Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics - Aarhus University

What Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics - Aarhus University does

The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) at Aarhus University is an international research center employing more than 70 staff and guests from over 20 nations, focused on quantitative genetics and genomics research. Its work spans the development of statistical models for livestock and plant breeding, studies of the genetic basis of traits and diseases, and management of genetic resources, with a stated and increasingly operational expansion into human genetics and model organisms. QGG develops proprietary analytical tooling, notably its QGG Big Data Software, and its statistical genetics research underpins deployed outputs such as the recently launched methane index for three Danish dairy breeds (Holstein, Jersey, and Red Danish Dairy Cattle) and related feed efficiency breeding programs.

The center operates three principal activity lines: (1) basic and applied research funded through Aarhus University budgets and national/international research grants; (2) research-based public sector consultancy for Danish ministries and government agencies, formally organized under DCA – the Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture; and (3) applied joint research projects with Danish companies and industry organizations in the breeding and improvement sector, including co-supervision of industrial PhDs and postdocs. Educational activities include PhD programs, double-degree arrangements with foreign universities, and teaching collaboration with the University of Copenhagen and other Aarhus University departments.

QGG is not a commercial entity. It does not sell products or operate commercial pricing, and revenue/financial data is not publicly disclosed. Distribution is exclusively through academic channels: peer-reviewed publications, conference participation (e.g., WCGALP 2026), international research collaborations, and direct engagement with government and industry partners. Two physical sites are operated, the main headquarters at C. F. Møllers Allé 3, Aarhus, and a research facility at Forsøgsvej 1, Slagelse (Flakkebjerg). The center is led by Centre Director Mogens Sandø Lund.

Name

Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics - Aarhus University

Legal name

Center for Kvantitativ Genetik og Genomforskning, Aarhus Universitet

Website

https://qgg.au.dk

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) at Aarhus University is a public research center with 70+ staff from 20+ nations developing statistical models and software for livestock, plant, and increasingly human genetics and genomics, serving Danish government, breeding industry partners, and international academic collaborators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Genetics and Genomics Research Services

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Digital Breeding & Bioinformatics Software (Breeding informatics, decision tools) (AFABALAL)

Keywords

• Quantitative genetics research
• Genomics research services
• Livestock breeding science
• Plant breeding genetics
• Public sector consultancy

Headquarters

HQ city

Aarhus

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations

Revenue model

1. Public Sector Consultancy: Research-based consultancy services for Danish ministries and government agencies, organized under DCA - National Center for Food and Agriculture at Aarhus University
2. Research Grants and Funding: Funded through Aarhus University with research activities supported by national and international funding bodies

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) at Aarhus University is an international research center conducting basic and applied research in quantitative genetics and genomics. It focuses on developing statistical models for livestock and plant breeding, studying the genetic basis of traits and diseases, and managing genetic resources. The center also delivers research-based public sector consultancy to Danish ministries and government agencies, and operates a PhD program in collaboration with international universities.

Product overview

Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) at Aarhus University is a research center, not a product company. It does not offer commercial products or services. QGG conducts fundamental and applied research in quantitative genetics and genomics, focusing on the development of statistical models for livestock and plant breeding, studies of genetic basis for various traits and diseases, and management of genetic resources. The center collaborates with industry partners and provides research-based public sector consultancy services, but these are academic/research activities rather than commercial product offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Public Sector Consultancy

Quantifiable outcome

• Methane index developed for three dairy breeds (Holstein, Jersey, and Red Danish Dairy Cattle)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and primary.

• Aarhus University (Internal Departments)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates widely with other departments at Aarhus University on interdisciplinary research initiatives in quantitative genetics and genomics
• Danish and Foreign UniversitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch and educational collaboration including double degree PhD programs, joint supervision, and exchange of researchers with universities worldwide
• Danish Companies in Breeding IndustryprimaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerApplication-oriented joint research projects with Danish companies and industry organizations in the breeding and improvement sector
• University of CopenhagencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeaching and supervision coordination at bachelor and master levels with other institutes at Aarhus University and University of Copenhagen
• DCA - Danish Centre for Food and AgriculturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQGG's public sector consultancy is organized under DCA, which frames cooperation between research environments in food and agriculture at Aarhus University
• Private Companies (Industrial Researchers)primaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong tradition of working with private companies regarding education of industrial researchers - both PhD students and postdocs

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Genus plc: Commercial animal genetics company using genomic selection in pig and dairy cattle breeding. Relevant as an industry counterpart that consumes and commercializes the type of quantitative genetics research QGG produces.
• European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI): Major bioinformatics infrastructure provider relevant to QGG's computational and big-data genetics work, but not a direct competitor — rather an enabling platform for genomic data analysis.

Emerging players

• CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center): International center for plant breeding and genetics research, particularly wheat and maize. Comparable to QGG's Plant Genetics program in quantitative genetics and breeding value estimation methodology.

Broad incumbents

• USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Large U.S. public agency conducting extensive animal and plant genetics and breeding research. Significantly broader scope than QGG but overlaps in genomic selection and breeding program development.
• CGIAR / International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI): Global research organization applying genetic improvement to livestock in low- and middle-income countries. Overlaps with QGG in statistical breeding methodology and trait development, but at much larger scale.

Direct peers

• Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN): German research institute focused on farm animal genetics, breeding, and functional genomics. Comparable in size, public funding model, and emphasis on applied livestock genetics.
• Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh: UK research institute focused on animal genetics, genomics, and quantitative trait improvement for livestock. Strong overlap in statistical genetics, breeding pipelines, and international collaboration networks.
• Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) - Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics: Nordic peer institution with comparable focus on quantitative genetics, breeding value estimation, and conservation of native breeds — geographically adjacent and methodologically aligned with QGG.
• INRAE - Animal Genetics Division: French national research institute with large programs in animal and plant quantitative genetics, genomic selection, and statistical breeding methods — the closest European peer in scale and scope.
• Wageningen University & Research - Animal Breeding and Genomics: Leading Dutch university group in quantitative genetics, genomic selection, and breeding value estimation for livestock. Directly comparable to QGG in mission, methods, and dairy cattle focus.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/QGG_AU
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/center-for-quantitative-genetics-and-genomics

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

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