Hong Kong, September 15, 2023 – MGI, a company dedicated to developing core tools and technologies for life sciences, officially opened αLab at the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks (“HKSTP”), the city’s largest R&D base and a leading incubator. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) research and development, application transformation, and incubation platforms, αLab is designed to empower the life sciences industry in Hong Kong and globally through strengthened international collaboration.
The First Smart Laboratory in Hong Kong
αLab represents the first phase of MGI’s lab presence at HKSTP. It features Smart Lab, MGI’s digital platform capable of self-learning, self-perception, self-decision-making, and self-execution, providing high-quality laboratory management and environmental monitoring from samples to data.
Equipped with systems for information management, environmental monitoring, and robotic sample transfer, along with MGI’s ZTRON Pro data platform, the Smart Lab delivers automation, modularization, standardization, intelligence, and compliance. By reducing reliance on manual operations, αLab frees lab technicians from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on high-value scientific work.
Founded in 2016, MGI develops real-time, panoramic digital systems for precision medicine, healthcare, and agriculture. Its product line-up includes the MGISP-100, MGISP-960, and MGISP-Smart 8 sample preparation systems for high-, medium-, and low-throughput workflows.
The new αLab houses multiple DNBSEQ-E25, DNBSEQ-G99, DNBSEQ-G400, and DNBSEQ-T7 sequencers, covering applications from low- to ultra-high-throughput sequencing.
“The opening of αLab will spur development in the life sciences ecosystem, not only in Hong Kong but worldwide,” said Duncan Yu, President of MGI. “The second phase, DCS Lab, will advance frontier science fields such as population genomics, single-cell omics, and spatiotemporal omics, unleashing infinite possibilities for the industry.”
DCS Lab Initiative
The DCS Lab Initiative, MGI’s program targeting international laboratories focused on frontier science, will support 10 DCS labs worldwide. The HKSTP DCS Lab will feature advanced platforms including DNBelab C-TaiM 4 for droplet-based single-cell analysis, DNBelab C4 pocket single-cell lab, and DNBSEQ-T20×2 ultra-high-throughput sequencers to drive cutting-edge research.
“We are delighted to welcome MGI to HKSTP,” said Dr. Grace Lau, Head of Institute for Translational Research, HKSTP. “αLab combines data analytics, machine learning, and AI with sequencing research, promoting precision medicine and generating opportunities for life sciences development.”
AI-Integrated Research
αLab is also home to MGI’s first AI laboratory in Hong Kong, serving as a hub for AI R&D and industry applications. The lab applies machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to enhance product intelligence, improve automation, and support predictive analysis, transforming traditional lab workflows into data-driven processes.
In July 2023, MGI published EvoPlay in Nature Machine Intelligence, an algorithm leveraging self-play to mutate protein sequences and optimize functions. This innovation supports protein engineering, a foundational aspect of MGI’s gene sequencers.
Global Commitment
As a global life science technology company, MGI operates in over 90 countries with more than 2,400 users worldwide (as of June 2023). Its research, production, and service centres across multiple regions reinforce its mission to provide high-end life science tools.
With αLab, MGI continues to prioritize technological innovation, global cooperation, and smart platform development, helping partners worldwide solve scientific challenges and accelerate research productivity.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures (except as specifically noted).
