Genomic innovation is driving rapid transformation across China’s life sciences sector. China’s next-generation sequencing (NGS) market is set for strong long-term growth, reflecting the country’s push to become a global leader in genomics. According to Healthcare Asia Magazine, the market is projected to expand at an annual rate of about 9% between 2026 and 2036, fueled by rapid advances in genomics research, wider clinical use of sequencing technologies, and rising investment in precision medicine. China already represented nearly 32% of the Asia-Pacific NGS market in 2025, underscoring its dominant regional position.
Domestic biotech companies are playing a central role in that expansion. MGI Tech, one of China’s leading sequencing firms, has recently acquired STOmics and CycloneSEQ to strengthen its capabilities in two emerging areas: spatial biology and long-read nanopore sequencing. The move signals an effort to compete more aggressively in next-generation genomic technologies.
STOmics brings spatial multi-omics expertise through its Stereo-seq platform, which enables ultra-high-resolution mapping of gene activity across large tissue samples. Scientists use such tools to understand how cells interact within their natural environment—an approach considered crucial for research in cancer, brain disorders, and developmental biology.
CycloneSEQ, meanwhile, develops nanopore-based systems that produce long DNA reads, allowing researchers to detect complex genetic changes that shorter sequencing methods can miss. Its product line includes the G100-ER platform for smaller laboratories and the higher-capacity G400-ER system designed for large-scale studies and clinical programs.
CycloneSEQ, meanwhile, develops nanopore-based systems that produce long DNA reads, allowing researchers to detect complex genetic changes that shorter sequencing methods can miss. Its product line includes the G100-ER platform for smaller laboratories and the higher-capacity G400-ER system designed for large-scale studies and clinical programs.