Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

What Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory does

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is a 135-year-old nonprofit research and education institution headquartered at 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, operating with 501-1000 employees across five wholly-owned units: the DNA Learning Center (DNALC), Meetings & Courses Program, CSHL Press, the Banbury Center, and the Center for Humanities. CSHL's research arm conducts fundamental investigations in neuroscience (whole-brain connectomics, including a 500 TB mouse brain wiring-diagram dataset), cancer biology (PTP1B inhibitors for Alzheimer's, breast-cancer antibody/blood-brain barrier research, cryo-EM antibody therapies), and plant genetics (CRISPR gene editing, comparative genomics across 284 species, Lemnaceae protein crop research), with proprietary platforms including the Cheese3D computer vision system, a compact neural-response-prediction AI model, and the Conservatory genomics pipeline.

The education arm — the DNA Learning Center, established in 1988 — operates as the world's first science center devoted entirely to genetics education, delivering hands-on science camps and field trips across four physical locations (Cold Spring Harbor, Brooklyn at CUNY City Tech, Sleepy Hollow with Regeneron, and Wayne, NJ with PCTI), supplemented by on-demand virtual camps and school delivery partnerships. Tuition ranges from $420 (on-demand) to $700 (advanced in-person) per student per week, with BCSI-issued microcredentials, STARS scholarships, and employer-discount programs for CSHL, CUNY, Regeneron, and PCTI employees; more than 750,000 middle and high school students have been served cumulatively.

Revenue is diversified across tuition, philanthropic donations (including $7M+ raised at the 2025 Double Helix Medals dinner), competitive grants (e.g., $750K FFAR in 2022, $750K TD Bank in 2019, $3M Sloan in 2013), and technology transfer/licensing through VP Andrew Whiteley's office. The institution operates strategic co-development partnerships with DepYmed (PTP1B Alzheimer's program), Regeneron (educational co-location), CUNY/City Tech (Brooklyn facility), Passaic County Technical Institute (NJ facility), and Oxford Nanopore (classroom sequencing), and collaborates on research with Stony Brook, Rutgers, Rockefeller, the Allen Institute, and others. Governance is by an independent Board of Trustees that in 2026 added Stephen Della Pietra (Head of Research, Renaissance Technologies).

Name

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Legal name

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Website

https://dnalc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1890

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a nonprofit research and education institution founded in 1890 that conducts fundamental research in neuroscience, cancer biology, and plant genetics while operating the DNA Learning Center, delivering hands-on genetics summer camps, field trips, and on-demand virtual programs to middle and high school students across four NY/NJ locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Genetics Education and Biomedical Research

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Biomedical Sciences & Medical Research Institutes (University-Based) (EDAHAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Genetic & Genomic Testing (germline, somatic, carrier, pharmacogenomics) (HLAAALAD)

Keywords

• Genetics education
• Molecular biology research
• Neuroscience research
• Science summer camps
• Bioinformatics training

Headquarters

HQ city

Cold Spring Harbor

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Science camp tuition: Primary revenue stream from tuition fees for summer science camps for students grades 6-12, ranging from $600-$700 per student per week. Additional revenue from on-demand virtual camps at $420 per student. Programs include need-based scholarships and employee discounts.
2. Philanthropic donations and fundraising: Annual fundraising events including the Double Helix Medals dinner raised over $7 million in 2025. Additional revenue from donor contributions supporting research and education programs.
3. Technology transfer and licensing: CSHL's technology transfer program aims to commercialize early-stage discoveries into tools and therapies for patients and researchers through industry partnerships and intellectual property licensing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is a private nonprofit research and education institution that conducts fundamental research in neuroscience, cancer biology, and plant genetics, and operates the DNA Learning Center (DNALC) — the world's first science center devoted entirely to genetics education. DNALC delivers hands-on molecular biology science camps, field trips, on-demand virtual camps, educator training, and bioinformatics platforms for middle and high school students and teachers at four NY/NJ metro locations and via virtual programming. The institution also runs a technology transfer program that commercializes early-stage research discoveries through industry partnerships and intellectual property licensing.

