Blue Heron Biotechnology

What Blue Heron Biotechnology does

Blue Heron Biotechnology, operating legally as Eurofins Genomics Blue Heron LLC, is a Bothell, Washington-based custom gene synthesis company founded in 1999 and acquired by Eurofins Scientific in 2019. The company synthesizes sequence-verified double-stranded DNA fragments, plasmids, and linear fragments up to 52kb using its proprietary GeneMaker® multi-technology platform, which combines solution-phase and solid-support-matrix assembly techniques with a rule-based codon optimization algorithm. Service depth spans complex sequence types (GC-rich regions, repeats, hairpins), and the company is positioned as the "Gold Standard" for difficult orders that competitors decline.

The product portfolio is anchored by core gene synthesis and extends into gene fragments (20-3000bp), cloning and expression vector synthesis (including over 100 OriGene IP-free vectors), IVT mRNA production, plasmid preparation at microgram-to-gram scale, CRISPR/Cas9 functional cassettes, variant libraries, and downstream sequencing (Sanger, NGS, whole plasmid via Oxford Nanopore). Oligonucleotide and Sanger sequencing services are fulfilled through the Eurofins Genomics network. The company maintains ISO 13485:2016 certification, is a founding member of the International Gene Synthesis Consortium, and complies with US Executive Order 14110 sequence screening requirements.

Revenue is generated through transactional pay-as-you-go pricing per order, with unit prices ranging from $15 (whole plasmid sequencing) to multi-hundred-dollar gene fragments and higher-value custom gene synthesis projects. Customer segments include top 20 pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic and research institutions (e.g., Rice University), and government research agencies (e.g., NIH). Sales motion is sales-led, supported by a secure online ordering portal, direct phone/email consultation, and technical sales staff available within 24 hours for complex orders. The company has delivered tens of millions of error-free base pairs to thousands of researchers worldwide since inception, including contributions to J. Craig Venter's synthetic genome project.

Name

Blue Heron Biotechnology

Legal name

Eurofins Genomics Blue Heron LLC

Website

https://blueheronbio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Blue Heron Biotechnology (Eurofins Genomics Blue Heron LLC) is a Bothell, WA-based custom gene synthesis company founded in 1999, serving pharmaceutical, biotech, academic, and government researchers with proprietary GeneMaker® platform-based DNA synthesis, IVT mRNA, plasmid prep, and sequencing services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom Gene Synthesis Services

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

akta.pro primary industry

Plasmid DNA & mRNA Manufacturing Services (HLAAAKAE)

Keywords

• Custom gene synthesis
• DNA synthesis services
• Plasmid preparation services
• IVT mRNA production
• Oligonucleotide synthesis

Headquarters

HQ city

Bothell

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Gene Synthesis Services: Custom gene synthesis services delivering sequence-verified cloned DNA fragments, linear fragments, or plasmids. Core revenue stream with turnaround times of 1.5-4 weeks for standard orders and express service available. Delivers genes up to 52kb with complex sequence capabilities including GC-rich regions, repeats, and hairpins.
2. Plasmid Preparation Services: Plasmid DNA Maxi Preparation Services providing microgram to milligram scale DNA purification. Offers standard/transfection grade (≤1 EU/ug) and endotoxin-free options (<0.1 EU/µg). Estimated 3-5 days completion time.
3. IVT mRNA Production: In Vitro Transcribed mRNA services from DNA templates. Products are capped and polyadenylated with standard QC including size, purity, and integrity. Additional QC methods such as capping efficiency and endotoxin testing available.
4. Gene Fragments: Linear, blunt-ended double-stranded DNA fragments (20-3000bp) synthesized from oligonucleotides. Fast turnaround with pricing from $50-$327 per fragment based on length and quantity tier.
5. Sequencing Services: Sanger sequencing and whole plasmid sequencing services through Eurofins Genomics partnership. Whole plasmid sequencing uses Oxford Nanopore technology at $15-$60 per sample with 1 business day turnaround.
6. Oligonucleotide Synthesis: DNA and RNA oligonucleotide synthesis through Eurofins Genomics partnership. Products include custom DNA, NGS adaptors, long DNA, probes, and RNA oligos.
7. CRISPR/Cas9 Services: Genome editing services including guide vector cloning and predesigned functional cassettes (Cassettes A-H) with various fluorescent tags and antibiotic resistance markers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Blue Heron Biotechnology provides custom gene synthesis services delivering sequence-verified cloned DNA fragments, plasmids, and linear fragments to researchers worldwide using its proprietary GeneMaker® multi-technology platform. The company also offers complementary DNA-related services including IVT mRNA production, plasmid preparation, gene fragments, oligonucleotide synthesis, Sanger and whole plasmid sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tools, and variant library construction.

