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Samsung Electronics has secured the position of largest shareholder in U.S. genomics company Element Biosciences, moving to lock in core technology for its entry into the global precision medicine market.
Samsung Electronics said on the 10th that it participated in Element's Series E investment, executing an additional equity investment of $175 million (about 270 billion won). Following its Series D investment in 2024, this latest participation made Samsung the top shareholder in Element.
Element is a genomics equipment company founded in San Diego, U.S., in 2017. It developed "DNA sequencing" technology that raises the accuracy of genome analysis to an industry-leading 99.99% while dramatically reducing costs. The technology reads the base sequences of DNA, which holds the genetic information of organisms, and can be applied to predicting genetic diseases, early detection, monitoring, and developing personalized treatments.
Samsung Electronics plans in particular to actively leverage Element's "multiomics" technology for its precision medicine business. Multiomics is a technology that integrates and analyzes various biological information, including not only DNA but also RNA and proteins. This can accelerate research into diseases and treatments. Combined with Samsung's data on users' daily lives, such as sleep and exercise, it is expected to enable personalized medical services.
Roh Tae-moon, president of Samsung Electronics' Device eXperience (DX) Division, said, "By combining Samsung Electronics' expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), medical devices, and digital health with Element's innovative genome analysis technology, we will create synergy for the future of personalized medicine," adding, "Under the goal of improving people's health, we will continue investing across a wide range of fields, from precision medical devices to digital health."
Molly He, CEO of Element, said, "Samsung Electronics' expanded investment demonstrates deep trust in Element's vision, technological capabilities, and people," adding, "Through this investment, we will continue to introduce innovative technologies that drive scientific discovery and advance human health."
