Illumina announced a partnership with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) to sequence up to 4,000 unique samples representing 1,300 species in the Alliance’s Frozen Zoo biobank.
The collaboration will generate whole‑genome sequencing data that will provide genomic insights for conservation strategies, including population genetics, disease susceptibility, and breeding programs. A subset of the data will be used for multi‑omic research, allowing Illumina’s sequencing and proteomics platforms to be applied to non‑human samples and to validate workflows in a new domain.
The Frozen Zoo holds 50‑year‑old cryopreserved material from threatened and endangered species, comprising more than 11,500 cell lines from over 1,300 species. The partnership leverages Illumina’s sequencing and proteomics platforms to unlock the scientific potential of this biobank.
By entering the conservation genetics market, Illumina expands beyond human and agricultural applications, creating a new potential revenue stream and reinforcing its position as a leader in large‑scale genomic data generation. The partnership also showcases the versatility of Illumina’s platform and may open doors to additional collaborations with research institutions and conservation organizations worldwide.
Cande Rogert, VP and Global Head of Advanced Sciences at Illumina, said, “Illumina is proud to partner with SDZWA to power the next era of the Frozen Zoo. This collaboration is a wonderful example of the way multi‑omic technologies can activate the potential of these critical biodiversity biobanks.” Rolf Benirschke, board chair of the SDZWA Board of Trustees, added that the partnership expands the science of conservation and honors the legacy of the Frozen Zoo’s founder.
Illumina’s Q4 2025 results showed revenue of $1.155 billion, up 5% year‑over‑year, and flat full‑year 2025 revenue at $4.34 billion versus $4.34 billion in 2024. The partnership aligns with Illumina’s strategy to grow its multi‑omics portfolio, following the acquisition of SomaLogic and the launch of new proteomics solutions.
Analysts noted the partnership as a positive diversification move, though no immediate market reaction was reported. The collaboration positions Illumina for future partnerships with research institutions and conservation organizations worldwide.
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