Product overview

Eurofins Genomics Blue Heron operates as a specialized gene synthesis company offering a comprehensive suite of DNA synthesis services centered on its proprietary GeneMaker® technology platform. The portfolio consists of core gene synthesis and cloning services complemented by downstream services including IVT mRNA production, plasmid preparation, oligonucleotide synthesis, and DNA sequencing (Sanger, NGS, and Whole Plasmid Sequencing). Supporting services include CRISPR Cas9 genome editing tools, variant library construction, and codon optimization algorithms. The company serves researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms with both standard and custom solutions, including OriGene expression vectors and pharmaceutical-grade services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GeneMaker®: Proprietary multi-technology platform for high-throughput, automated production of synthesized genes developed initially in 1999. The platform has been expanded with new technologies to meet growing research demands and allows synthesis of complex sequences containing GC-rich regions, large repeats, and hairpins.

Products and services

• Gene Synthesis Custom DNA gene synthesis service that produces sequence-verified double-stranded cloned DNA fragments, delivered as purified plasmids, bacterial strains, or linear fragments. Includes free codon optimization and free standard high-copy vectors. Targets pharmaceutical, biotech, academic, and government researchers.
• GeneMaker® Platform Proprietary multi-technology automated platform for high-throughput gene synthesis. Incorporates multiple novel technologies for design and synthesis, including a suite of online tools such as codon optimization, Cas9 gRNA design, and secure order management.
• Gene Fragments Linear, blunt-ended double-stranded DNA fragments (20-3000bp) synthesized from oligonucleotides. Ideal for cloning, CRISPR-based genome editing, and antibody engineering applications. Priced at $50-$327 per fragment based on length and quantity tier, with 2-12 business day turnaround.
• Cloning Vector Synthesis Cloning vector synthesis including standard high-copy pUC vectors (pUCAmp, pUCKan) and modified vectors without multiple cloning sites. Includes custom vector synthesis and modification services.
• Expression Vectors (OriGene PrecisionShuttle) Over 100 IP-free expression vectors from OriGene's PrecisionShuttle system for mammalian and E. coli expression. Includes epitope tags (MYC, DDK, HA, His), fluorescent tags (GFP, RFP, YFP), and selection markers (neomycin, puromycin, blasticidin).
• IVT mRNA Production In Vitro Transcribed mRNA production service for therapeutics, vaccine development, gene editing, and gene expression studies. All products are capped and polyadenylated with QC including capping efficiency and endotoxin testing.
• Plasmid Preparation Plasmid DNA Maxi, Midi, and Giga preparation services providing research-grade to endotoxin-free DNA at scales from 100µg to 10mg. Includes sequence confirmation before shipping.
• Oligonucleotide Synthesis DNA and RNA oligonucleotide synthesis including custom DNA (5-125mer), custom RNA, EXTREmer long DNA (up to 200mer), qPCR probes, MGB probes, NGS adaptors, and oligo pools. Provided through Eurofins Genomics partnership.
• Sanger Sequencing Sanger sequencing service offered through Eurofins Genomics with next-day turnaround. Includes tube sequencing, plate sequencing, SimpleSeq kits, and clinical sequencing (GLP, CLIA, CAP) options.
• Whole Plasmid Sequencing Long-read NGS-based plasmid sequencing service using Oxford Nanopore technology. No primers or library prep required, with same-day results for plasmids from 2.5kb to 300kb at $15-$60 per sample.
• Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) NGS services including transcriptome, amplicon, de-novo sequencing, genome sequencing, exome, and RNA sequencing. Provided through Eurofins Genomics.
• CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing Services CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing services including guide vector cloning, donor vector construction with predesigned functional cassettes (GFP, RFP, Luciferase markers with selection markers), and 13 different guide vector options.
• Variant Library Construction SNP and variant library construction service delivering sequence-verified individual clones or mixed fragment pools. Supports substitutions, deletions, insertions, and comprehensive codon substitutions with up to thousands of variants.
• Pharma Services Gene synthesis services tailored for pharmaceutical companies supporting biologic drug development, vaccine production, and gene therapy research.
• Sequence Screening Service DNA sequence safety screening compliant with US Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening (Executive Order 14110). Includes customer and sequence screening per International Gene Synthesis Consortium protocols.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% sequence fidelity guaranteed on all orders
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 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 major.

