Universal Sequencing
Universal Sequencing Technology (UST) is a Carlsbad-based private biotech that develops TELL-Seq linked-read library prep kits and AmpliDrop single-cell kits, enabling short-read Illumina sequencers to produce long-range genomic results for academic and commercial research labs worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersCanton, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Universal Sequencing does
Universal Sequencing Technology Corporation (UST) is a privately held biotechnology company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Carlsbad, California. The company develops and commercializes linked-read DNA sequencing library preparation technologies under its flagship TELL-Seq (Transposase Enzyme-Linked Long-read Sequencing) platform. TELL-Seq is a transposase-based, bead-based barcoding chemistry that enables short-read second-generation sequencing platforms — primarily Illumina instruments, plus Element Bio Aviti and MGI DNBSEQ systems — to produce ultra-long-range linked reads of up to 200kb or more, without requiring a dedicated long-read sequencer. The technology uses an open PCR-tube workflow rather than the water-in-oil droplet microfluidics used by 10x Genomics, allowing library preparation in approximately three hours with ultra-low DNA input (0.1-5 ng depending on genome size). The portfolio includes standard and high-throughput library prep kits for microbial and large genomes, multiplex primers, sequencing primers, target blocker kits, and a suite of downstream bioinformatics pipelines (TELL-Read, TELL-Sort, TELL-Link, TELL-Meta, Microbial Isolate Pipeline). A second platform, AmpliDrop, is a microfluidics-free, barcoded bead-free single-cell RNA-seq technology offered as both a kit and a full-service offering. A TELL-Seq Haplotype Phasing App is distributed on Illumina BaseSpace Sequence Hub.
UST generates revenue primarily through one-time sales of TELL-Seq library preparation kits, reagents, primers, and target blocker kits, supplemented by bioinformatics services ($200 per service), DNA sequencing services ($1,000 per service), and the AmpliDrop single-cell RNA-seq service. Public kit pricing ranges from approximately $100 (sequencing primers) to $16,260 (HT96 large-genome kit), with most microbial kits priced between $1,300 and $6,650. The company sells directly through its own e-commerce storefront and through a global network of 15+ regional distributors covering North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. It maintains a co-marketing and co-development relationship with Illumina (signed 2021) and offers the TELL-Seq Grant Program to drive researcher adoption. Customer segments span microbial genomics, metagenomics, large-genome de novo assembly, human whole-genome and targeted phasing, and single-cell transcriptomics research. The company has filed more than 25 PCT patent applications and operates with 11-50 employees as a privately held, founder-controlled entity.
Universal Sequencing firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Universal Sequencing
- Legal name
- Universal Sequencing Technology Corporation
- Website
- https://universalsequencing.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Universal Sequencing Technology (UST) is a Carlsbad-based private biotech that develops TELL-Seq linked-read library prep kits and AmpliDrop single-cell kits, enabling short-read Illumina sequencers to produce long-range genomic results for academic and commercial research labs worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Universal Sequencing industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Genomics Library Prep Reagents
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Medical Laboratories (621511), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Genomics & Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Services (HLAGANAA), Bioinformatics, Multi-Omics Data Analysis & Interpretation Services (HLAGANAI), Transcriptomics & Gene Expression Profiling Services (HLAGANAE), Multiplex & High-Throughput Diagnostics Platforms (microarrays, digital PCR, lab automation-enabled assays) (HLAAALAL)
Keywords
Where Universal Sequencing is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Canton
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Universal Sequencing business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- TELL-Seq Library Prep Kits and Reagents: UST generates revenue primarily from selling TELL-Seq library preparation kits and reagents. These include microbial, medium, and large genome library prep kits available in standard (STD) and high-throughput (HT) formats, along with reagents and enzyme mixes. The company also sells multiplex primers, sequencing primers, and target blocker kits.
- AmpliDrop Single Cell Sequencing Services: UST offers AmpliDrop single cell 3' RNA-seq services, providing end-to-end processing from PBMC isolation through library sequencing and data analysis including publication-quality figures.
- TELL-Seq Sequence Analysis Services: Bioinformatics services for processing TELL-Seq sequencing data, offered at $200 per service.
- DNA Sequencing Services: General DNA sequencing services offered at $1,000 per service.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TELL-Seq Microbial Library Prep Kit STD8 - sufficient for 8 microbial/small genome sample libraries up to 50 Mb |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TELL-Seq Microbial Library Prep Kit STD24 - sufficient for 24 microbial/small genome sample libraries up to 50 Mb |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TELL-Seq Microbial Library Prep Kit HT144 - sufficient for 144 microbial/small genome sample libraries up to 50 Mb |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TELL-Seq Library Prep Kit STD4 - sufficient for 12 small (50-200Mb), 6 medium (200Mb-1Gb), or 4 large (1Gb+) genome libraries |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TELL-Seq Library Prep Kit HT24 - sufficient for 72 small, 36 medium, or 24 large genome libraries |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TELL-Seq Library Prep Kit HT96 - sufficient for 96 large genome (1Gb+) sample libraries |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TELL-Seq Library Multiplex Primer (1-8) Kit |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TELL-Seq Library Multiplex Primer C-series (1-96) Plate |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TELL-Seq Illumina Sequencing Primer Kit |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TELL-Seq Illumina Sequencing Primer Kit HT |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | DNA Sequencing Services |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TELL-Seq Sequence Analysis Services |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TELL-Seq Library Prep Reagents STD |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TELL-Seq Library Prep Reagents HT |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Universal Sequencing product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Universal Sequencing Technology (UST) develops, manufactures, and sells TELL-Seq linked-read library preparation kits, reagents, primers, and target blockers, along with the AmpliDrop single-cell RNA-seq kit and complementary bioinformatics software pipelines. The company's technology enables users of short-read NGS platforms (Illumina, Element Bio Aviti, MGI DNBSEQ) to obtain ultra-long-range sequencing results (up to 200kb or longer) using a bead-based barcoding workflow performed in standard PCR tubes. UST also offers fee-for-service sequencing and bioinformatics analysis services for TELL-Seq and AmpliDrop customers.
Product overview
Universal Sequencing Technology offers two core technology platforms: TELL-Seq linked-read library preparation technology and AmpliDrop single cell technology. TELL-Seq is a transposase-based linked-read library preparation method that enables short-read 2nd generation sequencing platforms (primarily Illumina) to produce ultra-long-range results up to 200kb or more. The TELL-Seq product line includes library preparation kits in various throughput configurations (STD8, STD24, HT144 for microbial genomes; STD4, HT24, HT96 for large genomes),配套试剂 (reagents, primers, target blockers), and software pipelines (TELL-Read, TELL-Sort, TELL-Link, TELL-Meta, Microbial Isolate Pipeline) for data analysis. AmpliDrop is a single cell technology platform featuring barcoding technology that is microfluidics-free, barcoded bead-free, and 96-well plate-free, offered as both a kit product and a service for 3'RNA-seq applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- TELL-Seq: Transposase Enzyme-Linked Long-read Sequencing technology that generates barcode linked-reads for genome-scale or targeted sequencing applications
- AmpliDrop
- TELL-Read
- TELL-Sort
- TELL-Link
- TELL-Meta
Products and services
- TELL-Seq Library Prep Kits A family of transposase-based linked-read library preparation kits available in microbial (STD8, STD24, HT144 for genomes up to 50Mb) and large-genome (STD4, HT24, HT96 for 50Mb-5Gb genomes) configurations, sold to genomics researchers running Illumina and other short-read NGS platforms who need long-range de novo assembly, phasing, metagenomics, or targeted sequencing results without investing in dedicated long-read sequencers.
- TELL-Seq Library Prep Reagents Standard and high-throughput library preparation reagent sets (Box 1 and Box 2 components, including enzyme mixes) used to generate TELL-Seq linked-read libraries from genomic DNA, sold to genomics researchers running Illumina-compatible short-read NGS workflows.
- TELL-Seq Library Multiplex Primers Multiplex primer sets for indexing samples during TELL-Seq library preparation, offered in 1-8, 9-16, 17-24, and C-series 1-96 96-well plate formats for flexible sample pooling up to 3,072 samples per 8 lanes.
- TELL-Seq Illumina Sequencing Primer Kit Custom Illumina sequencing primers in standard (STD) and high-throughput (HT) configurations required for sequencing TELL-Seq libraries on Illumina MiSeq, MiniSeq, NextSeq, HiSeq, NovaSeq, and NovaSeq X Plus instruments.
- TELL-Seq Target Blocker Kit Blocking oligos compatible with Agilent SureSelect for targeted enrichment workflows; used during the hybridization step in place of Agilent blockers to enable TELL-Seq-based targeted gene panel sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9 enrichment phasing, HLA haplotyping, and amplicon phasing.
