Sponsored Content by MGIReviewed by Olivia FrostApr 17 2025
The commentary in this article is provided by Dr. Radoje Drmanac, Chief Scientific Officer of MGI and Co-Founder of Complete Genomics.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of our proprietary DNBSEQ™ Technology invites reflection on past accomplishments and future aspirations. The journey began long before our first sequencer, BGISEQ-500, was commercialized in 2015, driven by my insatiable curiosity to unravel the complexities of genomics and make high throughput sequencing accessible to all.
Looking back over this past decade fills me with so much pride as I see how far we have come from that first design; the trust and confidence that researchers across the globe continue to place in our technology reinforces the value of our vision and sustained efforts.
Origins of a vision
In the early years of my scientific career, during my graduate studies at the University of Belgrade, I vividly recall the painstaking challenges of cloning a single gene for my master’s degree. Perhaps driven by my inherent dislike for acrylamide gels—or jokingly, a bit of laziness—I wondered if there was a more efficient approach. This frustration sparked an ambitious vision: efficiently sequencing the entire genome.
In 1987, I introduced sequencing-by-hybridization (SBH), an innovative concept subsequently published in Genomics1 with crucial support from Victor McKusick, the founding father of medical genetics.
Unlike traditional methods, SBH allowed simultaneous reading of multiple sequences by hybridizing short probes directly to unknown genomic sequences. This eliminated the need for molecular separation or sequential reactions, dramatically increasing accuracy and efficiency. In 1988, I conceptualized the first massively parallel sequencing (MPS) process using emulsion PCR on microbeads to form miniaturized sequencing arrays.
Encouraged by early funding from the US Department of Energy, my colleagues and I advanced SBH at Argonne National Laboratories as part of the Human Genome Project (HGP). Our work yielded the discovery of novel genes, secured patents, and led to my first commercial venture, HySeq. Despite financial challenges and market volatility, our passion for innovation remained unwavering.
This drive ultimately culminated in the founding of Complete Genomics, where we introduced the combinatorial probe-anchor ligation (cPAL) approach and transformative DNA NanoBall (DNB) technology. At Complete Genomics, we constantly explored methods to improve genome sequencing efficiency, focusing significantly on array formation—historically a limiting factor for MPS—which laid the groundwork for today’s DNBSEQ™ technology.2
Dr. Radoje Drmanac as young scientist. Image Credit: MGI
The foundation of DNBSEQ™
In 2005, my team developed patterned arrays of DNB, a key breakthrough that addressed major limitations in MPS and dramatically improved its efficiency and scalability. Today, that work has evolved into DNBSEQ™, our proprietary sequencing technology, now recognized around the world.
From the very beginning, our focus was on reducing cost, increasing accuracy, and improving scalability—all without driving up costs. But for me, this work was never just about refining the process—it was about making sequencing better, cheaper, and more accessible. Foundational innovations like compact DNBs, clonal DNA arrays, and high signal-to-noise imaging laid the groundwork for a more reliable sequencing platform.
DNBSEQ is more than a single innovation—it’s a fully integrated sequencing system first released in 2015. It combines DNA single-stranded (SS) circularization, optimized DNB making and loading processes, combinatorial probe-anchor synthesis (cPAS) chemistry, paired-end sequencing methods, advanced fluidics and imaging systems, and sophisticated base-calling algorithms. This full-stack approach is what gives DNBSEQ its edge—precision, reliability, and efficiency that researchers around the world can depend on.
Image Credit: MGI
Commercializing DNBSEQ
In the years that followed, we built a full portfolio of DNBSEQ instruments designed for real-world applications. These ranged from high-throughput systems like the DNBSEQ-T20x2 and DNBSEQ-T7 for national genome initiatives to flexible DNBSEQ-G400 and G50 benchtop models for clinical and research labs and ultra-fast or portable solutions like the DNBSEQ-T1+ and DNBSEQ-E25.
These systems have enabled breakthroughs across biological sciences, precision medicine, disease surveillance, and agricultural genomics.
Image Credit: MGI
We’ve even pushed the boundaries of where sequencing can happen from the high altitudes of Mount Everest with the E25,3 to the depths of the Mariana Trench using the G400—proving that performance and reliability don’t stop at the lab.
More than 3900 DNBSEQ platforms are now installed worldwide, supporting over 10,900 scientific publications. Our technology has supported major genome projects in developing nations—bringing advanced sequencing to new regions and accelerating local discovery. Watching DNBSEQ evolve from concept to global standard has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career—and with every new platform, we’re pushing the boundaries of scientific advancement.
