations have been largely surpassed, as the Venture Kick jury and boot-camp sessions turned out to be extremely insightful for building and solidifying a credible business case. We are very grateful to the jury members and Jordi Monserrat for their constructive feedback. Like our predecessors, we will strongly encourage new and aspiring entrepreneurs to participate in the program,” said Dr. Riccardo Dainese.
The Alithea Genomics co-founders (from left to right): Dr. Daniel Alpern, Prof. Bart Deplancke, and Dr. Riccardo Dainese
To address this technological limitation, Alithea Genomics has developed a proprietary sample preparation solution—called BRB-seq—that drastically decreases costs while increasing the throughput of RNA-seq. The startup’s technology enables projects that were previously unimaginable because they were too expensive and laborious. Alithea Genomics’ solutions provide R&D platforms with complete high-content actionable data, making biobank functionalization and drug screenings efforts more feasible and efficient for insightful discoveries.
Alithea Genomics’ target markets include academic and industrial biomedical R&D labs, drug screening facilities of pharma companies, and biobanks—a market that is projected to reach USD 4.2 billion by 2024.
Alithea Genomics was founded in 2020 by Dr. Riccardo Dainese, Dr. Daniel Alpern, and Prof. Bart Deplancke. The startup will use the CHF 150,000 to expand its BRB-seq kit offering further and boost the revenues and services through dedicated marketing and sales activities. Moreover, part of the funds will be invested in the development of Alithea Genomics’ next-gen solution, which will bring throughput and cost-efficiency of RNA-seq to yet another new level.
“We entered the Venture Kick program following strong recommendations from fellow entrepreneurs. Our high expectations have been largely surpassed, as the Venture Kick jury and boot-camp sessions turned out to be extremely insightful for building and solidifying a credible business case. We are very grateful to the jury members and Jordi Monserrat for their constructive feedback. Like our predecessors, we will strongly encourage new and aspiring entrepreneurs to participate in the program,” said Dr. Riccardo Dainese.
The Alithea Genomics co-founders (from left to right): Dr. Daniel Alpern, Prof. Bart Deplancke, and Dr. Riccardo Dainese