Genolution
Genolution is a South Korean biotech company that develops automated nucleic acid extraction instruments (Nextractor series), proprietary extraction reagent kits, and large-scale dsRNA synthesis technology, serving molecular diagnostics laboratories and agricultural RNAi researchers globally through direct sales and channel partners.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersSeoul, South Korea
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Genolution does
Genolution Inc. is a Seoul-headquartered biotechnology company founded in 2006 that develops automated nucleic acid extraction instruments, proprietary extraction reagent kits, and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) synthesis technology for molecular diagnostics laboratories, life sciences researchers, and agricultural biotechnology applications. Its core platform, the Nextractor® series (NX-48, NX-Duo, NX-48N, NX-32N, NX-Junior), uses magnetic bead-based purification chemistry to process up to 48 samples in 10 minutes, with the higher-throughput Geno-Xtreme system processing 192 samples within 1.5 hours for combined extraction and PCR setup. The company complements these instruments with a broad portfolio of pre-filled extraction kits spanning viral, bacterial, FFPE, stool, blood, tissue, plant, exosome, and cell-free DNA/RNA sample types, plus an AgroRNA subsidiary platform that leverages long dsRNA synthesis for RNA-interference-based agricultural pest control (spray-induced gene silencing, or SIGS).
Genolution operates a razor-and-blade revenue model that combines one-time hardware sales (Nextractor instruments priced at approximately $20,000 per unit) with recurring consumable revenue from extraction reagent kits (~$3 per test). It monetizes its dsRNA synthesis technology through the AgroRNA AgBio platform and generates incremental revenue by distributing complementary Bio-Rad real-time PCR and thermal cycler systems in Korea. The company employs 51-100 staff across three South Korean offices (Magok/Seoul HQ, Songdo/Incheon, Daejeon), and was originally listed on Konex in 2015 with a planned migration to KOSDAQ in 2023 (offering of up to 800,000 shares at 12,000-14,000 KRW, potentially raising ~11.2 billion KRW / ~$8.4M USD at the top of the range).
Go-to-market is executed through a hybrid of direct enterprise sales to large clinical labs and government health agencies (e.g., 150,000-test procurement and instrument donation to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, COVID-19 processing for Bogotá's Secretaría de Salud) and an expanding international distributor network anchored by SolGent in Korea (joint COVID-19 export MOU, March 2020) and Premas Life Sciences in India (30+ installations). Genolution supports demand generation through recurring presence at major diagnostics conferences (MEDICA, AACC, MEDLAB, Bio Korea) and has shipped instruments to at least 13 countries across East Asia, South/Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. The company holds multiple granted patents on nucleic acid extraction cartridges, magnetic bead chemistry, drive control, and capture particles, and claims nearly 50% share of South Korean COVID-19 RNA-extraction installations during the pandemic surge.
Genolution firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Genolution
- Legal name
- Genolution Inc. (주식회사 제놀루션)
- Website
- https://genolution.co.kr
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Genolution is a South Korean biotech company that develops automated nucleic acid extraction instruments (Nextractor series), proprietary extraction reagent kits, and large-scale dsRNA synthesis technology, serving molecular diagnostics laboratories and agricultural RNAi researchers globally through direct sales and channel partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Genolution industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Molecular Diagnostics Automation Equipment
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Multiplex & High-Throughput Diagnostics Platforms (microarrays, digital PCR, lab automation-enabled assays) (HLAAALAL), Molecular Diagnostics & Genomics Laboratories (HLAFAMAE)
Keywords
Where Genolution is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Seoul
- HQ country
- South Korea
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices3 records
Markets served
Genolution business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Nucleic Acid Extraction Instruments: Sale of automated extraction instruments including Nextractor NX-48, NX-Duo, NX-48N, NX-32N, NX-Junior, Geno-Xtreme, and Geno-N systems. Instruments are sold directly to laboratories and through channel partners, with unit costs around $20,000 for NX-48.
- Extraction Reagent Kits: Consumable extraction kits (Viral NA Kit, Bacterial DNA Kit, FFPE DNA/RNA Kit, Stool NA Kit, Genomic DNA Kit, Blood RNA Kit, Tissue DNA/RNA Kit, Plant DNA/RNA Kit, Cell-free DNA Kit, Exosome kits, and more) sold as recurring consumables. These are pre-filled, user-friendly formats optimized for specific sample types.
- RNA-based AgBio Products: RNA-based agricultural products including dsRNA for pest control and spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) applications. Revenue from the RNA-based AgBio platform targeting the agricultural sector.