Looking ahead: The $10 genome
When the first human genome was sequenced in 2003, it marked a key milestone in biological science. The project took a collaborative effort from scientists around the world, 13 years, and nearly $3 billion to achieve. By 2007, technological advancements had drastically reduced sequencing costs to a few million dollars per genome.4
The barrier to medical advancement often isn’t scientific limitations but financial constraints. Recognizing this, my team and I have dedicated extensive efforts to innovations that improve sequencing accuracy, enhance throughput, and increase overall efficiency. We understood from the beginning that reducing sequencing costs was essential for broader access to precision medicine, directly translating into improved healthcare outcomes.
MGI recently achieved a breakthrough with the introduction of our ultra-high throughput sequencer, the DNBSEQ-T20x2, enabling genome sequencing below $100.5 Specifically designed for large-scale population studies, this instrument effectively doubles sequencing efficiency.
Achieving sub-$100 sequencing is transformative; just over a decade ago, a $5000 genome was groundbreaking. Today’s affordability opens numerous possibilities for genetic diagnostics, health monitoring and disease prevention, precision medicine, and gene therapy—allowing personalized healthcare to become more accessible and significantly improving patient outcomes.
Yet, what excites me most is that despite these advancements, we are still far from reaching the full potential of genomic sequencing. Many might assume we have approached the pinnacle of MPS efficiency and affordability, yet the reality is we're just getting started. MPS enables much more efficient sequencing than is achieved today. Only when we achieve the milestone of a $10 genome might I feel my mission has reached completion—and even then, I believe we should always strive for further innovation.
We have much to discover about our genome, knowledge that will revolutionize healthcare by enabling comprehensive omics analysis and routine, preventative health monitoring for longer healty living at unprecedented scales.
A heartfelt thank you
I fondly refer to BGISEQ-500 and DNBSEQ™ as our first ‘baby,’ and we’ve come a long way since their inception—now proudly nurturing a whole family of sequencing platforms. Soon we’ll celebrate the 10th anniversary of other remarkable instruments, like the DNBSEQ-G400 and DNBSEQ-T7. These millstones reflect our substantial progress in providing accessible life sciences tools.
As we move forward, I remain deeply inspired by the limitless potential for genomic sequencing to revolutionize healthcare. I'm incredibly grateful for the continuous support from the global scientific community and the unwavering dedication of my talented team, whose hard work and passion have driven our successes.
References and further reading
- Dramanac, R., et al. (1989). Sequencing of megabase plus DNA by hybridization: Theory of the method. Genomics, 4(2), pp.114–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/0888-7543(89)90290-5.
- MGI. From Sanger Sequencing to the Human Genome Project: The Evolution of DNA Sequencing Technology [Online]. 2023 [Updated April 2023]. Available from: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230413/From-Sanger-Sequencing-to-the-Human-Genome-Project-The-Evolution-of-DNA-Sequencing-Technology.aspx; (Accessed on March 2025).
- MGI. MGI Tech’s DNBSEQ-E25 and G99 Platforms Set Record for Sequencing Applications at High Altitude [Online]. 2024 [Updated]. Available from; (Accessed on Apr 2025).
- National Human Genome Research Institute. The Cost of Sequencing a Human Genome [Online]. [Updated November 2021]. Available from: https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Sequencing-Human-Genome-cost; (Accessed on March 2025).
- MGI. MGI Tech’s DNBSEQ-T20x2* Gene Sequencer Named 2024 Edison Award™ Gold Winner [Online]. 2024 [Updated April 2024]. Available from: https://en.mgi-tech.com/news/444/; (Accessed on March 2025).
About MGI
MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (or its subsidiaries, together referred to as MGI), is committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science. Our focus lies in research & development, manufacturing, and sales of instruments, reagents, and related products in the field of life science and biotechnology. We provide real-time, multi-omics, and full-spectrum digital equipment and systems for precision medicine, agriculture, healthcare, and other industries.
Founded in 2016, MGI has grown into a leader in life science, serving customers across six continents and has established research, manufacturing, training, and after-sales service facilities globally. MGI stands out as one of the few companies capable of independently developing and mass-producing clinical-grade gene sequencers with varying throughput capacities, ranging from Gb to Tb levels. With unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge products, and a commitment to global impact, MGI continues to shape the trajectory of life sciences into the future.
As of June 30, 2024, MGI has a team of over 2,670 employees, with research and development personnel accounting for approximately 32.16%. Our business spans over 100 countries and regions worldwide, serving more than 3,000 users.
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