Element Biosciences lands $175M from Samsung for its gene-sequencing device – San Diego Union-Tribune
San Diego-based Element Biosciences secured a $175 million Series E investment led by Samsung Electronics to accelerate the commercialization of its VITARI gene-sequencing platform. The funding, which bolsters the company’s total investment to more than $680 million, aims to challenge industry incumbents by offering benchtop-sized, high-throughput genomic sequencing at a lower price point than established market leaders.
How Element Biosciences is disrupting the sequencing market
The core of Element’s market strategy rests on the miniaturization and cost-reduction of high-throughput sequencing. According to the company, the VITARI device provides lab-grade genomic readings in a footprint significantly smaller than industry-standard machines. This shift allows smaller research facilities to perform complex genetic analysis without the massive infrastructure previously required by larger systems.
The competitive landscape has shifted as manufacturers chase lower price points for whole-genome sequencing. A few years ago, Illumina’s NovaSeq established a high-water mark with a $200 price point for high-throughput sequencing. Element Biosciences claims its technology can deliver a whole genome for $100, effectively cutting the cost in half while maintaining accuracy. This pricing pressure is a standard evolution in biotechnology, mirroring the historical price drops seen in consumer electronics and computing.
Element Biosciences has raised over $680 million in total funding to date, despite the company not yet reaching profitability.
Why Samsung is investing in genomic hardware
Samsung Electronics’ involvement in the Series E round signals a strategic pivot toward the integration of hardware and biotechnology. T.M. Roh, president and head of the device eXperience division at Samsung, stated that the company views broad adoption of sequencing as a “foundational pillar in precision medicine.” By backing Element, Samsung is positioning itself within the infrastructure layer of the multi-billion dollar genomics industry.
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For researchers, this investment means more than just cheaper hardware; it implies a move toward standardized, accessible diagnostic tools. As Matthew Kellinger, co-founder and vice president of biochemistry at Element, noted, the company’s objective is to “push the field as a whole and raise the bar.” This aligns with broader trends in precision medicine where diagnostic speed and cost are the primary barriers to clinical adoption.
What comes next for genomic diagnostic tools?
The company is expanding its portfolio beyond the VITARI device with the upcoming launches of the AVITI24 and AVITI Dx systems. These technologies focus on tissue profiling and single-cell analysis, which are critical for understanding how diseases manifest at the cellular level. Expanding into these specific niches allows Element to compete for market share in oncology and rare disease research.
While the company has not confirmed a timeline, leadership has hinted at a potential public offering. Kellinger described the prospect of adding another public biotech company to San Diego’s existing cluster as an “awesome thing,” suggesting that an IPO remains a long-term goal. The firm is currently focused on becoming a self-sustaining business, a common transition for startups that have moved past the initial venture-backed research and development phases.
When evaluating biotech hardware, look for “throughput versus cost” ratios. As hardware becomes smaller and cheaper, the real value shifts toward the software and data analysis layers that interpret the genetic sequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary product of Element Biosciences?
The company produces high-throughput, benchtop gene-sequencing devices, including the VITARI, which are designed to read large quantities of genetic data for disease research.
How does Element compare to competitors like Illumina?
Element focuses on reducing the physical size and cost of sequencing. While Illumina’s NovaSeq is a market leader, Element claims its technology provides similar lab-grade results at approximately half the cost per genome.
Is Element Biosciences a public company?
No, Element Biosciences is currently a private company. While they have not disclosed a firm date, company leadership has expressed interest in the possibility of an IPO.
What are the upcoming products from Element?
The company is preparing to launch the AVITI24 and AVITI Dx, which are designed for tissue profiling and capturing single-cell genetic profiles.
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