Institut für Humangenetik

What Institut für Humangenetik does

The Institut für Humangenetik is an academic medical department within Universitätsmedizin Göttingen (UMG), itself part of the Georg-August-Universität public state university in Lower Saxony, Germany. It functions as an integrated clinical-research facility combining genetic counseling, accredited molecular and cytogenetic diagnostics, and basic and translational genetics research. The institute's core products include outpatient genetic counseling clinics, a DIN EN ISO 15189 accredited diagnostic laboratory offering panel, exome, and whole-genome sequencing, cytogenetic testing, and specialized centers for progeroid diseases, unexplained congenital syndromes, and rare skeletal disorders. Its underlying technology stack is high-throughput next-generation sequencing combined with specialized bioinformatics pipelines and CRISPR/Cas genome editing capability for therapeutic development.

The institute is led by director Prof. Dr. med. Bernd Wollnik and operates four research groups (AG Wollnik, AG Kornak, AG Pauli, AG Bioinformatik). It serves three principal customer segments: (1) patients with rare and genetic diseases referred for diagnosis and counseling, (2) family members of affected patients seeking reproductive and risk counseling, and (3) referring physicians and hospitals requiring specialized molecular or cytogenetic diagnostics. It maintains a global research asset in InsightRP2, the first worldwide patient registry for RP2-associated retinitis pigmentosa.

The institute is a non-commercial government state entity. Revenue mechanics flow through three channels: statutory health insurance reimbursement for clinical diagnostic and counseling services, university/state appropriations for academic operations, and competitive research grants (notably the federal BMG Modellvorhaben Genomsequenzierung, the regional MoReHealth Niedersachsen initiative with Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, and the TRAIN translational medicine network). Geographic scope is primarily Germany, with international collaboration limited to specific research consortia such as InsightRP2 and the BioVAT trial with Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein. No commercial marketing, distribution partners, or private ownership exist.

Name

Institut für Humangenetik

Legal name

Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität

Website

https://humangenetik-umg.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Institut für Humangenetik is an academic medical department within Universitätsmedizin Göttingen providing DIN EN ISO 15189-accredited genetic counseling, molecular and cytogenetic diagnostics, and translational research on rare diseases for patients, families, and referring physicians in Germany.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Clinical Genetic Diagnostics and Counseling

NAICS

Medical Laboratories (621511), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215)

SIC

Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011)

akta.pro primary industry

Genetic & Prenatal Testing Laboratories (HLAFAMAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Genetic & Genomic Testing (germline, somatic, carrier, pharmacogenomics) (HLAAALAD), Molecular & Genetic Testing (PCR/NGS/qPCR) (HLAGADAF), Genomics & Molecular Diagnostics (Trial Support) (HLAGAEAD)

Keywords

• Human genetics diagnostics
• Genetic counseling services
• Clinical genomics research
• Molecular genetic testing
• Rare disease genetics

Headquarters

HQ city

Göttingen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations

Revenue model

1. Clinical Genetic Diagnostic Services: Revenue generated through laboratory diagnostic services (molecular genetic diagnostics, cytogenetics) billed to patients, health insurers, and referring hospitals and clinics within the German public healthcare system.
2. Genetic Counseling Clinic: Outpatient genetic counseling services (Ambulanz) for patients and families, funded through the public healthcare system and statutory health insurers.
3. Research Funding and Grants: Government-funded research projects (BMG Modellvorhaben, MoReHealth Niedersachsen, TRAIN Omics) provide project-based funding for specific research initiatives.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The institute provides integrated clinical genetic services and translational research, operating a DIN EN ISO 15189 accredited human genetics diagnostic laboratory and an outpatient genetic counseling clinic (Ambulanz). Its core offerings include genetic counseling, molecular genetic diagnostics (panel, exome, genome sequencing), cytogenetic diagnostics, and specialized rare disease centers, combined with research groups in molecular developmental genetics, bioinformatics, and CRISPR/Cas genome editing applications.

Product overview

The Institut für Humangenetik operates as an integrated clinical and research facility offering genetic counseling services and accredited genetic diagnostics. The core offering comprises three main pillars: (1) Genetic Counseling with specialized centers for rare diseases, progeroid conditions, and skeletal disorders; (2) Molecular and Cytogenetic Diagnostics including Panel, Exome, and Genome sequencing services using high-throughput technology; and (3) Research Groups focused on molecular developmental genetics, bioinformatics, and clinical genetics. The institute also maintains InsightRP2, a global patient registry for RP2-associated Retinitis pigmentosa research.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• InsightRP2: Global patient registry for RP2-associated Retinitis pigmentosa.

