Ginko Automation Partners with Aura Genetics to Accelerate Direct-to-Consumer Testing and Innovation

Rhea-AI Summary

Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA) has announced a strategic partnership with Aura Genetics to deploy its Reconfigurable Automation Cart (RAC) system at Aura's new high-throughput facility in Louisville, KY. The collaboration aims to enhance Aura's direct-to-consumer testing capabilities.

The RAC system will be installed at Aura's new 22,000-square-foot facility at the UPS Healthcare Labport. With Ginkgo's automation technology and support services, Aura Genetics expects to process tens of thousands of samples daily. The agreement includes comprehensive support through joint protocol development, biovalidation, and dedicated technical assistance.

Positive

• Partnership enables processing of tens of thousands of samples daily
• Strategic location at UPS Healthcare Labport facilitates rapid logistics
• Comprehensive support services included in the agreement

Negative

• None.

Insights

Biotechnology/Automation Expert

Ginkgo extends revenue potential by deploying automation technology in high-throughput diagnostic testing market.

This partnership represents a strategic commercial application of Ginkgo Bioworks' automation technology in the growing direct-to-consumer testing market. The company will deploy its Reconfigurable Automation Cart (RAC) system at Aura Genetics' new 22,000-square-foot facility strategically positioned at the UPS Healthcare Labport adjacent to Louisville airport - a location that enables rapid sample processing and result delivery.

The technical specifications are substantial - the system is designed to process tens of thousands of samples daily, indicating this is a significant production-scale deployment rather than a pilot. This volume suggests meaningful operational capacity that could translate to substantial sample throughput for Aura.

What's particularly notable is the comprehensive nature of this agreement. Beyond the physical automation technology, Ginkgo will provide protocol development, biovalidation, and dedicated technical support - suggesting a deeper business relationship with potential for recurring service revenue beyond initial deployment.

For Ginkgo, this partnership demonstrates commercial validation of their automation capabilities outside their core synthetic biology operations. It showcases their ability to deploy complex laboratory systems in regulated diagnostic environments while strengthening their position as a horizontal technology platform.

For Aura Genetics, this automation solution appears central to their value proposition of rapid diagnostic testing, potentially giving them a competitive edge through accelerated turnaround times in the direct-to-consumer market.

BOSTON, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA), which is building the leading platform for cell programming and biosecurity, today announced that Ginkgo Automation will design and deploy a Reconfigurable Automation Cart (RAC) system to Aura Genetics, a high-complexity diagnostic laboratory servicing the growing at-home testing and wellness market. This advanced modular laboratory automation platform will be deployed at Aura Genetics' new 22,000-square-foot high-throughput facility at the UPS Healthcare Labport, located at the end of the runway at the Louisville, KY airport.

The RAC system, combined with Ginkgo Automation's orchestration software and real-time error resolution services, aims to enable Aura Genetics to efficiently scale and streamline diagnostic testing workflows. Supported by Ginkgo's team of automation engineers and scientists, Aura Genetics expects to be able to process tens of thousands of samples daily, ensuring seamless integration and rapid, high-quality results.

"We are proud that Aura Genetics has chosen Ginkgo Automation's RAC system for their new state-of-the-art facility," said Will Serber, General Manager of Ginkgo Automation. "Our modular automation solutions are built to scale with our customers' needs. By deploying this technology, Aura Genetics is setting a new benchmark for efficiency and innovation in laboratory testing, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth."

Anthony Nuccio, COO of Aura Genetics, added, "Partnering with Ginkgo Automation marks a significant step forward for Aura Genetics. The sophisticated automation capabilities provided by Ginkgo will allow us to scale our operations efficiently, accelerate turnaround times, and bring innovative lab testing solutions to market more rapidly."

The agreement includes extensive collaborative support, including joint protocol development, biovalidation, and dedicated on-demand technical support, reinforcing both companies' commitment to quality, innovation, and scientific rigor.

About Ginkgo Bioworks
Ginkgo Bioworks is the leading horizontal platform for cell programming, providing flexible, end-to-end services that solve challenges for organizations across diverse markets, from food and agriculture to pharmaceuticals to industrial and specialty chemicals. Ginkgo Biosecurity is building and deploying the next-generation infrastructure and technologies that global leaders need to predict, detect, and respond to a wide variety of biological threats. For more information, visit ginkgobioworks.com and ginkgobiosecurity.com, read our blog, or follow us on social media channels such as X (@Ginkgo and @Ginkgo_Biosec), Instagram (@GinkgoBioworks), Threads (@GinkgoBioworks), or LinkedIn.

About Aura Genetics
Aura Genetics is a pioneering, CLIA Certified and CAP Accredited high-complexity diagnostic laboratory redefining modern diagnostic testing by delivering same-morning results through it's runway-adjacent lab, and joint project with UPS Healthcare. Aura Genetics empowers healthcare providers with actionable 'Lab results at the speed of FLIGHT,' enhancing diagnostics and personalized medicine outcomes.

GINKGO BIOWORKS INVESTOR CONTACT:
investors@ginkgobioworks.com

GINKGO BIOWORKS MEDIA CONTACT:
press@ginkgobioworks.com

AURA GENETICS MEDIA CONTACT:
pr@auragenetics.com

Forward-Looking Statements of Ginkgo Bioworks

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the capabilities and potential success of the partnership and Ginkgo's cell programming platform. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "can," "project," "potential," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) our ability to realize near-term and long-term cost savings associated with our site consolidation plans, including the ability to terminate leases or find sub-lease tenants for unused facilities, (ii) volatility in the price of Ginkgo's securities due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Ginkgo operates and plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, and changes in laws and regulations affecting Ginkgo's business, (iii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and to identify and realize additional business opportunities, including with respect to our solutions and tools offerings, (iv) the risk of downturns in demand for products using synthetic biology, (v) the uncertainty regarding the demand for passive monitoring programs and biosecurity services, (vi) changes to the biosecurity industry, including due to advancements in technology, emerging competition and evolution in industry demands, standards and regulations, (vii) the outcome of any pending or potential legal proceedings against Ginkgo, (viii) our ability to realize the expected benefits from and the success of our Foundry platform programs and Codebase assets, (ix) our ability to successfully develop engineered cells, bioprocesses, data packages or other deliverables, (x) the product development, production or manufacturing success of our customers, (xi) our exposure to the volatility and liquidity risks inherent in holding equity interests in other operating companies and other non-cash consideration we may receive for our services, (xii) the potential negative impact on our business of our restructuring or the failure to realize the anticipated savings associated therewith and (xiii) the uncertainty regarding government budgetary priorities and funding allocated to government agencies. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of Ginkgo's annual report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 25, 2025 and other documents filed by Ginkgo from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Ginkgo assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Ginkgo does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

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SOURCE Ginkgo Bioworks

FAQ

What is the purpose of Ginkgo Bioworks' RAC system deployment at Aura Genetics?

The RAC system deployment aims to enable efficient scaling of diagnostic testing workflows, allowing Aura Genetics to process tens of thousands of samples daily with high-quality results.

Where will Aura Genetics' new automated testing facility be located?

The new 22,000-square-foot high-throughput facility will be located at the UPS Healthcare Labport in Louisville, KY, adjacent to the airport runway.

What services are included in the DNA-Aura Genetics automation partnership?

The partnership includes deployment of the RAC system, joint protocol development, biovalidation, and dedicated on-demand technical support services.

How will the Ginkgo Automation partnership affect Aura Genetics' testing capabilities?

The partnership is expected to accelerate turnaround times, enable efficient scaling of operations, and facilitate faster market introduction of innovative lab testing solutions.