Mawi

What Mawi does

Mawi DNA Technologies, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pleasanton, California, develops and manufactures the iSWAB biosample collection platform — a family of non-invasive devices that mechanically release cells from a collection swab into a proprietary, non-toxic stabilizing buffer at the point of collection, then allow the swab to be discarded. The platform spans human genomic DNA, total RNA, microbiome, multi-omic intact cells, forensic/evidentiary DNA, animal DNA, ambient-temperature whole-blood stabilization (HemaSure-OMICS), and an FDA 510(k)-cleared respiratory extraction-less transport medium (iSWAB-RC-EL, K221802). The core technical differentiator is a buffer chemistry that selectively lyses mammalian cells while keeping bacterial DNA contamination below 3% and stabilizing nucleic acids at room temperature for up to 60 days, eliminating cold-chain logistics and downstream extraction steps.

The company sells hardware (collection devices, kits, and accessories) on a quote-based, pay-as-you-go B2B model through direct enterprise sales, regional distribution partners (e.g., Benta Group), strategic integrations (Helix for population genomics, Solena AG for soil health, GenoBank.io for blockchain-tracked biosample provenance), and a self-serve sample-kit request funnel on its website. Customers include health systems, life sciences organizations, microbiome researchers, forensic laboratories, wildlife and conservation programs, clinical diagnostics labs, and genomics core facilities across the U.S., Europe, and Africa. Revenue is generated through one-time device/kit sales with repeat purchase patterns and optional customization services including bulk buffers, custom barcoding, and white-box kit labeling.

The company holds ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certifications, FDA 510(k), CE Mark, and UKCA Mark approvals, and is led by founder Bassam El-Fahmawi as CEO and Chief Technical Officer. The company is privately held with no disclosed venture funding rounds, no parent company, and a headcount in the 11-50 range.

Name

Mawi

Legal name

Mawi DNA Technologies LLC

Website

https://mawidna.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Mawi DNA Technologies designs and manufactures the iSWAB platform of non-invasive biosample collection devices that stabilize DNA, RNA, microbiome, and blood samples at room temperature without cold chain, selling to health systems, research institutions, forensics labs, and agriculture partners worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Biosample Collection Devices

NAICS

In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing (325413), Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414), Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391)

SIC

Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836), In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)

akta.pro primary industry

Sample Collection, Stabilization & Pre-Analytics (biobanking, transport media, extraction kits) (HLAAALAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Biobank & Biospecimen Management LIMS (HLACAMAG), Sample / Biorepository & Biobank Informatics (Chain-of-Custody) (HLAGAJAH), Packaging, Labeling & Serialization Services (biologics/cold chain) (HLAAAKAJ)

Keywords

• Biosample collection devices
• DNA sample collection
• Room temperature stabilization
• Microbiome collection kits
• Forensic DNA collection

Headquarters

HQ city

Hayward

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Biosample Collection Devices and Kits: Mawi generates revenue through the sale of iSWAB collection devices, kits, and accessories. Products are sold in various configurations including individual devices (bags of 500), racks (50 units), and complete kits. Revenue is one-time per transaction with repeat purchase patterns based on sample collection needs.
2. Customization Services: Offers customization options including bulk buffer sales, custom barcode labeling, editable documentation, and white-box kit labeling for customers seeking branded solutions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Mawi DNA Technologies manufactures and sells the proprietary iSWAB biosample collection platform—a family of non-invasive devices and kits that collect, stabilize, and transport DNA, RNA, microbiome, forensic, animal, blood, and respiratory samples at room temperature using a non-toxic lytic buffer, eliminating cold chain requirements and (in extraction-less variants) the nucleic acid extraction step. Products are sold in standardized (kit, rack, bag) and customized (bulk buffer, custom barcode labeling, white-box kit) configurations to enterprise customers in healthcare, life sciences, research, forensics, animal science, and clinical diagnostics.

Product overview

Mawi DNA Technologies' core product offering is the iSWAB™ biosample collection platform — a family of proprietary, non-invasive collection devices that stabilize biological samples at the point of collection using a gentle, non-toxic proprietary buffer, enabling room-temperature transport and storage for weeks to years without cold chain dependency. The iSWAB™ platform includes the flagship iSWAB-DNA (human genomic DNA), iSWAB-RNA-v2 (total RNA), iSWAB-Microbiome (microbial/viral DNA and RNA), iSWAB-Microbiome-EL (extraction-less version), iSWAB-Microbiome FecesCatcher (fecal collection), iSWAB-Cells (multi-omic intact cells), iSWAB-Discovery/DSC (traditional swab compatibility), iSWAB-ID (forensic/evidentiary DNA), iSWAB-RC-EL (FDA-cleared respiratory extraction-less), and iSWAB-Animal DNA (animal species) kits. Each is offered in kit, rack (50 devices), and bag (500 devices) configurations. Complementary products include HemaSure-OMICS (ambient-temperature whole blood stabilization tubes in 3mL/6mL/9mL formats for simultaneous cfDNA, gDNA, and RNA isolation), the FecesCatcher (hygienic fecal collection strip), NextSWAB (fiber-free molded swab), and the iSPIT saliva funnel. Accessories include barcode labels, biohazard bags, and unassembled kit boxes. All products share the proprietary swab-free design principle where the collection swab is discarded after sample release into the stabilizing buffer, reducing lab processing time and contamination.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• iSWAB: The core biosample collection technology platform featuring various products for DNA, RNA, microbiome, cells, and forensic sample collection.

