Hong Kong, 15 September 2023 – MGI, a company committed to developing core tools and technology to lead the life sciences industry, today announced the official opening of αLab at the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks (HKSTP), the city’s largest R&D base and one of its most important incubators. Integrating artificial intelligence R&D, application transformation and incubation platforms, the new laboratory aims to empower the development of life sciences in Hong Kong and globally through strengthened international collaboration.
The first smart laboratory with improved operational efficiency
αLab, the first phase of MGI’s lab at HKSTP, features MGI’s smart lab, a digital platform capable of self-learning, self-monitoring, self-decision-making and autonomous execution, ensuring high-quality laboratory management and environmental monitoring from samples to data.
Equipped with dedicated systems for information management, environmental monitoring, and robotic transfer, as well as MGI’s ZTRON Pro data platform, the smart lab delivers modularization, automation, standardization, informatization, and intelligent operation. This marks the first application of smart lab technology in Hong Kong, addressing inefficiencies and complexity caused by manual operations. Increasingly, lab technicians can focus on higher-value work rather than repetitive, time-consuming tasks.
Founded in 2016, MGI provides real-time, comprehensive digital equipment and system packages for precision medicine, healthcare, agriculture and related industries. Its self-developed platforms, including MGISP-100, MGISP-960, and MGISP-Smart 8 sample preparation systems, cover high, medium and low throughput processes, spanning sample extraction and library preparation.
Additionally, MGI is one of the few companies globally capable of independently developing and mass-producing low-, medium- and high-throughput clinical gene sequencers, ranging from GB to TB scales. αLab houses multiple DNBSEQ-E25, DNBSEQ-G99, DNBSEQ-G400, and DNBSEQ-T7 sequencers*, covering applications from low- to ultra-high throughput scenarios.
“The opening of αLab will spur the development of the life sciences ecosystem, not only in Hong Kong but worldwide,” said Duncan Yu, President of MGI. “The second phase of MGI lab at HKSTP, DCS Lab, will advance frontier science in population genomics, single-cell omics, and spatiotemporal omics with MGI’s state-of-the-art tools, unlocking new possibilities for the life sciences industry.”
DCS Lab Initiative: Advancing frontier science globally
The DCS Lab Initiative is MGI’s first programme targeting international laboratories in frontier science. It aims to support large-scale, leading multi-omics labs and promote global life sciences development. The initiative will initially support ten DCS labs worldwide. The DCS Lab in HKSTP will introduce DNBelab C-TaiM 4 single-cell platform for droplet generation, DNBeLab C4 pocket single-cell lab, DNBSEQ-T20×2 ultra-high-throughput sequencer*, and other products to further advance scientific research.
“We are delighted to welcome MGI, a leading gene sequencing company, to HKSTP,” said Dr Grace Lau, Head of Institute for Translational Research, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. “αLab integrates technologies including data analytics, machine learning, and AI into cutting-edge sequencing research, advancing precision medicine and creating new opportunities for life sciences.”
MGI’s first laboratory integrating AI and bio-intelligence
αLab also houses MGI’s first AI laboratory in Hong Kong, serving as the company’s R&D hub for cutting-edge AI technology and industry applications. AI R&D, data analysis, and machine learning will enhance MGI’s products and services. The laboratory includes modules for data processing, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and more.
The AI lab will also boost product intelligence, including automation, standardization, and predictive analysis. It aims to transform traditional business models and improve industry efficiency through data-driven decision-making. By analysing patterns, the AI lab addresses long-standing challenges in life sciences.
In July 2023, MGI’s R&D team published an algorithm called “EvoPlay” in Nature Machine Intelligence. The algorithm uses a self-play method to mutate protein sequences. By combining function- and structure-prediction simulators, it trains an intelligent agent, similar to an autonomous driving agent, to achieve protein evolution with enhanced functions. This algorithm underpins the engineering, design, and modification of proteins, critical for gene sequencing, and plays a vital role in efficient protein design.
Commitment to serving the world
As a global life sciences technology company, MGI operates in over 90 countries across six continents, serving more than 2,400 users globally as of June 2023. The company has established research, production, training, and after-sales service centres worldwide.
The opening of αLab allows MGI to further leverage its expertise in developing and manufacturing high-end life science tools. Looking ahead, MGI will continue to understand the needs of midstream and downstream partners, prioritise innovation and global collaboration, and provide smarter, more advanced platforms for the life sciences industry.
