What Briefcase Biotec does

Briefcase Biotec GmbH, operating commercially as Kilobaser, is an Austrian life science tools company founded in 2014 in Graz by three co-founders — Alexander Murer (CEO), Martin Jost, and Bernhard Tittelbach — combining engineering and biology backgrounds. The company has developed the Kilobaser One and One-XT, described as the world's first plug-and-play benchtop DNA and RNA synthesizers, built on proprietary microfluidic chip technology with integrated CPG columns driven by argon or nitrogen gas pressure (6-10 bar). A closed reagent cartridge system eliminates halogenated solvents and reduces reagent consumption by approximately 100-fold versus traditional column-based synthesizers. The platform produces ~300 pmol total yield per synthesis with ~2.5 minute cycle times, enabling labs to generate custom DNA/RNA oligos and modified probes (6-FAM, BHQ-1, biotin, RNA modifications including 2'-MOE, 2'-OMe, 2'-F) in under 2 hours rather than waiting days or weeks for external synthesis services.

The company monetizes through a hardware-plus-consumables model: one-time device sales (Kilobaser One and One-XT synthesizers, plus accessories like the Multi Rack and N2Go portable nitrogen generator) plus recurring revenue from single-use reagent cartridges, microfluidic chips, and the OliPure HIC purification kit. Standard DNA cartridges are priced at €75 for 150 bases. Customized cartridge development for specialized modifications is offered on application. Go-to-market combines direct e-commerce self-serve (kilobaser.com webshop) with demo-driven enterprise sales, supported by channel partners — Meiwafosis as exclusive Japan distributor and Focus Academy partnership for the US — and Y Combinator network access following the company's W21 batch participation. Customers span life science research labs (academic and commercial), molecular diagnostics companies, agro-biotechnology, and emerging DNA data storage research, with named users including MatMaCorp, Biogenes Technologies, Evolutta Agro Biotech, IST Austria, and UnternehmerTUM across Austria, USA, Japan, Brazil, and Malaysia.

By early 2021, the company had reached approximately US$500k in cumulative revenue since its April 2020 product launch, with ~US$300k booked during the two-month YC program, and was actively raising a US$2M seed round. The company has participated in multiple accelerator and investor programs from 2014-2023, including RebelBio, SOSV, Y Combinator (W21), Khosla Ventures, TSVC, and BioTools Innovator. Strategic research involvement includes the EU-funded DNAMIC consortium (EIC Pathfinder programme) developing autonomous DNA data archiving microfactories, positioning the company at the intersection of benchtop synthesis tools and emerging DNA data storage applications.

Name

Briefcase Biotec

Legal name

Kilobaser GmbH

Website

https://kilobaser.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Briefcase Biotec (Kilobaser) builds the world's first plug-and-play benchtop DNA/RNA synthesizer using proprietary microfluidic chip and closed-cartridge chemistry, enabling life science research labs, molecular diagnostics firms, and synthetic biology researchers to synthesize custom oligos and probes in-house in under two hours instead of outsourcing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Laboratory Instruments

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845)

akta.pro primary industry

Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Synthetic Biology & Genetic Circuit Design Platforms (pathway engineering, chassis development) (HLAAAIAD)

Keywords

• Desktop DNA synthesizer
• Microfluidic oligonucleotide synthesis
• Benchtop RNA synthesizer
• Lab-on-a-chip DNA
• In-house oligo production

Headquarters

HQ city

Graz

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of Kilobaser One and One-XT benchtop DNA/RNA synthesizers. Devices enable labs to produce custom oligos in-house, replacing external synthesis services.
2. Reagent Cartridges: Recurring sales of reagent cartridges (Standard DNA, 6-FAM DNA, 2'-MOE RNA, Customized, etc.) and microfluidic chips. Cartridges provide reagent material for 100-150 bases depending on type. Consumables repurchased as cartridges are consumed.
3. Purification Kits: Sale of OliPure HIC Purification Kit for oligonucleotide purification after synthesis. Kit includes 10 purification tubes per unit.
4. Customized Cartridge Development: Development and small-scale production of individual DNA and RNA modifications. Price depends on development effort, reagent costs, time, and manufacturing quantity. Targets researchers with specialized modification needs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Briefcase Biotec (operating as Kilobaser) develops and sells benchtop DNA/RNA synthesizers (Kilobaser One and Kilobaser One-XT) that use proprietary microfluidic chip and reagent cartridge technology to enable laboratories to synthesize custom oligonucleotides, modified nucleotides, and fluorescent probes in-house in under two hours. The company also sells consumable reagent cartridges, microfluidic chips, an oligonucleotide purification kit, and a portable nitrogen generator accessory.