Products and services

• iSWAB-DNA Collection Kit Flagship non-invasive buccal/saliva DNA collection device using alcohol-free gentle lysis technology that recovers up to 15 µg of high-quality double-stranded genomic DNA with <3% bacterial DNA contamination, stabilizes samples at room temperature, and discards the swab after sample release into the proprietary buffer. Targeted at human genomics researchers, clinical labs, and direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies.
• iSWAB-RNA-v2 Collection Kit Non-invasive buccal cell RNA collection and room-temperature stabilization kit; the only non-invasive solution for extended room-temperature stabilization of high-quality total RNA from oral samples, for transcriptomics, gene expression profiling via RT-PCR, microarray, and RNA-seq. For human genomics and gene-expression research customers.
• iSWAB-Microbiome Collection Kit Non-toxic, non-organic solvent microbiome collection device that stabilizes and transports microbial and viral DNA/RNA from fecal, vaginal, skin, soil, nasal, and oral specimens at ambient temperature for up to 40 days, maintaining true microbial representation. For microbiome researchers across academic, clinical, agricultural, and environmental applications.
• iSWAB-Microbiome-EL (Extraction-Less) Collection Device Next-generation extraction-less transport media that eliminates the RNA/DNA extraction step, enabling direct RT-PCR and RT-LAMP from collected samples; inactivates viruses, bacteria, fungi, and spores for safe handling; stabilizes samples for 28-33 days at ambient temperature. For clinical diagnostics labs, infectious disease testing facilities, and microbiome researchers.
• iSWAB-Microbiome FecesCatcher Collection Kit iSWAB-Microbiome kit bundled with the FecesCatcher accessory—a flushable adhesive paper strip fitting standard toilet seats—for hygienic at-home fecal sample collection compatible with Mawi's proprietary stabilizing buffer for gut microbiome analysis. For microbiome researchers and gut health programs.
• iSWAB-Cells Collection Kit Universal non-invasive cell collection device that captures intact buccal cells for simultaneous multi-omic analysis (gDNA, RNA, proteins, cell morphology) from a single sample, stabilizing viable cells for up to 4 weeks at room temperature and supporting qPCR, microarray, NGS, ELISA, and Western blot. For genomics core facilities, multi-omics research, and clinical research programs.
• iSWAB-Discovery (DSC) Human DNA Collection Kit DNA collection kit that uses traditional swabs (cotton, dacron, or rayon) but captures 2-7 µg of high-yield double-stranded long-fragment DNA with <3% bacterial contamination and 60-day room temperature stability, without alcohol or toxic ingredients, designed for self or assisted collection in under 5 minutes. For human genomics customers who prefer or need traditional swab workflows.
• iSWAB-ID Human DNA Collection Kit Forensic DNA collection device for evidentiary and reference samples (touch DNA, buccal cells, blood spots, bodily fluids), enabling long-term room temperature stabilization with chain-of-custody barcoding, yielding 2-7 µg DNA with <3% bacterial contamination and compatible with STR, Direct PCR, and NGS ID profiling assays. For forensic laboratories, crime scene investigators, and law enforcement agencies.
• iSWAB-RC-EL (Respiratory Tract Extraction-Less) FDA Cleared Device FDA 510(k)-cleared (K221802) upper respiratory tract transport media for SARS-CoV-2 and infectious disease testing, enabling direct RT-PCR without nucleic acid extraction, inactivating viruses for safe handling, and stabilizing samples 14-28 days at ambient temperature. For clinical diagnostics labs, hospitals, and public health testing programs.
• iSWAB-Animal DNA Collection Kit Non-invasive animal DNA collection device for oral, nasal, or rectal swabs from any animal species, yielding 2-7 µg of double-stranded long-fragment DNA with <3% bacterial genomic DNA contamination, stable 60 days at room temperature and 3 years at -20 to -80°C, with swab-free transport. For zoological institutions, wildlife researchers, veterinary scientists, and conservation programs.
• HemaSure-OMICS Blood Stabilization Direct Draw Tube Ambient-temperature whole blood stabilization device enabling simultaneous isolation of cfDNA (up to 14 days), gDNA (up to 8 days), and RNA (up to 8 days) from the same 3 mL, 6 mL, or 9 mL vacuum-filled tube using a non-toxic, formaldehyde-free formulation, with cells remaining intact for FACS analysis. For transplant programs, HIV surveillance, viral load testing, and clinical research customers.
• NextSWAB 6-inch fully molded medical-grade polypropylene fiber-free swab with inner channels that capture and fully release samples into stabilizing buffer, designed for comfort, scalability, and swab-free sample delivery during supply chain shortages or high-demand periods. Companion accessory for iSWAB collection kits.
• iSPIT Saliva Funnel Polypropylene medical-grade saliva funnel accessory for self-collection into iSWAB-DNA and iSWAB-DSC devices; only 1-2 spits needed for adequate sample volume and DNA yield. Companion accessory for human genomics customers and direct-to-consumer testing workflows.