Products and services

• Genetische Beratung (Genetic Counseling) Clinical genetic counseling services delivered through the Ambulanz outpatient clinic, including consultations for rare diseases, unexplained congenital syndromes, progeroid conditions, and rare skeletal disorders, for patients and families referred by physicians or self-presenting.
• Molekulargenetische Diagnostik (Molecular Genetic Diagnostics) Molecular genetic testing services using high-throughput sequencing technology, encompassing panel, exome, and genome sequencing diagnostics along with other DNA-based molecular testing for patients and referring hospitals.
• Zytogenetische Diagnostik (Cytogenetic Diagnostics) Cytogenetic diagnostic testing for chromosomal analysis and detection of genetic abnormalities, delivered from the institute's accredited diagnostic laboratory.
• Panel-Diagnostik (Panel Diagnostics) Targeted gene panel testing service using high-throughput sequencing for specific genetic conditions, offered as part of the molecular genetic diagnostic menu.
• Exom-Diagnostik (Exome Diagnostics) Whole exome sequencing service providing comprehensive analysis of protein-coding regions to identify pathogenic variants for patients and referring clinicians.
• Genom-Diagnostik (Genome Diagnostics) Whole genome sequencing diagnostic service for complete genomic analysis to identify pathogenic variants in routine diagnostics and research.
• InsightRP2 Patient Register First global patient registry for RP2-associated Retinitis pigmentosa, facilitating international collaboration among clinicians and researchers to understand disease genetics and develop future treatment concepts.

Quantifiable outcome

• First-in-human demonstration of stem cell-based BioVAT cardiac patch improving heart function in severe heart failure patients (NEJM publication)
• +2 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• InsightRP2 Consortium (International)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2025The institute launched and hosts InsightRP2, the first global patient registry for RP2-associated retinitis pigmentosa. The registry facilitates international collaboration among clinicians and researchers to improve understanding of the disease and develop future treatment concepts.
• Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe institute collaborated with UKSH on a Phase I/II clinical trial (BioVAT – biologic ventricular assist tissue) published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The trial demonstrated that a stem cell-based cardiac patch can improve heart function in patients with severe heart failure. The Institute contributed genomic safety analyses to the study.
• Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (BMG)coreOthersThe institute participates in a federal model project (Modellvorhaben Genomsequenzierung) initiated by the BMG to integrate modern DNA sequencing technologies into patient care, particularly for rare diseases and oncology. This is a national-level partnership to advance genomic medicine in Germany.
• Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMHH is a key partner in the MoReHealth Niedersachsen initiative alongside the institute. The project focuses on transferring multi-omics research (simultaneous analysis of DNA, proteins, and metabolites) into personalized healthcare applications.
• TRAIN (Translation und Innovation in der Medizin) – Partner Institutes in NiedersachsenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe institute is a member of the TRAIN network of Lower Saxony's leading medical research institutions. TRAIN organizes the annual Omics Tage conference for molecular and translational health researchers. The institute hosts the 2nd TRAIN Omics Tage Niedersachsen 2025 in Hannover.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Centogene: Rostock-based commercial genetic diagnostics company offering rare disease sequencing, panel/exome/genome testing, and biobanking. Direct competitor to the institute's molecular diagnostic services in Germany, though operating as a commercial entity rather than an academic department.
• Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Institut für Medizinische Genetik und Angewandte Genomik: Tübingen-based academic institute combining clinical genetic diagnostics with rare disease and developmental genetics research, including the established Centogene-adjacent rare disease ecosystem. Closely comparable in research-diagnostic integration.
• Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum (MGZ) München: Munich-based medical genetics center providing accredited molecular and cytogenetic diagnostics, genetic counseling, and rare disease expertise. Comparable in scope to the institute's clinical genetics operations and competing for referrals across southern Germany.
• Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institut für Humangenetik: Academic human genetics institute at Charité Berlin offering genetic counseling, molecular diagnostics, and rare disease research. Directly comparable in mission and service mix, serving as a national referral center for genetic diagnostics in Germany.
• Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Institut für Humangenetik: University hospital human genetics department providing accredited molecular diagnostics, genetic counseling, and developmental genetics research. Comparable in academic scope, accreditation profile, and statutory insurance-billed diagnostic services.

Emerging players

• GeneDx: US-based clinical genomics company specializing in rare disease exome and genome sequencing with growing international reach. Comparable in molecular diagnostic focus on rare and inherited diseases though operating under a commercial clinical model.

Broad incumbents

• Bioscientia Institut für Medizinische Diagnostik: Ingelheim-based medical diagnostic laboratory group offering a broad menu of clinical diagnostics including human genetics, with a much larger nationwide footprint and commercial operating model.
• Eurofins Genomics: Large commercial genomic services provider offering sequencing, genotyping, and bioinformatics for clinical and research customers. Represents scaled commercial competition in routine and specialty molecular diagnostics across Europe.
• Helmholtz Munich – Institute of Human Genetics: Research-focused human genetics institute at Helmholtz Munich with strengths in computational genomics and rare disease gene discovery. Comparable in research scope but oriented toward discovery rather than routine clinical diagnostics.

Regional players

• Labor Berlin – Charité Vivantes Services GmbH: Joint central laboratory of Charité and Vivantes in Berlin offering comprehensive clinical diagnostics including human genetics. Comparable in academic-hospital diagnostic operations, though broader in test menu and regional rather than national in focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/institut-f%C3%BCr-humangenetik

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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