Ultima Genomics

Ultima Genomics embarked on its journey in 2016, founded by Gilad Almogy with a clear and ambitious mission: to relentlessly drive down the cost of sequencing and, in doing so, unlock a new era of data-driven healthcare and biological discovery. Before establishing Ultima, Almogy had already carved out a reputation for pushing technological boundaries and spearheading transformative changes across various industries. His prior success as the Founder and CEO of Cogenra Solar, a company renowned for its record-breaking shingled solar modules with over 7 gigawatts deployed globally, showcased his ability to lead ventures from their inception to successful acquisition, as Cogenra was by SunPower in 2015. This deep-seated expertise in technology, engineering, and leadership became the bedrock upon which Ultima Genomics was built.

The company operated in stealth mode for its initial years, a strategic decision to allow for the rigorous development and validation of its groundbreaking sequencing architecture. This period of focused innovation culminated in 2022 when Ultima Genomics emerged, announcing a staggering $600 million in funding from a consortium of leading investors who shared its vision. This substantial backing underscored the potential of Ultima's novel approach, which was engineered to overcome the inherent limitations and high costs associated with conventional next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. The core of Ultima's innovation lies in a fundamentally different architecture, encompassing unique flow cell engineering, distinct sequencing chemistry, and the integration of machine learning. This allows the company to offer its flagship UG 100™ sequencing platform, capable of delivering the '$100 genome' – a significant reduction in cost designed to democratize access to genomic information. By making large-scale sequencing more affordable, Ultima aims to empower scientists and clinicians to utilize genomic data with greater breadth, depth, and frequency, thereby accelerating advancements in understanding complex biology, improving human health, and catalyzing the next wave of genomic breakthroughs in the 21st century.