University of Minnesota Genomics Center

What University of Minnesota Genomics Center does

The University of Minnesota Genomics Center (UMGC) is a multi-facility academic core genomics resource operating within the University of Minnesota public state university system. UMGC provides fee-for-service genomic research and analysis to three primary customer segments: internal UMN investigators, external academic scientists, and industry clients, with a stated reach extending to international markets. The center operates from three laboratories across the Twin Cities metro (Minneapolis East Bank CCRB, St. Paul Snyder Hall, Oakdale 4Front), spanning approximately 18,000 square feet and staffed by 40-50 scientists including PhD-level directors.

The service portfolio is built on a deep multi-platform sequencing fleet — Ultima Genomics UG 100 (first core-facility installation globally; Certified Service Provider), Element Biosciences AVITI24 (largest academic installation in the U.S., five units), Illumina NovaSeq X Plus, NextSeq 2000, and MiSeq, Oxford Nanopore PromethION P2 Solo, and outsourced PacBio Revio access — combined with end-to-end offerings spanning nucleic acid extraction, library preparation (DNA, RNA, custom), single-cell (10x Genomics, Parse Biosciences), spatialomics (10x Visium, Curio Seeker, NanoString GeoMx), epigenomics, genotyping/microarrays, genotyping-by-sequencing, gene expression (ddPCR, NanoString, BioMark), microbiome (using UMGC's published dual-indexing method), and bioinformatics analysis using a custom LIMS. UMGC holds Certified Service Provider status with Ultima Genomics, Illumina, and 10x Genomics.

Revenue is generated on a fee-for-service basis under a three-tier pricing structure (Savings / Speed / Priority), with separate UMN vs. external academic and industry rate cards; additional self-service revenue flows through the CoLab, which provides 24/7 trained-researcher access to selected instruments. Service lines route through direct enterprise sales, while selected platforms (PacBio Revio, NovaSeq X Plus) are intentionally outsourced to partner facilities when in-house economics are unfavorable. Operations are funded through service fees, university allocations, and grants under an annual budget exceeding $15M, with strategic coordination across the University of Minnesota via the Spatialomics Initiative (UMSI).

Name

University of Minnesota Genomics Center

Legal name

University of Minnesota Genomics Center

Website

https://genomics.umn.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The University of Minnesota Genomics Center (UMGC) is a University of Minnesota academic core facility providing fee-for-service next-generation sequencing, single-cell, spatial, and epigenomic services across multiple platforms to UMN investigators and external academic and industry clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Genomics Research Services

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Genomics & Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Services (HLAGANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Bioinformatics, Multi-Omics Data Analysis & Interpretation Services (HLAGANAI), Transcriptomics & Gene Expression Profiling Services (HLAGANAE), Epigenomics & Chromatin Profiling Services (HLAGANAF), Genomic & Multi-Omic Biomarkers (NGS panels, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) (HLAAAMAJ), Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF)

Keywords

• Genomics research services
• Next-generation sequencing
• Single-cell analysis
• Spatial transcriptomics
• Epigenomics profiling

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Fee-for-Service Genomic Sequencing and Analysis: Comprehensive genomic research services provided on a fee-for-service basis to UMN investigators and external academic and industry clients. Services include next-generation sequencing, library preparation, bioinformatics analysis, and custom services.
2. CoLab Self-Service Access: Researchers pay for their own reagents and flow cells while receiving training and 24/7 access to instrumentation for self-directed work

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The University of Minnesota Genomics Center (UMGC) is a fee-for-service academic core facility providing end-to-end genomic research services to internal University of Minnesota investigators and external academic and industry clients. Services span next-generation sequencing, long-read sequencing, single-cell and spatial genomics, epigenomics, genotyping, gene expression, microbiome analysis, nucleic acid extraction, quality control, and bioinformatics analysis across multiple sequencing platforms (Ultima UG 100, Element AVITI24, Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio Revio via outsourcing). UMGC also offers a CoLab self-service access model providing trained researchers 24/7 use of select instruments.