• Eurofins ScientificcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019In 2019, Blue Heron Biotech joined Eurofins Scientific to benefit both companies. In 2020, Blue Heron Biotech officially changed its legal entity name to Eurofins Genomics Blue Heron. This acquisition provides Blue Heron access to Eurofins' global sequencing capabilities and infrastructure while maintaining its specialized gene synthesis expertise.
• OriGene TechnologiesmajorTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partnership allowing Blue Heron to use OriGene's collection of expression vectors combined with their gene synthesis capacity. Customers can order in OriGene expression vectors and pay only the cloning and synthesis fee, eliminating the need to purchase vectors separately. Over 100 IP-free expression vectors available through this partnership.
• Eurofins GenomicscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBlue Heron now part of Eurofins Genomics, offering integrated services including Sanger sequencing, whole plasmid sequencing, and oligonucleotide synthesis. Sequencing services redirect to Eurofins Genomics website for order fulfillment with Blue Heron customers benefiting from Eurofins' quality standards.
• International Gene Synthesis ConsortiummajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member of the International Gene Synthesis Consortium, an independent industry-led group developing and applying standardized screening protocols for DNA synthesis orders. Guidelines designed to be compliant with US Executive Order 14110 and provide additional biosecurity measures.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ATUM (formerly DNA2.0): ATUM is a gene synthesis and protein engineering company offering custom gene synthesis, codon optimization, and antibody discovery. It competes directly with Blue Heron on codon-optimized gene synthesis for pharma and biotech customers.
• GenScript: GenScript provides custom gene synthesis, plasmid preparation, IVT mRNA, and protein services globally. It overlaps almost completely with Blue Heron's service portfolio and competes in pharma, academic, and biotech customer segments with greater scale and broader service offerings.
• Twist Bioscience: Twist Bioscience is a leading DNA synthesis company offering gene fragments, clonal genes, and antibody libraries via a silicon-based synthesis platform. It is the most direct competitor to Blue Heron in custom gene synthesis, competing head-to-head on throughput, pricing, and complex sequence capabilities.

Emerging players

• OriGene Technologies: OriGene provides expression vectors, gene synthesis, and antibody reagents. It is both a strategic partner (vector supply to Blue Heron) and an adjacent competitor with overlapping offerings in gene synthesis and expression-ready constructs.
• Creative Biogene: Creative Biogene offers custom gene synthesis, vector construction, and synthetic biology services at competitive price points. It overlaps with Blue Heron on core gene synthesis and competes primarily on cost-sensitive academic and early-stage biotech accounts.
• Synbio Technologies: Synbio Technologies provides gene synthesis, oligo synthesis, and synthetic biology services with competitive pricing for academic and industrial customers. It overlaps with Blue Heron's core gene synthesis offering and competes aggressively on price and turnaround.

Broad incumbents

• Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT): IDT, a Danaher subsidiary, is a major incumbent in oligonucleotide synthesis, gene synthesis, and genomics reagents. While broader than Blue Heron, IDT competes directly on gene and oligo services and has far greater scale and an integrated manufacturing footprint.
• Eurofins Genomics: Eurofins Genomics is the parent division that absorbed Blue Heron and provides oligo synthesis, Sanger/NGS sequencing, and synthetic biology services. It is the closest channel partner/sister division and serves overlapping customer segments in pharma, academic, and government research.
• Azenta Life Sciences (GENEWIZ): Azenta owns GENEWIZ and provides Sanger and NGS sequencing services alongside gene synthesis offerings. As a broader genomics services platform, it overlaps with Blue Heron's sequencing channel and competes for similar research and pharma customers.

Regional players

• Bio Basic: Bio Basic is a Canada-based provider of gene synthesis, oligo synthesis, and DNA sequencing services. It competes with Blue Heron primarily in North American academic and biotech research segments with a strong catalog and custom synthesis offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/BlueHeronBiotechLLC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/blue-heron-biotech-llc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors3 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 Blue Heron Biotechnology