Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG)

What Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG) does

Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG) is a non-profit public research consortium founded in 2010 in Barcelona, jointly chartered by Spain's Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU) and the Government of Catalonia. It operates as one of Europe's largest genome sequencing and analysis centers, providing large-scale DNA sequencing, long-read (Oxford Nanopore), transcriptome, epigenomic, single-cell, spatial, and 3D genomics services to hospitals, academic research institutions, clinicians, and international consortia. CNAG serves both small-to-medium projects via direct project management engagement and large-scale projects (WGS >50 samples, WES/RNA-seq >100 samples) through the OmicsTech ICTS external evaluation committee, with public pricing published annually.

The center's technical platform rests on multiple Illumina NovaSeq6000 sequencers and Oxford Nanopore PromethION/GridION instruments, paired with 33 petabytes of storage and 10,000+ computing cores, supporting a stated throughput of 20,000+ Gb per day. Its proprietary and curated assets include the RD-Connect Genome-Phenome Analysis Platform (15,000+ rare disease genomic-phenotypic profiles across 198 European hospitals), the STAMP single-cell imaging technique developed with St. Jude and the University of Adelaide, the METALoci 3D chromatin framework, and a cellular atlas of inflammation trained on 6.5 million blood cells. CNAG is a coordinating node in 30+ international genome initiatives, including the Human Cell Atlas, ICGC, IHEC, IRDiRC, ERGA, ELIXIR, 1+ Million Genomes, and EASI-GENOMICS, and co-led the Solve-RD pan-European rare disease consortium.

The business model is service-based, with revenue derived from project contracts, EU competitive grants, and public subsidy from Spanish national and Catalonian government appropriations. Approximately 111–120 multidisciplinary staff are organized across sequencing, bioinformatics, single-cell, research, and corporate management units. CNAG operates under ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018 certifications, holds BBMRI-ERIC expert centre designation, and is an Oxford Nanopore and Dovetail certified service provider. Lluís Solà was appointed General Manager in 2026, succeeding a period of leadership under Director Ivo Gut.

Name

Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG)

Legal name

Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico - CNAG

Website

https://cnag.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG) is a Barcelona-based non-profit public consortium and one of Europe's largest genome sequencing centers, providing large-scale DNA, RNA, single-cell, and spatial genomics services to hospitals, research institutions, and international consortia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Genomic Sequencing and Analysis Services

NAICS

Medical Laboratories (621511), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Molecular Diagnostics & Genomics Laboratories (HLAFAMAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Clinical Research & Trial Central Laboratories (HLAFAMAL), Global Health Research, Clinical Trials & Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) (HLAJAOAM)

Keywords

• Genomic sequencing services
• Next-generation sequencing
• Bioinformatics analysis
• Single-cell genomics
• Rare disease genomics

Headquarters

HQ city

Barcelona, Spain

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations

Revenue model

1. Genomic Analysis Services: CNAG operates as a non-profit public consortium providing large-scale DNA/RNA analysis services for research and clinical applications. Revenue comes from service contracts with hospitals, research centers, and international institutions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CNAG operates as a public non-profit consortium providing large-scale genomic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis services to hospitals, research institutions, and international consortia. It delivers DNA analysis, long-read sequencing, transcriptome, epigenomic, 3D, single-cell, and spatial genomics workflows, and develops proprietary platforms such as RD-Connect GPAP, STAMP, METALoci, and the HERV Protein Domain Map. Projects are accessed either directly through project management for small-medium scale efforts or via OmicsTech ICTS external committee evaluation for large-scale programs.