Quantifiable outcome

• Low bacterial DNA contamination (<3%)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• HelixcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2026Helix, the leading enterprise genomics company, partnered with Mawi DNA to expand access to non-invasive DNA collection for genomic sequencing. Mawi's buccal collection technology complements Helix's existing blood and saliva options, enabling broader participation in population genomics programs. The partnership strengthens Helix's sequencing programs by improving collection flexibility and supporting consistent data generation across diverse cohorts.
• GenoBank.ioflagshipTechnology or Integration · 14 October 2024Mawi DNA Technologies partnered with GenoBank.io to tokenize the iSWAB system as BioNFTs, becoming the first sample collection technology to join the Decentralized Science (DeSci) and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) movement. This partnership enables users to turn biosamples into notarizable, traceable on-chain bioassets, ensuring data sovereignty and privacy using blockchain technology.
• Tempus AI and Tally HealthminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 October 2024Mawi DNA partnered with Tempus AI and Tally Health to compare flocked swabs from Puritan and Copan manufacturers with iSWAB technology. This partnership helps validate swab compatibility and performance across different manufacturers.
• Solena AGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 August 2024Solena AG, a leader in soil health insights for sustainable agriculture, partnered with Mawi DNA to revolutionize soil health analysis. The collaboration leverages Mawi's expertise in sample integrity preservation for soil sample collection and processing, enabling better analysis of agricultural and environmental samples.
• Benta GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 October 2015Mawi DNA announced a distribution partnership with Benta Group for distribution of iSWAB products in their regional market. This partnership extends Mawi's market reach through Benta's established distribution network.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• QIAGEN: Large life-science tools company with a broad portfolio of sample collection, stabilization, and nucleic acid purification products, including saliva and blood collection kits used across genomics and diagnostics.
• Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD): Global medical device incumbent with extensive diagnostic and sample collection product lines, including vacutainer blood collection systems competitive with Mawi's HemaSure-OMICS tubes.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific (sample collection portfolio): Broad life-science tools incumbent offering DNA/RNA collection, storage, and stabilization products across research and clinical channels, dwarfing Mawi in scale and distribution reach.

Direct peers

• Streck: Specialist in blood collection tubes for room-temperature stabilization (e.g., cfDNA/cfRNA BCT), directly comparable to Mawi's HemaSure-OMICS whole-blood stabilization device for liquid biopsy and transplant monitoring.
• Copan Diagnostics: Manufacturer of flocked swabs and viral transport media widely used in respiratory and infectious disease sample collection, including direct comparisons cited in Mawi's Tempus/Tally Health partnership validation work.
• Zymo Research: Provides microbiome and DNA sample collection, preservation, and extraction kits, directly comparable to Mawi's iSWAB-Microbiome and Extraction-Less offerings for research and clinical microbiome studies.
• Puritan Medical Products: Major swab and sample collection device maker whose products have been benchmarked against iSWAB for performance in Mawi's own partnerships with Tempus AI and Tally Health.
• Norgen Biotek Corp: Offers DNA/RNA collection and preservation kits including saliva and stool devices; competes in the same niche, non-invasive sample stabilization market as Mawi.
• DNA Genotek (OraSure Technologies): Maker of Oragene and other saliva-based DNA/RNA collection kits, the most direct competitor to iSWAB in non-invasive human genomic sample collection for research and population genomics.

Others

• Bento Bioworks / Helix (for population genomics): Helix is both a strategic partner and an adjacent ecosystem participant: an enterprise genomics platform integrating multiple collection modalities (including Mawi's iSWAB) for population-scale sequencing programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mawidna
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCzP6-9obn37wQEmXAVt0f8A
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mawi-dna-technologies

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Mawi