Due to technological advancements resulting in plummeting costs and quicker techniques for sequencing DNA, investments in genomics startup companies are on the rise. In 2016, approximately $1.7 billion was invested in genomics companies, while in 2017, investments are on track to reach $3.2 billion.

In 2001, it cost almost $3 billion to sequence a single genome; currently, the cost is less than $1,000, and according to Illumina, the company will soon be able to bring the price down to $100. Because of this, companies that focus on intelligent data analytics and data mining that provide clinical diagnoses based on sequencing results are attracting venture funds.

In 2013, an estimated $500 million was invested in genomics around the world, while in 2017, investments have increased to approximately $3.3 billion. Genomics companies such as Wuxi NextCode, Color Genomics and Sophia Genetics received substantial investments from venture capital firms of $240 million, $80 million and $30 million, respectively, earlier this year. Although technological challenges remain, health care systems like the National Health Service in England are focusing on customizing services to patients according to their distinctive genetic codes.

Source: Financial Times