Product overview

Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG) is a leading genomic sequencing and analysis centre offering comprehensive genomic services as a unified platform. The organisation provides end-to-end genomic solutions including DNA analysis for cancer and rare diseases, long-read and transcriptome sequencing, single-cell and spatial genomics, epigenomic analysis, and 3D genomics. Key products include the RD-Connect GPAP for rare disease diagnosis, the STAMP technique for cell profiling, the METALoci chromatin analysis framework, and the HERV Protein Domain Map. CNAG operates advanced sequencing infrastructure including multiple Illumina NovaSeq6000 instruments and Oxford Nanopore sequencers, with 33 petabytes storage capacity and over 10,000 computing cores. The centre participates in major international genome initiatives including the Human Cell Atlas, International Cancer Genome Consortium, and European Reference Genome Atlas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DNA Analysis DNA sequencing and analysis services for cancer research, rare diseases, and population genomics. Underpinned by CNAG's next-generation sequencing platform and high-performance data processing center capable of generating more than 20,000 Gb per day. Targeted at hospitals, research centers, and international consortia.
• Long Read Analysis Long-read sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technologies including PromethION 24 and GridION Mk1 instruments to generate comprehensive genomic data with extended read lengths. Targeted at genome assembly, structural variation, and reference genome projects.
• Transcriptome Analysis RNA sequencing and analysis services to investigate gene expression patterns and transcriptomic landscapes across various biological samples and disease contexts. Targeted at gene expression and functional genomics studies.
• Epigenomic Analysis Epigenetic analysis services including chromatin analysis and methylation studies to understand gene regulation mechanisms. Targeted at research centers studying gene regulation.
• 3D Genomics Three-dimensional genome analysis to understand spatial organisation of chromatin and regulatory interactions within the nucleus using techniques such as Hi-C. CNAG is a Dovetail Certified Service Provider for Hi-C and chromatin conformation capture.
• Single Cell Genomics Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), T cell receptor profiling, and multi-omic integration to characterise individual cells within the tumour microenvironment and immune landscapes. Targeted at cancer immunology, rare disease, and translational medicine research.
• Spatial Genomics Spatial transcriptomics mapping using cutting-edge technologies including CosMx and Xenium to reveal interactions that remain hidden when cells are studied in isolation, profiling cells within their native tissue context. Targeted at immunology, oncology, and tissue biology research.
• RD-Connect Genome-Phenome Analysis Platform (GPAP) Secure platform providing authorised clinicians and researchers with controlled access to pseudonymised sequencing data and clinical information from patients with rare diseases across hospitals and research centres. Connects 198 hospitals and research centers across the EU. Facilitates diagnosis and gene discovery for rare diseases.
• STAMP (Single-Cell Transcriptomics Analysis and Multimodal Profiling through Imaging) Revolutionary technique that analyses millions of individual cells at once using spatial omics imaging platforms (CosMx, Xenium), bypassing the need for sequencing. Captures transcriptome and proteome profiles along with cell morphology through imaging. Targeted at single-cell research and precision medicine.
• METALoci Computational Framework Computational framework that identifies 3D regulatory hubs and produces detailed gene regulation maps for different cell types by integrating Hi-C and epigenetic data. Opens possibilities for genome engineering and precise gene modulation in living organisms. Targeted at structural genomics research.
• CSF Liquid Biopsy Analysis Combines cerebrospinal fluid liquid biopsy with next-generation sequencing techniques to decode immune cell activity and obtain insights into the evolution of brain tumours and their treatment resistance. Targeted at neuro-oncology and personalized therapy research.
• Cellular Atlas of Inflammation First cellular atlas of inflammation analyzing more than 6.5 million blood cells from over 1,000 healthy individuals and patients across 19 diseases. Foundation for a biomedical AI tool that learns from cellular immune states to extract inflammatory biomarkers. Targeted at immunology and inflammatory disease research.
• HERV Protein Domain Map Comprehensive annotation of conserved protein domains in human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), analyzing over 120,000 open reading frames and identifying 17,540 protein domain matches as an open-access resource. Targeted at retrovirology and functional genomics research.
• Rare Disease Diagnosis Genomic sequencing integrated with proteomics and multi-omics approaches to identify genetic causes of rare diseases, including novel gene-disease associations and personalised diagnostic outcomes. Targeted at clinicians and rare disease specialists.
• Anisakis simplex Reference Genome Most complete DNA map to date of the Anisakis simplex genome, generated by CNAG with a panel of nearly 500 genetic variants enabling a low-cost molecular tool for rapid identification of two main anisakis species found in European waters. Targeted at fisheries management and parasite surveillance research.