Product overview

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's DNA Learning Center (DNALC) operates as the world's first science center devoted entirely to genetics education, offering a comprehensive portfolio of hands-on science programs. The core offering consists of the DNA Learning Center brand with multiple physical locations (Dolan DNALC in Cold Spring Harbor, DNALC NYC in Brooklyn, Regeneron DNALC in Sleepy Hollow, and DNALC at Passaic County in New Jersey). The product portfolio includes structured science camps spanning grades 6-12, from entry-level Fun with DNA through advanced Sequence a Genome workshops. Camps are delivered through in-person sessions at four locations, year-round virtual On-Demand programs, and educator training. The Research Preparation Track provides advanced workshops including DNA Barcoding, DNA Science, Synthetic Biology, BioCoding, Genome Science, and Sequence a Genome for students preparing for research careers. Supplementary offerings include BCSI microcredentials, the STARS STEM scholarship program, Saturday DNA! family sessions, DNALC LIVE! video programming, and the DNA Subway 2.0 bioinformatics platform. The organization also operates a Licensed Centers network, museum exhibitions including Ötzi the Iceman, and the DNALC Partners in STEM Center at Arecibo Observatory.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DNA Learning Center (DNALC) The DNA Learning Center is a dedicated genetics education science center offering hands-on molecular biology and genetics experiences for students and educators through labs, programs, and resources, with a 35+ year curriculum development history.
• Science Camps Program Structured summer science camps for grades 6-12 offered in-person at four DNALC locations and virtually on-demand, covering genetics, forensics, biotechnology, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics with hands-on professional-grade lab techniques.
• DNALC NYC at City Tech Brooklyn-based DNA Learning Center location operated in collaboration with CUNY at City Tech, featuring six teaching labs with state-of-the-art equipment and two bioinformatics labs for science education.
• Regeneron DNA Learning Center Westchester County-based DNA Learning Center operated in partnership with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals at the Sleepy Hollow campus, serving students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
• DNA Learning Center at Passaic County Biotechnology Innovation Center 6,500-square-foot DNA Learning Center facility in Wayne, New Jersey bridging Passaic County Technical Institute and community college, opened in 2024, includes two teaching labs, bioinformatics lab, research/supply chain lab, and prep lab.
• On-Demand Virtual Camps Pre-recorded video-based virtual camps allowing students to complete curriculum at their own pace with lab kits shipped to homes, available year-round for selected programs at $420 per student (US only).
• Research Preparation Track Advanced workshop series for grades 10-12 high school students teaching professional research techniques including DNA Barcoding, Synthetic Biology, BioCoding, Genome Science, and Sequence a Genome, with most advanced track offering portable nanopore sequencing and genome assembly.
• BCSI Microcredentials Industry-recognized certifications from the Biosciences Core Skills Institute offered through eligible DNALC camps, including Small Volume Metrology and Aseptic Technique credentials.
• STARS STEM Program Selective two-week full-scholarship summer research experience for students completing 9th grade, providing laboratory skills, coding training, and mentorship from working scientists.
• DNA Subway 2.0 Bioinformatics platform for analyzing DNA sequences and conducting genome analysis, updated with a new interface for 2026 enabling students and researchers to analyze DNA data anywhere.
• DNALC LIVE! Video programming series engaging educators, students, and the public through content on topics including Bacteria and Antibiotics, Diversity of Life: Plant and Animal Cells, and DNA Restriction Analysis, with 125+ events.
• Saturday DNA! Monthly hands-on science sessions for families during the academic year covering molecular biology and genetics topics at DNALC facilities.
• Educator Training Professional development workshops for teachers in biotechnology and genetics including nanopore sequencing and DNA barcoding training, offered free through federal and private foundation funding.
• Citizen DNA Barcode Network Community science program engaging citizen researchers and community teams in using DNA barcoding methods to explore and document local biodiversity.
• School Lab Field Trips In-person and virtual science field trips delivering hands-on biology and genetics experiences for middle and high school students, with options to cover Advanced Placement Biology lab techniques through extended lab experiences.
• Fun with DNA Camp Entry-level DNA science camp for grades 6-7 featuring hands-on labs where students extract DNA, use microscopes, and genetically engineer bacteria. Available in-person ($600) and on-demand ($420).
• Synthetic Biology Camp Advanced workshop for grades 10-12 exploring gene editing and genome construction to program living cells using molecular biology and computer science techniques, priced at $700.
• Sequence a Genome Camp The most advanced DNALC program where students entering grades 11-12 use portable nanopore sequencers to perform real-time DNA sequencing and assemble genome sequences, priced at $700.
• Technology Transfer and Licensing Program CSHL's technology transfer program that commercializes early-stage discoveries into tools and therapies for patients and researchers through industry partnerships and intellectual property licensing, led by VP Andrew Whiteley.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 750,000 students educated in genetics and molecular biology over 35+ years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• The Allen InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 2026Collaborated with CSHL plant development experts to explain Voronoi patterns discovered in Chinese money plant leaves, suggesting understanding of natural algorithms could influence biological structure formation research.
• Rutgers UniversityminorOthers · 14 May 2026Coalition of 16 researchers from Rutgers University, NIH, Rockefeller University, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Stony Brook University, New York Medical College, and CSHL published comprehensive review identifying methodological flaws in studies of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, Long COVID, and ME/CFS.
• Breakthrough Prize FoundationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 April 2026CSHL designs science laboratories for Breakthrough Junior Challenge winners as part of the prize package, including a $100,000 lab for the winning student's school.
• International plant science consortium (Conservatory platform)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2026International team published study in Science revealing approximately 2.3 million conserved non-coding DNA sequences across 284 plant species using new comparative genomics platform called Conservatory.
• Stony Brook University Renaissance School of MedicineminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2026Researchers from Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine and CSHL conducted preclinical study investigating Listeria monocytogenes-based cancer vaccine for colorectal cancer tumor growth control.
• Bergen County AcademiesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 23 February 2026Bergen County Academies emerged as leading institution for student science research, ranking third nationally in semifinalists and first in finalists in Regeneron Science Talent Search. DNALC partnership supports biotechnology education.
• DepYmed Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2026CSHL's Tonks lab is collaborating with DepYmed, Inc. to develop PTP1B inhibitors as a potential therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease. Goal is to pair inhibitors with existing approved drugs to slow disease progression and improve patient quality of life.
• Pomfret SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026DNALC partners with Pomfret School in Connecticut to offer Forensic Science overnight camp for middle school students on their campus, taught by DNALC educators.
• Miss Porter's SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026DNALC partners with Miss Porter's School in Farmington, CT to offer Fun with DNA camp as part of their Summer Explorations day camp, taught by DNALC educators.
• Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Regeneron DNALC operates at Regeneron's Sleepy Hollow Campus, serving Westchester, Hudson Valley, NJ, and CT. Partnership includes employee discount program for Regeneron employees' children (20% tuition reduction).
• Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024DNA Learning Center at Passaic County Biotechnology Innovation Center (PCBIC) opened in 2024, bridging PCTI vocational-technical high school and community college. Partnership includes employee discount program for PCTI employees (20% tuition reduction).
• Crop One HoldingscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 December 2022Research partner with CSHL on FFAR-funded project to develop aquatic Lemnaceae plants for high-protein food sources, focusing on optimization of growth and production in controlled environments.
• City University of New York (CUNY) / City TechcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021DNALC NYC operates at CUNY City Tech in Brooklyn, including six teaching labs and two bioinformatics labs. Partnership includes employee discount program for CUNY employees (20% tuition reduction).

