Desktop Genetics

Desktop Genetics Ltd. is a bioinformatics company that provides software solutions for CRISPR-based gene editing. Founded in 2012 by three University of Cambridge graduates, Riley Doyle, Victor Dillard, and Edward Perello, the company was established to help researchers in discovering and treating the genetic causes of human disease by developing technologies at the intersection of biotechnology, software, and lab automation.

The company's core technology is the DESKGEN AI, a machine learning-driven platform trained on a large database of empirical genome editing data. This platform powers their DESKGEN CRISPR Library products, enabling academic, pharmaceutical, and biotech clients to design and execute gene editing experiments for applications in drug discovery and functional genomics. The DESKGEN platform walks users through the process with lab-validated algorithms, allowing them to design experiments, purchase reagents, and manage the entire workflow, thereby making CRISPR gene editing more predictable and efficient.

Desktop Genetics serves thousands of organizations globally, including major pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. Its business model involves providing its software platform, which is free for academics, alongside custom CRISPR library design and screening services through partnerships with other companies. In June 2018, Desktop Genetics was acquired by Celixir plc, a company focused on developing cell and gene therapies. It's important to note that a separate entity, Celadon Group Inc., a trucking company, filed for bankruptcy in 2019 due to financial fraud, but this is unrelated to Celixir plc or Desktop Genetics.

Keywords: CRISPR, gene editing, bioinformatics, DESKGEN, sgRNA design, personalized medicine, genomics, drug discovery, functional genomics, cell therapy, genetic engineering, machine learning, AI in biotech, CRISPR libraries, genome engineering, DNA editing, therapeutic development, molecular biology, life sciences software.