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DNA-sense - en virksomhed i NOVI Science Park.

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New Laboratory Facilities for Leading DNA Sequencing at NOVI Science Park

To support DNASense's expanding activities, NOVI is currently constructing new, advanced laboratory facilities. These facilities are custom-designed for state-of-the-art DNA/RNA extraction and sequencing and will play a central role in the company’s future growth. Located in NOVI 3-4, the laboratories are expected to be completed by January 2025 and will serve as the hub for processing all Cmbio’s DNA/RNA samples from the EU and surrounding regions.

DNASense as a Subsidiary of Cmbio

In March 2024, DNASense was acquired by Cmbio, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth journey. As a subsidiary of Cmbio, one of the world’s leading companies in microbiome analysis, DNASense’s position is further strengthened, with significantly enhanced access to international markets. DNASense will manage all DNA/RNA sequencing samples for Cmbio from the EU and surrounding regions, with operations centralized in the new DNASense-NOVI laboratory facilities.

PHOTO: Director Mads T. Søndergaard and Principal Research Scientist Mie Bech Lukassen have been partners in DNASense, which has been based in NOVI Science Park since its early days as a spin-out from Aalborg University.
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Organic Growth Requires Space and Power

With an annual growth rate now approaching 50%, DNASense has needed additional space and resources. The company has relocated to larger facilities at NOVI three times. Their advanced DNA analyses have attracted numerous customers, even without extensive marketing. “We’re excited to continue our growth and consolidate all our activities here at NOVI, including offices, laboratories, and server setups,” says Mads T. Søndergaard.

Servers: The Heart of Analytical Capacity

Powerful servers are indispensable for DNASense’s advanced DNA analyses. At NOVI, the company has its own server room, housing seven custom-built servers and various sequencing units. These servers enable the processing of the massive data volumes generated by DNA sequencing.

PHOTO: Mie Bech Lukassen in action, analyzing a DNA sequencing.
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Organic Growth Requires Space and Power

With an annual growth rate of around 20%, DNASense has needed extra space and resources. Three times, they have moved to larger premises in NOVI. Surprisingly, their advanced DNA analyses have attracted plenty of customers without significant marketing. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily slowed down the construction of new laboratories, but it has not derailed DNASense. They already have their eyes set on a new project: comprehensive laboratory facilities in collaboration with NOVI. "We will continue our growth and consolidate all our activities here in NOVI," says Mads Søndergaard.

Servers: The Heart of Analytical Capacity

Behind the advanced DNA analyses are powerful servers that DNASense cannot do without. In NOVI, you will find their own server room, home to four servers and sequencing units. It is these servers that enable the processing of the massive amounts of data generated by DNA sequencing.

The servers and powerful sequencing units are essential for processing the enormous amounts of data required by DNA sequencing. A sequencing unit is seen here in front of the screen with the two illuminated fields.

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Growth Phases and Specialization

In addition to four core employees, each with a PhD background, DNASense collaborates closely with the Center for Microbial Communities at Aalborg University (AAU). The team comprises seven full-time employees and two hourly consultants, with a goal to expand to around ten full-time employees by the first quarter of 2025.

“We’ve moved through the first growth phase, where a small team handled everything themselves. Now, we work in a more specialized way and have gained new owners. Each phase comes with its own challenges, requiring constant adaptation. Transitioning from doing everything ourselves to a more specialized approach is a familiar journey for many entrepreneurs experiencing rapid growth,” Mads Søndergaard concludes with a smile.

 

Facts about DNASense / Cmbio at NOVI

Since 2017, DNASense has been based in NOVI Science Park, expanding three times within NOVI by relocating to larger office spaces. The company operates its own server room at NOVI and is currently establishing new laboratory facilities there, designed specifically for state-of-the-art DNA/RNA extraction and sequencing.

See all NOVI companies.
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