Oxford Nanopore Technologies and KAUST have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the research and development of advanced multi-omics technologies. This strategic collaboration will leverage Oxford Nanopore's innovative nanopore sequencing technology and KAUST’s strong research base to accelerate scientific discoveries that address critical global health challenges.  

The MOU builds on previous collaborative efforts between KAUST and Oxford Nanopore, particularly the development of NanoRanger by KAUST Associate Professor Mo Li, Bioscience. NanoRanger is a technique that leverages the Oxford Nanopore platform to sequence long, native DNA fragments. This method enables the rapid identification of genetic variants associated with disorders, delivering results within hours. Li’s award-winning work was recognized at Oxford Nanopore’s recent London Calling 2024 conference. 

“The NanoRanger is a fantastic example of the innovation that can spring from collaboration, but we feel it is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Gordon Sanghera, CEO of Oxford Nanopore. “Through this MoU, we will be able to partner on discovery research programs that push the boundaries of multi-omics research, ultimately contributing to transformative discoveries that can benefit society.” 

Under the MoU, KAUST will gain early access to Oxford Nanopore’s sequencing technology, building on its pre-existing status as an Oxford Nanopore-certified service provider and customer. This will help enable its researchers to explore the cutting edge of the multi-omics space, utilizing Oxford Nanopore’s platform technology to gain faster and deeper insights for areas such as rare diseases and desert agriculture. Oxford Nanopore will benefit from access to KAUST's state-of-the-art Core Labs, providing a launchpad for engagement with the Kingdom's vibrant research and innovation communities.   

“Partnering with Oxford Nanopore enhances our ability to offer cutting-edge resources to our researchers, said Dr. Daniel Acevedo-Feliz, Director at KAUST Core Labs. “This collaboration represents a significant leap forward in our Core Labs’ mission to foster groundbreaking discoveries and support KAUST’s leadership in scientific innovation. We are excited about the potential impacts of this advanced technology on health and environmental research.” 

Dr. Nicole Cheung, Director of KAUST Bioscience Core Lab, added: “This multi-omics technology aims to empower any user to sequence anything, anywhere, bringing lab tools into the real world. KAUST’s collaboration with Oxford Nanopore helps make the once-daunting task of sequencing more accessible and mobile. Our teams have already used this technology in the desert and on the Red Sea, and we see almost limitless possibilities for its application.”  

Both Oxford Nanopore and KAUST are committed to exploring further opportunities for joint research projects, educational initiatives, and technology development, setting the stage for future breakthroughs in the field of genomics and beyond. 

About Oxford Nanopore Technologies  

Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for real-time, high-performance, accessible and scalable analysis of DNA and RNA. The technology is used in more than 120 countries to understand the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses and whole environments. Oxford Nanopore Technologies products are intended for molecular biology applications and are not intended for diagnostic purposes. For more, visit: https://nanoporetech.com/