- TELL-Seq Analysis Software Pipelines End-to-end downloadable bioinformatics pipelines (TELL-Read for linked-read FASTQ generation with QC; TELL-Sort for variant calling and phasing; TELL-Link for de novo assembly and scaffolding; TELL-Meta for metagenomic classification, binning and assembly; Microbial Isolate Pipeline for microbial genome analysis) that process sequencing output into assembly-, phasing-, and metagenomics-ready data.
- AmpliDrop Single Cell RNA-Seq Kit Single-cell RNA sequencing kit using innovative barcoding chemistry that is microfluidics-free, barcoded bead-free, and 96-well-plate-free, with up to 12,500 cells per PCR tube, robust cell proportion preservation, and efficient sequencing with fewer reads; sold as a kit product to single-cell genomics researchers.
- AmpliDrop Single Cell 3' RNA-seq Service End-to-end AmpliDrop single cell 3' RNA-seq service covering PBMC isolation, library sequencing, data processing (cell calling, expression matrix), and optional publication-quality figures, delivered to researchers who prefer a service-based model over running the kit in-house.
- TELL-Seq Sequence Analysis Services Bioinformatics and data analysis service for TELL-Seq sequencing data, priced at $200 per service, offered to researchers who prefer outsourced analysis rather than running the downloadable TELL-Seq pipelines in-house.
- DNA Sequencing Services General DNA sequencing service offered by UST at $1,000 per service, providing customers access to the company's sequencing capacity for TELL-Seq-prepared libraries.
Quantifiable outcome
- Ultra-long linked-read results up to 200kb from short-read platforms
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Universal Sequencing
Customer profileSegments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Universal Sequencing technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration15 records
Feature9 records
Universal Sequencing partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- TATAA BiocentercoreTATAA Biocenter, a leading provider of molecular services to Advanced Therapies and Medical Products industries in Europe and Cell and Gene Therapy industry in the US (ISO 17025 accredited), was established as a key European distributor offering full-service solutions for Long Read Sequencing Applications using TELL-Seq technology. Founded in 2001.
- IlluminacoreCo-marketing and co-development relationship with Illumina signed in 2021. TELL-Seq technology is compatible with all major Illumina sequencing platforms. The companies co-developed and released the TELL-Seq Haplotype Phasing App on Illumina BaseSpace Sequence Hub. TELL-Seq application notes have been co-developed with Illumina for microbial de novo assembly and ultra-long range phasing.
- Sage SciencecoreDistribution agreement for Sage Science to distribute TELL-Seq kits to biologists in the U.S., including users of its HLS-CATCH technique for targeting and analyzing large genomic elements. Sage Science develops products for improving sample preparation processes in life science applications.
- Golden Gateway PartnersminorRegional distributor for Asia-Pacific and South America (excluding China, Brazil, Mexico and South Korea), headquartered in Phoenix, AZ.
- Nucleus Biotech GmbHminorRegional distributor for Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany.
- D-Mark BiosciencesminorRegional distributor for Canada, headquartered in Toronto, ON.
- Institute of Applied Biotechnologies (IABIO)minorRegional distributor for Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, headquartered in Prague.
- PROTEIGENEminorRegional distributor for France, headquartered in Saint Marcel, France.
- Biobench Solutions LLPminorRegional distributor for India, headquartered in Pune.
- Prodotti Gianni SrlminorRegional distributor for Italy, headquartered in Milan.
- Zotal LtdminorRegional distributor for Israel, headquartered in Tel Aviv.
- Davinch-K Co. Ltd.minorRegional distributor for Korea, headquartered in Seoul.
- AnalitekminorRegional distributor for Mexico, headquartered in Monterrey, NL.
- GO LAB PTY LTDminorRegional distributor for Australia, headquartered in Victoria.
- Ngaio Diagnostics LimitedminorRegional distributor for New Zealand, headquartered in Nelson.
- Zaklad Genetyki Sadowej Sp. z o.o.minorRegional distributor for Poland, headquartered in Celestynow.
- LabClinicsminorRegional distributor for Portugal and Spain, headquartered in Barcelona.
- TechtumminorSub-distributor for Scandinavia (excluding Denmark) through TATAA Biocenter for UST products.