Product overview

The University of Minnesota Genomics Center (UMGC) is a multi-facility academic core resource offering an integrated portfolio of genomic research services spanning next-generation sequencing, single-cell genomics, spatialomics, epigenomics, genotyping, and bioinformatics. The core platform is built on state-of-the-art sequencing instrumentation including Ultima Genomics UG 100 (Certified Service Provider), Element Biosciences AVITI24 (largest academic installation in the U.S.), Illumina platforms (NovaSeq X Plus, NextSeq 2000, MiSeq), Oxford Nanopore P2 Solo, and outsourced PacBio Revio access. Services are organized as end-to-end workflows covering extraction, library creation (DNA, RNA, custom protocols), sequencing on multiple platforms, and informatics analysis. The service portfolio includes specialized offerings for whole genome sequencing (human, mouse, model organisms, non-human species), microbiome 16S/18S/ITS sequencing, single-cell analysis via 10x Genomics and Parse Biosciences, spatial transcriptomics via 10x Visium and Curio Seeker, epigenomics via chromatin profiling and methylation arrays/sequencing, genotyping via arrays and GBS, gene expression via multiple PCR and NanoString platforms, and comprehensive bioinformatics. The CoLab provides self-service access to instruments with 24/7 training for qualified researchers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Next-Generation Sequencing Services Comprehensive short-read sequencing services using Element Biosciences AVITI24, Ultima Genomics UG 100, and Illumina instruments. UMGC holds Certified Service Provider status with multiple manufacturers, providing flexible solutions across project scales, budgets, and timelines.
• Whole Genome Sequencing End-to-end whole genome sequencing across human, non-human (livestock, crops, microbes, companion animals), and model organism (Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans) genomes at 30x, 60x, and 90x coverage using Ultima UG 100 or Element AVITI24 platforms, including sample QC, PCR-free library preparation, sequencing, and variant analysis with Google DeepVariant and GATK.
• Library Creation Services Library preparation services including DNA library preparation (PCR-free whole genome, library conversion for UG 100, Twist FlexPrep, Illumina Nextera XT/DNA Prep), RNA sequencing library creation (Watchmaker, TruSeq, Takara Pico, Small RNA kits with stranded and rRNA depletion), DNA sequence capture, NGS library manipulation, and custom library creation (TwinStrand Duplex Sequencing, Phase Genomics Hi-C, NEBNext EM-Seq, PacBio MAS-Seq).
• Microbiome Sequencing Marker gene amplification and sequencing for bacterial 16S rRNA, fungal ITS1/ITS2, and eukaryotic 18S rRNA on the AVITI24 platform, using UMGC's published dual-indexing method to minimize biases and provide superior quantification accuracy.
• Single Cell Genomics Services Comprehensive single-cell analysis services including 10x Genomics Chromium X (Single Cell 3', 5', Flex, Multiome, VDJ profiling), Parse Biosciences Evercode split pool combinatorial barcoding (scalable to up to 1 million cells, 96 samples per experiment), Element Biosciences Cytoprofiling, and cell preparation instruments (LUNA-FL, LeviCell EOS, MACSQuant Tyto, Singulator 200) for transcriptomics, chromatin accessibility, and multiome applications.
• Spatialomics Services Spatially resolved genomics services including 10x Visium (HD single-cell resolution and Spatial Gene Expression at 55µM for fresh frozen, fixed frozen, FFPE tissues), Curio Seeker (Slide-seq-based whole-transcriptome mapping), and NanoString GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler (multiplexed RNA and protein profiling with up to 6-log dynamic range). Coordinated through the University of Minnesota Spatialomics Initiative (UMSI).
• Epigenomics Services Comprehensive epigenomic profiling including chromatin analysis (ATAC-Seq, ChIP-Seq, Single-cell ATAC-Seq, Cut&Run, Cut&Tag) for chromatin accessibility and histone modifications, and DNA methylation analysis (Biomodal Duet EvoC, EM-seq, Targeted EM-seq, WGBS, RRBS) for methylation profiling.
• Microarray Services Illumina Infinium BeadChip-based genotyping and methylation profiling services including custom and predesigned arrays. Genotyping arrays support human and non-human species for GWAS, trait mapping, and population genetics with up to 700,000 custom markers. Methylation arrays include Methylation Screening Array (~270K markers), MethylationEPIC v2.0 (~930K sites), and Mouse Methylation BeadChip (285K sites).
• Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) Licensed cost-effective genome-wide SNP discovery and genotyping using reduced representation sequencing with multiplex capabilities up to 3,200-plex. Standard GBS using in-line or amplicon-indexing methods with 376-plex capability for 100+ non-model species. GBS Pilot Projects validate species new to GBS with 8 samples at 4M reads each.
• Gene Expression Services Quantitative gene expression analysis via RNA-Seq, Q-RT-PCR (QuantStudio 5 384-well, Fluidigm BioMark HD microfluidic platform running up to 9,216 reactions per run), NanoString nCounter (up to 800 genes per reaction, direct hybridization, FFPE-compatible), Bio-Rad QX200 Droplet Digital PCR (absolute quantification using Taqman or EvaGreen assays), and Olink Proteomics platforms for bulk and single-cell formats.
• Nucleic Acid Extraction Services DNA and RNA extraction services for diverse sample types including tissue, FFPE, FTA cards, blood, stool, and environmental samples, with BSL 2+ capability and bead-beating methods.
• Quality Control Services Nucleic acid quantification via spectrophotometric and fluorometric assays, sizing via Agilent TapeStation, and functional qPCR assays for genotyping and NGS library quality assessment.
• Informatics Services Bioinformatics analysis including Illumina QC, 10x Genomics analysis (Cellranger, Spaceranger), microbiome analysis via Qiime2, GBS data analysis, human germline variant calling, and RNA-Seq QC, with data access and archive support.
• CoLab Self-Service Access Self-service access to advanced genomic instrumentation for trained researchers with 24/7 facility access. Researchers pay for their own reagents and flow cells while receiving training on advanced techniques including single-cell and spatialomics devices.