- Technology Distribution Rights: Distribution agreements with partners such as Premas Life Sciences (India) grant technology distribution rights, generating revenue through product sales by channel partners in international markets.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Nextractor NX-48 Instrument - One-time hardware purchase |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Per-test consumable kits (extraction reagents) |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | IPO - 800,000 shares at 12,000-14,000 KRW per share |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Genolution product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Genolution develops and sells the Nextractor® automated nucleic acid extraction instrument series (NX-48, NX-Duo, NX-48N, NX-32N, NX-Junior) along with pre-filled extraction reagent kits for viral, bacterial, FFPE, tissue, blood, stool, plant, exosome, and cell-free DNA/RNA samples. It complements these with MDx automation systems (Geno-N liquid handler; Geno-Xtreme high-throughput 192-sample extraction + PCR setup) and the AgroRNA platform that uses proprietary dsRNA synthesis for agricultural pest control. The portfolio targets molecular diagnostics laboratories, government health agencies, life sciences researchers, and the agricultural sector.
Product overview
Genolution offers a unified portfolio centered on automated nucleic acid extraction and molecular diagnostics (MDx) automation. The core portfolio consists of the Nextractor® NA Extractor instrument series (NX-48, NX-Duo, NX-48N, NX-32N, NX-Junior) paired with purpose-specific Nextractor NA Extraction Kits covering viral, bacterial, tissue, plant, and exosome sample types. This extraction platform is complemented by MDx Automation products — Geno-N (automated liquid handler) and Geno-Xtreme (high-throughput 192-sample extraction + PCR setup system) — which extend the workflow into automated sample preparation. A parallel RNA-based AgBio platform (AgroRNA) applies dsRNA synthesis technology to agricultural pest control. Genolution also distributes Bio-Rad real-time PCR and thermal cycler instruments. The product line is unified around nucleic acid purification chemistry and automation, targeting molecular diagnostics, genetic testing, and life sciences research.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Nextractor: Nucleic acid extraction instrument series and extraction kits
- AgroRNA
- Geno-N
- Geno-Xtreme
Products and services
- Nextractor NA Extractor (NX-48, NX-Duo, NX-48N, NX-32N, NX-Junior) Automated nucleic acid extraction instrument series that processes DNA/RNA from various sample types. The NX-48 processes 48 samples in 10 minutes; NX-Duo offers IVD-registered extraction for multiple sample types; NX-32N handles 32 samples; NX-Junior is a compact/miniaturized version. Targeted at molecular diagnostics laboratories and public health agencies.
- Nextractor NA Extraction Kit Pre-filled extraction reagent kits designed for use with Nextractor instruments. Includes kits for Viral NA, Viral DNA, Bacterial DNA, FFPE DNA, FFPE RNA, Stool NA, Genomic DNA, Blood RNA, Tissue DNA, Tissue RNA, Plant DNA, Plant RNA, Cell DNA, Cell RNA, Microorganism DNA, Cell-free DNA, Exosome DNA, Exosome miRNA, and Exosome Protein. Sold as recurring consumables to clinical, public health, and research laboratories.
- MDx Automation Systems (Geno-N and Geno-Xtreme) Automated liquid handling and molecular diagnostics workflow systems for MDx laboratories. Geno-N supports 8-channel pipetting, heating/shaking modules, flexible reservoir rack, air-displacement pipetting up to 250µl, and barcode reading. Geno-Xtreme processes 192 samples in 90 minutes with barcode scanning, 8-channel pipetting, heating/shaking modules, and UV sterilization, combining extraction and PCR set-up in a single walk-away workflow.
- AgroRNA Platform RNA-based agricultural biotechnology platform that uses dsRNA synthesis technology to produce large-scale dsRNA for gene expression studies and spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) applications, including eco-friendly RNAi-based pest control for plant viruses, honeybee disease, and western flower thrips. Targeted at agriculture companies and agricultural researchers.
Quantifiable outcome
- 48 samples processed in 10 minutes with Nextractor NX-48
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Genolution
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Genolution technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Genolution partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Premas Life SciencescorePremas Life Sciences appointed as technology and knowledge distributor of Nextractor NX-48S Platform in India. Nextractor NX-48S extracts up to 48 samples in one run in 17 minutes. Already 30 installations in India at time of announcement. Premas Life Sciences markets to hospitals, diagnostic labs, and research institutions across India to support COVID-19 testing ramp-up.
- SolGentcoreGenolution and SolGent signed an MOU on March 11, 2020 to jointly export COVID-19 related products. SolGent provides DiaPlexQ COVID-19 test kits (RT-PCR) while Genolution provides Nextractor NX-48 automated nucleic acid extraction systems. The bundled offering targets countries affected by COVID-19, covering steps 2 (RNA extraction) and 3 (virus testing) of the coronavirus testing process. Combined exports target China, Japan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Europe.
