'Huawei of genomics' plots global expansion on COVID windfall

Threat of US sanctions clouds outlook for China's BGI

20210802N BGI genetic testing

A BGI genetic testing laboratory in Kunming: The company looks to parlay global connections forged through the COVID testing labs to expand its genomics business worldwide. © Reuters

TAKASHI KAWAKAMI, Nikkei staff writer

GUANGZHOU -- Just days after Guangzhou reported a surge in coronavirus cases at the end of May, a massive PCR testing lab appeared seemingly out of thin air at a gymnasium in the southern Chinese city.

First appearing in Wuhan during February 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic, the inflatable Huo-Yan lab developed by Chinese genomics company BGI Group has been used in over 30 countries and regions.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.