[Edaily Reporter SOYEON KIM ] Element Biosciences (Element), a U.S.-based genetic analysis equipment company in which SamsungElectronics is the largest shareholder, will unveil next-generation genetic analysis technology and new products in South Korea. SamsungElectronics plans to integrate Element’s technology into its artificial intelligence (AI) and medical device businesses to explore new business opportunities in the field of precision medicine.

Element announced that it will hold a “Shift Your Science” roadshow on the 20th at the RIIZE Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

At this event, the company will demonstrate its next-generation genetic analysis (sequencing) device, “VITARI,” and announce the first shipment of “Cytos,” a system that simultaneously analyzes various types of biological data (multi-omics). Sequencing is a technology that reads DNA base sequences—the blueprint of living organisms—while multi-omics is a technology that analyzes various biological data, including not only DNA but also RNA and proteins, all at once to examine the state and changes of cells.

Vitali is characterized by increasing the analysis capacity by more than five times compared to existing products while reducing the cost of genomic analysis to approximately $100 per person. According to the company, the DNA analysis accuracy reaches 99.99%. As a compact, desktop-sized device, it can be utilized in various fields, including rare disease and cancer research. Pre-orders are currently being accepted, and shipments are scheduled to begin at the end of this year.

Cytos is a device capable of simultaneously analyzing morphology, proteins, and gene expression data from a single cell. By measuring multiple biological parameters from the same cell at once, it provides a comprehensive understanding of how cells change in response to drug administration. It is expected to be utilized in new drug development and disease research.

Element is a company specializing in genomic analysis, founded in San Diego, U.S., in 2017. Following its initial investment in Element in July 2024, SamsungElectronics made an additional investment of $175 million (approximately 250 billion won) in June of this year, becoming the largest shareholder. SamsungElectronics plans to expand its precision medicine business by combining its technological expertise in AI, medical devices, and digital health with Element’s genomic analysis technology.

Element co-founders Molly Hur, CEO, and Michael Prebate, CTO, will attend the event. Representatives from domestic and international research institutions—including Samsung Medical Center, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and Yonsei University College of Medicine—will also participate to share examples of how the technology is being applied in various fields such as cancer, immunology, and genomics research.

CEO Molly Hur stated, “Advances in biological research begin with securing high-quality experimental data,” adding, “Through CytoS, we will support researchers in finding answers to various biological questions that were difficult to solve with existing analytical technologies.”

Element plans to continue its roadshow starting in Seoul, followed by stops in San Diego and Boston in the U.S., Munich in Germany, and Stockholm in Sweden.