Product overview

Kilobaser offers a benchtop DNA/RNA synthesis platform centered on the Kilobaser One and One-XT synthesizers. The core instruments use proprietary microfluidic chip and reagent cartridge technology to enable automated synthesis of custom DNA/RNA oligos, modified nucleotides, and fluorescent probes in under 2 hours. The product line includes specialized reagent cartridges (Standard DNA, 6-FAM DNA, Customized, RNA modifications including 2'-MOE, 2'-OMe, 2'-F), purpose-built microfluidic chips for different synthesis types, and the OliPure HIC Purification Kit for post-synthesis cleanup. The platform is complemented by the N₂Go nitrogen generator accessory. Target applications span PCR, qPCR, CRISPR, multiplex detection, and DNA data storage research.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DigNA: European DNA data storage portfolio - 9 EU-funded projects advancing DNA data storage, including the DNAMIC project.
• DNAMIC

Products and services

• Kilobaser One Benchtop-sized DNA synthesizer for automated DNA oligo synthesis using Kilobaser standard reagent cartridge and chip system; targeted at life science research labs.
• Kilobaser One-XT Benchtop DNA and RNA synthesizer for automated synthesis of custom oligos, DNA probes, and modified nucleotides, featuring microfluidic chip-based technology with ~300 pmol total yield and ~2.5 min cycle time.
• Kilobaser N2Go Compact benchtop nitrogen generator for DNA and RNA synthesis workflows, eliminating the need for external gas cylinders.
• Standard DNA Cartridge Reagent cartridge providing 150 DNA bases (75 nt each of A, T, C, G) for standard DNA oligo synthesis; shelf life 1 year at 4°C, used within 2 weeks of activation.
• 6-FAM DNA Cartridge Reagent cartridge providing 100 DNA bases including 6-FAM modification at 5'-end for fluorescent probe synthesis; store at -20°C, use within 1 week of opening.
• 2'-MOE RNA Cartridge Reagent cartridge providing 150 2'-O-methoxyethyl RNA bases; modification offers improved duplex stability, nuclease resistance, and low toxicity.
• 2'-OMe RNA Cartridge Reagent cartridge providing 150 2'-O-methyl RNA bases; modification provides enhanced duplex stability, nuclease resistance, and low toxicity.
• 2'-F RNA Cartridge Reagent cartridge providing 150 2'-fluoro RNA bases; 2'-F-RNA modification increases thermal stability of RNA duplexes.
• Amino Modifier C6 Cartridge Reagent cartridge providing 100 DNA bases with Amino Modifier C6 for 5'-end labeling; C6 spacer distance allows optimized biomolecule binding without interfering with the oligonucleotide.
• Biotin Cartridge Reagent cartridge providing 100 DNA bases with biotin modification; biotin's affinity for streptavidin/avidin supports a wide range of applications.
• Phosphorylation Cartridge Reagent cartridge providing 100 DNA bases with 5'-phosphorylation for ligase reactions; 5'-phosphorylated oligos are optimized as substrates in ligase reactions.
• Customized Cartridge Custom-developed reagent cartridge for individual DNA and RNA modifications for synthesis with Kilobaser One-XT; pricing depends on development effort, reagent costs, time, and manufacturing quantity.
• Standard Chip Single-use microfluidic chip with integrated CPG column for standard DNA and RNA oligo synthesis on Kilobaser One and One-XT instruments.
• 6-FAM Label Chip Microfluidic chip for single 6-FAM labeled DNA probe synthesis; BHQ-1 quencher dye integrated at 3'-end for TaqMan probe applications.
• BHQ-1 Quencher Chip Microfluidic chip with BHQ-1 modification anchored at 3'-end for TaqMan probe synthesis; store dry and dark at room temperature.
• Amino Modifier C6 Label Chip Microfluidic chip for 5'-end Amino Modifier C6 labeled DNA oligo synthesis.
• OliPure HIC Purification Kit HIC column-based oligonucleotide purification kit using phenyl-modified agarose; purifies DNA/RNA oligonucleotides ≥12 nt in under 10 minutes with ~75% recovery rate and removes fluorophores and salts in a single spin.
• Multi Rack Multi Rack synthesizer accessory for expanded synthesis capabilities on Kilobaser instruments.