- StratechminorRegional distributor for United Kingdom, headquartered in Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Universal Sequencing competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- 10x Genomics: 10x Genomics' Chromium platform is the dominant commercial linked-read library prep technology and UST's primary direct competitor. Both companies target de novo assembly, phasing, and structural variant detection on Illumina short-read sequencers.
- Cantata Bio (formerly Dovetail Genomics): Dovetail/Cantata sells linked-read proximity-ligation-based library prep kits (Dovetail HiChIP, Micro-C) for genome assembly, structural variation, and chromatin interaction analysis — overlapping with UST's TELL-Seq linked-read application areas.
- Phase Genomics: Phase Genomics develops linked-read and proximity-ligation library prep technologies (Hi-C, Hi-C 2.0) for de novo assembly, metagenome clustering, and structural variation — directly competing with TELL-Seq in the linked-read consumables category.
- Arima Genomics: Arima Genomics offers Hi-C-based linked-read library prep (Arima-HiC) for genome assembly, structural variant detection, and 3D genome architecture — competing in adjacent linked-read application spaces to TELL-Seq.
- New England Biolabs: NEB is a major supplier of NGS library preparation enzymes, reagents, and kits (NEBNext) that compete with UST's TELL-Seq reagent offering on price, catalog breadth, and trusted brand in molecular biology labs.
Broad incumbents
- Pacific Biosciences: PacBio's HiFi long-read sequencing is the primary high-accuracy long-read alternative to TELL-Seq's linked-read approach for de novo assembly and phasing, and represents the broader incumbent solution UST positions against.
- Oxford Nanopore Technologies: Oxford Nanopore provides long-read sequencing (PromethION, GridION, MinION) that competes with TELL-Seq for de novo assembly, structural variant detection, and phasing use cases, particularly in microbial and large-genome applications.
- Illumina: Illumina is both UST's strategic co-development partner and the dominant short-read sequencing platform on which TELL-Seq runs. Illumina's installed base is UST's primary demand source; Illumina's own long-range initiatives could also compete with TELL-Seq.
Emerging players
- Sage Science: Sage Science is both a U.S. distributor of TELL-Seq and a developer of sample-prep instruments (HLS-CATCH, Pippin) that are integrated with TELL-Seq for targeted large-genomic-element analysis — a complementary and partially overlapping sample-prep peer.
- Parse Biosciences: Parse Biosciences offers Evercode single-cell RNA-seq technology that competes with UST's AmpliDrop platform in the single-cell transcriptomics market, with a similar emphasis on scalable, lower-cost single-cell workflows.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Universal Sequencing social profiles
Digital presenceUniversal Sequencing financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Universal Sequencing leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Universal Sequencing funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Universal Sequencing M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Universal Sequencing
What does Universal Sequencing do?
Universal Sequencing Technology (UST) develops, manufactures, and sells TELL-Seq linked-read library preparation kits, reagents, primers, and target blockers, along with the AmpliDrop single-cell RNA-seq kit and complementary bioinformatics software pipelines. The company's technology enables users of short-read NGS platforms (Illumina, Element Bio Aviti, MGI DNBSEQ) to obtain ultra-long-range sequencing results (up to 200kb or longer) using a bead-based barcoding workflow performed in standard PCR tubes. UST also offers fee-for-service sequencing and bioinformatics analysis services for TELL-Seq and AmpliDrop customers.
Is Universal Sequencing a public or private company?
Universal Sequencing is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Universal Sequencing founded?
Universal Sequencing was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Universal Sequencing based?
Universal Sequencing is headquartered in Canton, United States, in the North America region.
How does Universal Sequencing make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. TELL-Seq Library Prep Kits and Reagents are the primary driver. The others are ampliDrop Single Cell Sequencing Services, TELL-Seq Sequence Analysis Services and DNA Sequencing Services.
Who are Universal Sequencing's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are 10x Genomics, Cantata Bio (formerly Dovetail Genomics), Phase Genomics, Arima Genomics and New England Biolabs. Broad incumbents are Pacific Biosciences, Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Illumina. Emerging players are Sage Science and Parse Biosciences.
Does Universal Sequencing have an API?
No public API is recorded for Universal Sequencing.
What industry is Universal Sequencing in?
Universal Sequencing's product category is Genomics Library Prep Reagents. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAF, Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays), with a secondary code of HLAGANAA, Genomics & Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Services. Its NAICS code is 541714 and its SIC code is 8731.