Illumina Accelerator

Illumina Accelerator is a preeminent company creation engine established by Illumina, a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies. Its core mission is to foster breakthrough genomics startups by providing seed investment, scientific expertise, and unparalleled access to cutting-edge technologies. The program is strategically designed to accelerate the development of early-stage companies leveraging genomics across diverse fields, including diagnostics, therapeutics, agriculture, and synthetic biology. It operates out of key biotech hubs, including South San Francisco, California, and Cambridge, UK, attracting promising ventures globally.

The accelerator runs a rigorous six-month program, offering participating startups a comprehensive suite of resources tailored to their growth. Each selected company receives an initial seed investment of $100,000 via a convertible note. Beyond this capital, startups gain invaluable access to Illumina's state-of-the-art sequencing platforms, reagents, fully equipped lab space, and a robust network of scientific and business mentors. The program also provides extensive business guidance and deep genomics expertise directly from Illumina's internal teams, significantly de-risking and accelerating the development of novel applications.

Since its inception in 2014, Illumina Accelerator has demonstrated a profound impact on the global genomics startup ecosystem. It has invested in a substantial number of companies, with 74 genomics startups from around the world having passed through its doors as of recent reports. The program's alumni have collectively achieved remarkable success in attracting further capital, having raised over $1.9 billion in venture capital funding post-program. This impressive track record underscores Illumina Accelerator's pivotal role in identifying, nurturing, and scaling promising ventures that are shaping the future of genomics and its applications.