Quantifiable outcome

• Sequencing capacity increased from 600 Gb to over 20,000 Gb per day over 15 years
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability9 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Joint project with USC researchers who identified panel of nearly 500 genetic variants using CNAG's Anisakis simplex reference genome for parasite surveillance, published in Scientific Reports
• Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Joint project on Anisakis genome mapping, collected and characterized over 2,000 specimens including A. simplex, A. pegreffii, and their hybrids for fisheries management research
• Goethe University FrankfurtcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Collaboration on cerebrospinal fluid liquid biopsy study, combining CSF samples with next-generation sequencing techniques to decode brain tumor evolution and treatment resistance, published in Cell Reports Medicine
• Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Collaboration with Dr. Darío G. Lupiáñez on METALoci project for 3D genomic mechanisms of sex determination, published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology
• Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Collaboration on METALoci computational framework development for revealing 3D genomic mechanisms
• Duke University Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Collaboration with Dr. Blanche Capel on METALoci project investigating sex determination mechanisms in mammals
• Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Collaboration with Dr. Aurora Pujol on comprehensive annotation of conserved protein domains in human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), analyzing 120,000 open reading frames, published in NAR Genomics and Bioinformatics
• University of Duisburg-EssencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Lead collaboration on LEMD2 gene study establishing novel association with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy-like phenotype, published in Brain Pathology
• Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026International collaboration on LEMD2 gene study integrating proteomics and genomics for rare disease diagnosis
• École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaboration on first cellular atlas of inflammation, analyzing 6.5 million blood cells from over 1,000 individuals across 19 diseases, published in Nature Medicine (2026)
• St. Jude Children's Research HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025International collaboration on STAMP (Single-Cell Transcriptomics Analysis and Multimodal Profiling through Imaging) technique development, enabling analysis of millions of cells without sequencing, published in Cell
• University of AdelaidecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025International collaboration on STAMP technique development with Dr. Luciano Martelotto's group, published in Cell
• Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaboration with Dr. Elías Campo's group on spatial transcriptomics map of human tonsil, profiling nearly 2 million cells into 52 subpopulations, published in European Journal of Immunology
• EASI-GENOMICScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Coordinated by CNAG, initiative aims to establish first European infrastructure for advanced genomic technologies, integrating sequencing capacities of 13 European centers with combined capability of more than 300,000 human genomes per year
• IRB BarcelonacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaborative research partnership with Dr. Eduard Batlle's Colorectal Cancer Laboratory on immunotherapy resistance mechanisms in metastatic colorectal cancer, published in Nature Genetics (2024)
• University Cheikh Anta Diop de DakarcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Long-standing partnership through SENEGENE project for rare genetic diseases research in Senegal and West Africa, providing direct access to rare disease cohorts and clinical networks
• CoRE-GHA (Genomics for Health in Africa)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Membership in Cluster of Research Excellence - consortium of leading research institutions from African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, aiming to harness genomics power for healthcare transformation in Africa
• Radboud University Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Co-lead of European Solve-RD project for undiagnosed rare diseases, re-analyzing data from over 6,000 families with rare diseases across 37 centers, published in Nature Medicine (2025)
• University of TübingencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Project coordinator for Solve-RD consortium and co-lead of pan-European rare disease research effort. CNAG's Bioinformatics Unit led data processing and analysis adapting RD-Connect GPAP platform
• International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRD-Connect GPAP officially recognized by IRDiRC and funded by EU and Spanish government as key platform for rare disease research, connecting 198 hospitals and research centers across EU
• European Reference Networks (ERNs)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipation in four ERNs: DITF-GENTURIS, DITF-ITHACA, DITF-EURO-NMD, and DITF-RND for rare disease research through Solve-RD project
• Human Cell AtlascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipation in international initiative creating reference maps of all human cells as part of major international genome initiatives
• International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpain joined ICGC in 2010 with CNAG as the coordinating center, contributing to identification of key mutations in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
• European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipation in European initiative for reference genome sequencing across species
• ELIXIRcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipation as member of ELIXIR Spain - European infrastructure for life-science information, connecting national bioinformatics resources
• OmicsTech ICTScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Spanish Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS) network for omics technologies, providing access to large-scale sequencing projects through external committee evaluation

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• IRB Barcelona: Catalan biomedical research institute that is both a CNAG customer (collaborative research on colorectal cancer immunotherapy) and a scientific peer in genomics-driven biomedical research in the Barcelona ecosystem.
• Institut Curie: French research hospital combining cancer research with clinical genomics. Comparable as a European clinical-research hybrid organization that uses genomic services and runs its own sequencing programs focused on oncology — similar to CNAG's cancer genomics focus.

Broad incumbents

• BGI Group: World's largest genomics organization with massive sequencing capacity and global footprint. Competes with CNAG in large-scale sequencing services but operates commercially and at vastly larger scale across many more geographies.
• Broad Institute: Larger genomics and biomedical research organization co-located with MIT and Harvard. Operates the Genome Sequencing Platform, runs Cell Atlas projects, and offers genomic services at scale. Comparable in scientific scope but with significantly larger resources.

Direct peers

• New York Genome Center: Non-profit academic genomics center serving the New York medical and research community. Operates similar high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, and clinical interpretation services for institutional clients — directly comparable business model and customer base to CNAG.
• European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL): Intergovernmental research organization with genome sequencing and bioinformatics capabilities across multiple sites. Operates similar member-state-funded research infrastructure model and participates in shared European life science consortia with CNAG.
• Wellcome Sanger Institute: One of the largest genomic sequencing centers in the world, located in the UK. Operates comparable large-scale sequencing infrastructure, runs international consortia (e.g., Human Cell Atlas), and serves as a national genomics hub with similar B2G/research service model. Direct functional peer to CNAG.

Regional players

• Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG): Barcelona-based research institute that previously co-hosted CNAG (as CNAG-CRG) and remains a close scientific collaborator. Performs complementary genomics and bioinformatics research; structurally similar as a Barcelona research center serving international collaborations.
• Genomics England: UK government-owned genomics organization running the 100,000 Genomes Project and providing clinical genomic services to the NHS. Comparable public-sector genomics service model and rare disease/cancer focus, but serving the UK rather than Spain.

Peers

• Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH/MDC): MDC Berlin partner in the METALoci collaboration and a major European genomics/biomedical research institution. Operates a similar translational genomics model combining basic research, sequencing infrastructure, and clinical partnerships within the German research landscape.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/cnag_eu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/centro-nacional-de-analisis-genomico

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG)