BGI Group

In 1999, four scientists, Wang Jian, Yang Huanming, Liu Siqi, and Yu Jun, founded the Beijing Genomics Institute, or BGI, with a clear goal: to get China a seat at the table of the international Human Genome Project. They successfully sequenced 1% of the human genome, putting the new institute on the global map. Following this achievement, BGI led or participated in sequencing the genomes of rice, pandas, and chickens, establishing itself as a genomics research powerhouse. A pivotal moment came in 2007 when BGI relocated to Shenzhen and became a private, non-governmental entity. This shift allowed for greater flexibility and ambition. In 2013, BGI made a strategic move by acquiring the US-based company Complete Genomics for approximately $117.6 million. This acquisition was a key step in developing its own sequencing technology to compete with industry leaders. By July 2017, BGI's subsidiary, BGI Genomics, went public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The IPO provided capital to expand its focus from basic research into clinical applications like reproductive health testing and cancer diagnostics. Today, BGI Group is a major global player in genomics, having transformed from a government-affiliated research institute into a sprawling commercial enterprise with a hand in everything from health testing to developing its own sequencing platforms.