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The Salk Institute for Biological Studies: Independent nonprofit biological research institute of comparable scale (~1,000 employees) conducting fundamental research in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology, and genetics. Closest structural analogue to CSHL as a private, endowment-driven biomedical research organization with graduate training programs.
• The Jackson Laboratory: Independent nonprofit genetics and genomics research institution with a parallel mission focus on mammalian genetics, disease models, and educational outreach. Highly comparable to CSHL in combining fundamental genetic research with education programs serving students and educators.
• Scripps Research: One of the largest independent biomedical research organizations in the US, conducting fundamental research in chemistry, immunology, and neuroscience. Comparable in mission, scale (multiple sites), and graduate training programs, though larger than CSHL.
• Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research: MIT-affiliated independent research institute focused on biomedical research with similar faculty scale and a private-nonprofit funding model. Comparable in fundamental research mission and cancer/genetics focus areas.
• Stowers Institute for Medical Research: Independent biomedical research institute of similar employee scale and private-nonprofit funding model, conducting fundamental research in gene regulation, regeneration, and cancer. Structurally analogous to CSHL as a private research institution.
• Gladstone Institutes: UCSF-affiliated independent biomedical research institute with similar scale and disease-area focus (cardiovascular, neuroscience, immunology). Comparable model of independent research operations combined with university affiliation.
• Allen Institute for Brain Science: Philanthropically funded neuroscience research organization with similar scale and AI/computational biology approach (e.g., connectomics, large-scale data). Direct overlap with CSHL's neuroscience and brain-mapping research, and parallel funding model.
• Rockefeller University: Private research university with graduate programs in biomedical sciences and a similar focus on fundamental biological discovery. Comparable in mission and private-nonprofit funding model, though larger and credential-granting.
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Independent cancer research and treatment center with substantial basic-research operations. Directly comparable to CSHL's cancer biology research mission, though materially larger and focused solely on oncology.

Broad incumbents

• Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI): Largest private biomedical research organization in the US, funding scientists across many host institutions and operating the Janelia Research Campus. Overlaps with CSHL in biomedical research mission and scale, but operates a much broader portfolio across many sites.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dnalc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/DNALearningCenter
• Facebookfacebook.com/dolandnalearningcenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cold-spring-harbor-laboratory
• Instagraminstagram.com/dnalearningcenter

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors3 records

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory