Genomic data company Dante Labs has taken on a former Lighthouse Lab at Charnwood Campus in Loughborough to provide Covid-19 testing services.
The lab, which opens its doors next month, will use smart automation and machine learning for RT-PCR testing and clinical whole genome sequencing at scale. Initial capacity will be 50,000 Covid-19 samples per day.
With a presence in the UK, Italy and the United Arab Emirates, Dante Labs has carried out more than three million Covid-19 tests since the start of the pandemic.
Chief executive Andrea Riposati said:
“Not only will the lab help accelerate the UK’s Covid-19 testing and sequencing capability, but it will also see us invest in the vibrant local community.
“Our expertise in whole genome sequencing and testing means that this lab will immediately play a crucial role today in managing the Covid-19 pandemic, and in the next decades to enable whole genome-based personalised medicine across the world.”
As the first UK Life Sciences Opportunity Zone, Charnwood Campus fosters an eco-system of local business, leading research institutes and government organisations; to promote business growth by simplifying access to support and accelerating the pathway from concept to commercialisation in the Med-Tech and Biopharma sectors.
Charnwood Campus is a 70 acre site located within the Loughborough and Leicester Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone. This affords businesses additional benefits such as business rates discounts, superfast broadband, unrivalled locality and access to a large workforce.
Gosia Khrais, commercial director at Charnwood Campus, added:
“All at Charnwood Campus are excited to welcome Dante Labs as new occupiers to the site.
“The team’s leading life sciences experience, capacity and expertise will be a valuable addition to the campus and the local community.
“The long-term management of, and research into, Covid-19 is vital work and something we at Charnwood are honoured to be a part of.”