Rochester, NY — Diffinity Genomics, a Henrietta-based biotech company backed by venture capital fund Excell Partners and High Tech Rochester incubator, has been acquired by global life science company Chiral Technologies, Inc. Both Excell Partners and High Tech Rochester are affiliates of the University of Rochester where the technology originated.

Diffinity has developed DNA purification technology for equipment used in genomics research and molecular diagnostics, and was awarded a patent for the technology earlier this year. The company was founded in 2005, based on intellectual property developed with the University of Rochester. In 2007, Diffinity was admitted into the incubation program at High Tech Rochester, and Excell Partners invested in the company in 2010.

In a joint statement, Excell CEO Theresa Mazzullo and HTR President Jim Senall said that “Diffinity is yet another example of not only the great research and innovation taking place in Upstate New York, but an excellent example of the impact of active collaboration on emerging technologies. Excell’s investment, combined with HTR’s incubator services, provided the essential resources for Diffinity’s CEO to launch and grow the company.” Terms of the acquisition have not been made public.

About Excell Partners

Excell is a venture capital fund that invests in seed and early stage high-tech startups in Upstate New York, with the dual mission of generating investor returns and supporting economic development and job creation. Excell’s Portfolio includes investments in medical device, materials, energy, biotech, agtech, imaging, and IT/software ventures across New York State.

About High Tech Rochester (HTR)

High Tech Rochester is a nonprofit whose mission is to be a catalyst for entrepreneurship and innovation-based economic development, to aid in the formation and profitable growth of companies in the Rochester area and the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. HTR provides a suite of services, including technology commercialization for very-early-stage opportunities, business incubation for high-growth-potential startups, and growth services for existing manufacturing companies seeking to improve their top- and bottom-line performance.