- Bio-radminorBio-rad products (CFX Opus Real-Time PCR Systems, CFX Duet Real-Time PCR System, PTC Tempo Thermal Cycler, T100 Thermal Cycler) are sold alongside Genolution's extraction products, providing a complete molecular diagnostics workflow from extraction to PCR analysis.
- Universidad de los AndesminorPartnership with Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá for processing COVID-19 samples. University laboratory processes ~500 samples/day using automated extraction robot, contributing to epidemiological surveillance and testing capacity in Bogotá. Universidad de los Andes provided 100,000 extraction kits.
- American Chamber of Commerce in Bosnia and HerzegovinaminorAmCham BiH assisted in procurement of 150,000 coronavirus tests and donated two Nextractor NX-48 rapid RNA extraction instruments to the FBiH Government during the COVID-19 pandemic. AmCham facilitated procurement, transportation, and delivery to government health agencies.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Genolution competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Bio-Rad Laboratories: A broader life-science tools incumbent that sells competing real-time PCR systems (CFX Opus, CFX Duet) and thermal cyclers distributed alongside Genolution's extraction products. Also a commercial channel partner, blurring direct-competitor and partner lines.
Direct peers
- Qiagen: Sells the QIAcube and QIAsymphony SP sample-preparation systems, the most direct functional analogues to the Nextractor platform. Targets the same molecular diagnostics and life-science research customers with a broader consumables menu.
- Hamilton Company: Provides automated liquid handling workstations (Microlab STAR, Nimbus) used in molecular diagnostics sample preparation. Comparable to Genolution's Geno-N and Geno-Xtreme MDx automation systems for high-throughput labs.
- Tecan: Supplies laboratory automation platforms (Freedom EVO, Fluent) for nucleic acid extraction and PCR setup workflows. Competes with Genolution's Geno-Xtreme and Geno-N in mid- to high-throughput MDx laboratories.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific: Markets the KingFisher line of magnetic-bead-based automated nucleic acid extraction instruments, closely overlapping with Genolution's Nextractor chemistry and workflow. A significantly larger competitor with deep R&D and global distribution.
- Analytik Jena: Sells the InnuPure and other automated nucleic acid extraction systems, primarily in European research and diagnostic labs. Closely comparable in product class and price-tier positioning to Genolution's Nextractor series.
- PerkinElmer (Revvity): Through its chemagen technology, offers automated nucleic acid extraction solutions for molecular diagnostics and life-science research. Comparable target customers and magnetic-bead-based chemistry to Genolution's Nextractor platform.
- Roche: Operates the Magna Pure line of automated nucleic acid extraction systems, which Genolution explicitly benchmarks against (~$3/test vs $6–8/test). Competes head-to-head with the Nextractor series in clinical and public-health molecular diagnostics labs globally.
Regional players
- Sansure Biotech: Chinese molecular diagnostics company with its own automated extraction systems and large infectious-disease test menu. Competes with Genolution in the China channel that purchased 70 NX-48 units and is a relevant regional benchmark.
Emerging players
- Bioneer: Korean molecular diagnostics and life-science tools company with its own AccuPrep nucleic acid extraction line. Closest domestic peer to Genolution and the most direct head-to-head in the Korean market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Genolution social profiles
Digital presenceGenolution financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Genolution leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Genolution funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Genolution 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 Genolution
What does Genolution do?
Genolution develops and sells the Nextractor® automated nucleic acid extraction instrument series (NX-48, NX-Duo, NX-48N, NX-32N, NX-Junior) along with pre-filled extraction reagent kits for viral, bacterial, FFPE, tissue, blood, stool, plant, exosome, and cell-free DNA/RNA samples. It complements these with MDx automation systems (Geno-N liquid handler; Geno-Xtreme high-throughput 192-sample extraction + PCR setup) and the AgroRNA platform that uses proprietary dsRNA synthesis for agricultural pest control. The portfolio targets molecular diagnostics laboratories, government health agencies, life sciences researchers, and the agricultural sector.
Is Genolution a public or private company?
Genolution is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Genolution founded?
Genolution was founded in 2006. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Genolution based?
Genolution is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, in the Asia region.
How does Genolution make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Nucleic Acid Extraction Instruments are the primary driver. The others are extraction Reagent Kits, RNA-based AgBio Products and technology Distribution Rights.
Who are Genolution's main competitors?
Bio-Rad Laboratories is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are Qiagen, Hamilton Company, Tecan, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Analytik Jena, PerkinElmer (Revvity) and Roche. Sansure Biotech is listed as a regional player. Bioneer is listed as an emerging player.
Does Genolution have an API?
No public API is recorded for Genolution.
What industry is Genolution in?
Genolution's product category is Molecular Diagnostics Automation Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAF, Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays), with a secondary code of HLAAALAL, Multiplex & High-Throughput Diagnostics Platforms (microarrays, digital PCR, lab automation-enabled assays). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.