DNA Sequencing Startup Gets IIA Boost For Infectious Disease R&D

Israeli medtech startup Sequentify, which screens DNA sequences in order to diagnose diseases, has received a grant for its new project from the Israel Innovation Authority, the branch of the government dedicated to promoting the country’s tech sector. 

The grant is part of a $1.3 million project to develop the startup’s targeted sequencing panel for research into infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance. The initiative is part of Sequentify’s moves to build on its already existing technology. 

Based in Rehovot, Sequentify was founded as an offshoot of the Weizmann Institute of Science in 2021. The startup aims to combine synthetic biology and AI to provide a solution for targeted DNA sequencing such as cancer diagnostics, carrier screening, COVID-19 surveillance and more. 

“We are grateful for the recognition and support from the IIA. Infectious disease is a complex field, and Next-Generation Sequencing is still emerging in this area,” said Sequentify co-founder and CEO Tamir Biezuner. 

“This grant will be instrumental in advancing our research and development, helping us to provide timely and efficient solutions in pathogen detection.”