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPacBio Revio services outsourced to Mayo Clinic as it has been determined to be faster and less expensive than in-house operation.
• Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI)coreTechnology or IntegrationMSI's Research Informatics Solutions (RIS) and University of Minnesota Informatics Institute provide bioinformatic assistance to UMGC and its clients. MSI also provides analysis services for UMN researchers at no cost for certain services.
• University Imaging Center (UIC)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with UMGC on NanoString GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler projects. UIC and UMGC scientists use their technical experience to guide researchers on DSP technology.
• Medical School Histology CoresupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the University of Minnesota Spatialomics Initiative (UMSI) bringing together technical expertise across multiple cores.
• 10x GenomicscoreTechnology or IntegrationCertified Service Provider offering full portfolio of validated 10x single-cell assays. Preferred pricing available on Ultima UG 100 for 10x Genomics projects.
• Ultima GenomicscoreTechnology or IntegrationCertified Service Provider for UG 100 system. First core facility to install the platform. Access to preferred pricing and latest workflows.
• Element BiosciencescoreTechnology or IntegrationLargest academic installation of Element AVITI sequencers in the U.S. with five AVITI24 systems. Certified Service Provider status.
• Oxford Nanopore TechnologiessupportingTechnology or IntegrationNanopore PromethION 2 Solo sequencing available through CoLab self-service. Self-service model with researchers purchasing their own flow cells.
• PacBiosupportingTechnology or IntegrationPacBio Revio services offered through outsourcing partnerships as in-house access was determined to be slower and more expensive.
• IlluminacoreTechnology or IntegrationNovaSeq X Plus services offered through partnered outsourcing. Certified Service Provider status. Multiple academic and industry partner facilities utilized.
• Parse BiosciencessupportingTechnology or IntegrationEvercode split pool combinatorial barcoding technology offered for single-cell analysis. Scalable up to 96 samples and 1,000,000 cells per experiment.
• BiomodalsupportingTechnology or IntegrationDuet EvoC enzymatic workflow for 5mC and 5hmC sequencing available for methylation analysis on Element AVITI platform.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center: Baylor HGSC is a high-throughput production-scale academic sequencing center offering NGS and analysis services to internal and external clients. Comparable production capacity, certified-provider relationships, and external fee-for-service operations.
• New York Genome Center: Non-profit academic-affiliated genomics core providing NGS, single-cell, spatial, and clinical-grade sequencing services to a mix of internal and external investigators. Highly comparable model to UMGC: multi-platform, fee-for-service, strong bioinformatics, and Certified Service Provider-style positioning on emerging sequencers.
• University of Wisconsin - Madison Biotechnology Center: UW-Madison's BioTech Center is a fellow Big Ten academic core providing NGS, single-cell, bioinformatics, and training to researchers and external clients. Closely comparable in size, academic-tier pricing, and Big Ten public-university context.
• Washington University Genome Technology Access Center (GTAC): WashU's GTAC is one of the largest US academic cores with broad multi-omics service menu (NGS, single-cell, epigenomics, custom), fee-for-service model, and certified-provider relationships with major instrument vendors — closely analogous in scope and scale to UMGC.
• The Jackson Laboratory Genomic Technologies: JAX's Genome Technologies service provides NGS, exome/genome, single-cell, and custom sequencing for both internal JAX scientists and external academic/industry clients — directly comparable fee-for-service model and customer mix.
• UC San Diego IGM Genomics Center: UCSD Institute for Genomic Medicine operates a fee-for-service core covering short-read, long-read, single-cell, and spatial genomics. Comparable multi-platform depth, certified service provider positioning, and external fee-for-service orientation to UMGC.
• Mayo Clinic Genomics Core: Mayo's genomics core is UMGC's regional twin and explicit outsourcing partner for PacBio Revio. It offers similar multi-platform sequencing, bioinformatics, and translational genomics services and competes for the same Midwest investigator pool.
• Stanford Genome Technology Center: Stanford's genomics core provides fee-for-service NGS and novel assay development to Stanford investigators and external collaborators, with a similar emphasis on early-adopter sequencing platforms — directly comparable in service breadth and academic-tier customer mix.

Broad incumbents

• Azenta Life Sciences (formerly GENEWIZ): Azenta is a for-profit sequencing and gene synthesis CRO serving academic and industry customers globally. As a large commercial incumbent it competes head-on with UMGC's external fee-for-service WGS, RNA-Seq, and synthetic biology offerings, though at greater scale and with broader service breadth.

Emerging players

• Element Biosciences Sequencing Services: Element Biosciences — UMGC's AVITI24 partner — operates its own sequencing services business that could compete directly with UMGC on AVITI-based workloads. Overlap is partial but Element can leverage vertical integration to undercut or bundle services that UMGC currently supplies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/umngenomics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/university-of-minnesota-genomics-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about University of Minnesota Genomics Center