Biosecurity firm Battelle wins R&D 100 award

Battelle was awarded earlier this month a 2018 R&D 100 Award for its creation of a web-based DNA screening platform for the detection and characterization of sequences of concern in genomic data.

The award-winning technology – called ThreatSEQ – is a commercial DNA screening solution that is highly accurate and cost-effective.

“This award would not have been possible without the collaborative support of international industry and government stakeholders. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts towards providing sustainable biosecurity solutions,” Omar Tabbaa, director of computational biotechnology at Columbus, Ohio-based Battelle, said.

The platform streamlines the review process through an industry-oriented user interface to review screening results. This creates an advanced biocuration pipeline that reduces synthesis providers’ burden to maintain effective biosecurity.

“We’re delighted that this important technology has been recognized by the R&D community,” Michael Kuhlman, Battelle’s chief scientist, said. “Our ThreatSEQ service provides faster, more accurate decision-making for gene synthesis firms to protect themselves, their clients, and society from potential biological threats.”

The R&D 100 Awards program honors the 100 most innovative technologies of the year.

“It’s always an honor to be among this group of award-winning technologies that have far-reaching impact, and the potential to change our world for the better,” Battelle President and CEO Lou Von Thaer said. “That’s part of Battelle’s mission and it’s in our DNA. I am incredibly proud of this team and their achievements.”