Illumina Accelerator, the genomics-focused startup accelerator sponsored by US-based genetic technology provider Illumina, has selected five startups to participate in its seventh cohort.
Participants could secure a convertible note from an accredited investor, in addition to matching funds from Illumina’s $40m Accelerator Boost Capital fund, contingent on them securing $1m to $5m from qualifying external sources.
The startups also gain access to genomics and sequencing resources, mentorship and working space. Helix, the personal genomics marketplace operator in which Illumina owns a stake, is partnering Illumina Accelerator for the latest class.
Graduates of Illumina Accelerator that have since raised funding include cell culturing platform developer Xcell Biosciences and microbiome engineering services provider EpiBiome.
Mostafa Ronaghi, Illumina’s chief technology and a co-founder of Illumina Accelerator, said: “At Illumina Accelerator, we provide entrepreneurs focused on breakthrough genomic sequencing applications key resources for success.
“Together, with our accomplished group of graduates, our newest investments are working to advance breakthrough applications in genomics, including therapeutics, diagnostics and direct-to-consumer applications.”
The five participants in question are:
- DermBiont, which is developing a range of microbial therapeutics for fungal skin infections;
- MedAnswers, whose service will match fertility experts with people struggling to conceive through the use of genetics and big data. MedAnswers is partnering Helix to deliver an application through the latter’s platform;
- Mediphage Bioceuticals, a University of Waterloo, Ontario spinout which is developing therapies for chronic diseases;
- TruGenomix Health, which is taking a precision genomics-led approach to offer personalised treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and
- Unite Genomics, a University of California, Berkeley spinout that will offer machine learning and large-scale genomic analysis to the biopharmaceutical and clinical research industries.