BGI Group
BGI Group, formerly Beijing Genomics Institute, is a Chinese genomics company with headquarters in Yantian, Shenzhen. The company was originally formed in 1999 as a genetics research center to participate in the Human Genome Project. It also sequences the genomes of other animals, plants and microorganisms.
BGI headquarters in Shenzhen | |
Native name | 華大集團 |
|---|---|
| Formerly | Beijing Genomics Institute |
| Company type | Private |
| Industry | Omics Genome sequencing Biotechnology |
| Founded | September 9, 1999 |
| Founder | Wang Jian Yu Jun Yang Huanming Liu Siqi |
| Headquarters | Shenzhen, Guangdong, China |
Number of locations | A global presence in more than 100 countries and regions |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Wang Jian (Co-Founder and Chairman) |
| Products | DNBseq Platform (next-generation sequencing platform), RT-PCR tests for the detection of the SARS CoV-2 virus and its mutations. Huo-Yan integrated laboratory solution. The NIFTY Test (a non-invasive prenatal test) |
| Brands | DNBseq, NIFTY, Huafeiran, Huachangkang, Huajianwei, Huachangan, Huafanan, SeqHPV, PMseq |
| Revenue | $251 million (2016) |
Net income | $51.7 million (2016) |
| Owner | Wang Jian |
Number of employees | ~ 10,000 (worldwide) |
| Divisions | BGI China (Mainland) BGI Asia Pacific BGI Americas BGI Europe (Europe and Africa) |
| Subsidiaries |
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| Website | genomics |
BGI has transformed from a small research institute, notable for decoding the DNA of pandas and rice plants, into a diversified company active in animal cloning, health testing, and contract research. BGI's earlier research was continued by the Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. BGI Research, the group's nonprofit division, works with the Institute of Genomics and operates the China National GeneBank under a contract with the Chinese government. BGI Genomics, a subsidiary, was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2017.
In 2021, details came to light about multiple controversies involving the BGI Group. These controversies include alleged collaboration with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and use of genetic data from prenatal tests. BGI denied that it shares prenatal genetics data with the PLA.