Leading Chinese company in human genetics diagnostics set up its first laboratory in Latin America in Uruguay

Chinese company BGI Genomics, a pioneer in human genetics, has set up its first laboratory in Latin America in Uruguay, a milestone for the country’s emerging life sciences ecosystem.

Its state-of-the-art facility, equipped with cutting-edge genomic technologies developed by BGI, required an initial investment of US$10 million and US$45 million over the next five years.

BGI’s strategic presence in a 1,000-square-meter facility in the Parque de las Ciencias, in the Canelones department of Uruguay, positions the country as a regional center of genomic innovation. The facility provides unprecedented access to cutting-edge diagnostic tools for preventive, prenatal, and oncological care in Latin America.

The laboratory’s expertise and technologies, the first of its kind in the region in genetic sequencing, will empower healthcare professionals and improve access to preventive medicine throughout the region. 

The country’s commitment to innovation and its highly skilled workforce make it an ideal platform for advancing genomic medicine and improving health outcomes in Latin America.

Uruguayan biotechnology and biochemistry professionals, graduates of the faculties of Science and Chemistry of the University of the Republic, are already working in the brand new laboratory, together with Chinese technicians who are training the local team in the use of the laboratory’s technology.

BGI was officially inaugurated in the presence of Yin Ye, CEO of BGI Group, the parent company of BGI Genomics, and Uruguayan dignitaries such as the Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Paganini, the Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining Elisa Facio and the Minister of Public Health Karina Rando Huluk. Natalia Pereiras, director of the BGI Genomics laboratory in Uruguay, the Chinese ambassador in Uruguay, Huang Yazhong, and the mayor of Canelones, Marcelo Metediera, also participated.

At the inauguration, Minister Facio highlighted the significance of this world leader in biotechnology choosing Uruguay to establish its facilities.

“That this world leader in biotechnology, present in more than 100 countries and employing more than 10,000 people worldwide, has decided to set up in Uruguay is a sign that we are on the right track,” she said.

In addition, the minister highlighted the importance of the biotechnology sector for the country’s development. “In the ministry, we understand that biotechnology is an economically booming sector with much potential; that is why we are making efforts to position the country in this field of science,” she added.

BGI Genomics

The Chinese company, part of the BGI Group, is based in Shenzhen and is the world’s leading provider of integrated precision medicine solutions. It has developed NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technology, which is next-generation sequencing of DNA and RNA.

One of the objectives of its laboratory in Uruguay is to provide services based on this technology quickly and at affordable costs.

In addition, it has, among its techniques, a broad portfolio of oncological lines that can be applied to the detection of colorectal cancer, among others. They also specialize in analyzing genes linked to tumors, which contributes to selecting the most appropriate treatment for the disease.

BGI Genomics specializes in reproductive health, including DNA analysis in prenatal screenings.