Quantifiable outcome

• DNA oligo synthesis in under 2 hours vs. days to weeks from external services
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Focus AcademycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 December 2021Partnership to open US office in downtown San Francisco. Focus Academy is a global activation hub catalyzing innovation for science and technology. Provides vibrant space, flexible laboratories, targeted business support, and access to founder community. Enables Kilobaser to showcase microfluidic desktop synthesis technology and streamline support for US customers.
• Meiwafosis Co., Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive distributor for Japan. Meiwafosis has been contributing to Japan's scientific research by providing state-of-the-art instruments from overseas manufacturers since 1968. Serves research institutes including universities, colleges, and private companies in biology, nanotech, and environmental sciences. Staff in major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Sendai, Nagoya) support customers throughout Japan.
• DNAMIC ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDNAMIC is funded by European Union's EIC Pathfinder programme. Consortium aims to develop an autonomous microfactory for end-to-end DNA data archiving. Low-energy consumption solutions for encoding, synthesizing, storing, and retrieving data stored in DNA. Project represents significant advancement in making DNA-based storage economically viable.
• Thomas Heinis' DNA Storage Research Group at Imperial College LondonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Imperial College London's DNA Storage Research Group for developing DNA data storage applications. Part of broader DNAMIC project to synthesize kilo-base long DNA strands for data storage.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Direct peers

• DNA Script: DNA Script makes the Syntax benchtop DNA synthesizer using a similar microfluidic/enzymatic approach with phosphoramidite-free chemistry. It is the most direct comparable to Kilobaser, targeting the same academic and diagnostic lab customers with a plug-and-play oligo printer, but operates with substantially more capital ($300M+ raised).
• Nuclera: Nuclera develops the eSynth benchtop DNA and protein synthesizer, a plug-and-play cartridge-based system targeting the same decentralized synthesis use case as Kilobaser. Both compete for life science research lab bench space with desktop form factors and consumable-driven economics.

Emerging players

• Ansa Bio: Ansa Bio is developing enzymatic DNA synthesis technology aimed at faster, longer oligos than current phosphoramidite-based methods. While not yet shipping a benchtop product comparable to Kilobaser, it targets overlapping end-customers (synthetic biology, diagnostics, data storage) and represents a future competitive threat.
• Camena Bioscience: Camena Bioscience is a UK-based synthetic biology company developing enzymatic DNA synthesis (Synura™) for gene synthesis applications. It overlaps with Kilobaser on the synthesis technology axis and competes for the same downstream customers in research and synthetic biology.
• Molecular Assemblies: Molecular Assemblies has been developing enzymatic DNA synthesis using template-free, terminator-based chemistry aimed at longer, higher-fidelity oligos. While still pre-commercial, it represents another emerging enzymatic approach that competes for the same decentralized synthesis narrative as Kilobaser.
• Ribbon Biolabs: Ribbon Biolabs is an Austria-based (Vienna) company developing long DNA synthesis technology for gene-length constructs. It is a regional peer and adjacent technology competitor in the European synthesis tools landscape, sharing geography with Kilobaser but focusing on much longer DNA than Kilobaser's benchtop short-mer platform.

Broad incumbents

• Twist Bioscience: Twist Bioscience operates a silicon-based DNA synthesis platform at industrial scale for gene synthesis, oligo pools, and DNA data storage. It is the dominant large-scale synthesis incumbent and competes with Kilobaser for the same end-customers (although via centralized service rather than benchtop hardware).
• Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT): IDT (owned by Danaher) is the largest commercial provider of custom DNA and RNA oligos globally, serving the same life science research, diagnostics, and CRISPR customers that Kilobaser targets. It represents the centralized-service alternative to Kilobaser's decentralized benchtop model.
• Eurofins Genomics: Eurofins Genomics is one of the largest global DNA/RNA synthesis and sequencing service providers, with deep European footprint and broad catalog offerings. It is the dominant alternative for European labs evaluating in-house Kilobaser purchase against outsourcing to a regional incumbent.
• GenScript: GenScript is a global life science services and products provider offering gene synthesis, oligo synthesis, and CRISPR reagents at scale. It competes for the same biotech and academic customers as Kilobaser through centralized services, often at highly competitive price points.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kilobaser
• Xx.com/DNAPrototyper

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds7 records

Investors6 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Briefcase Biotec