Desktop Genetics Wins Best Biotech at the SXSW Innovation Awards

AUSTIN, Texas, March 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Desktop Genetics, a London-based software company, won the SXSW award for its DESKGEN platform, a comprehensive CRISPR research tool that uses laboratory-validated gene-editing techniques to generate optimized approaches to modify any gene, in any cell, in any species. DESKGEN enables scientists to use state-of-the-art CRISPR genome editing technology, and orchestrates their experiments for them via a network of expert partner companies.  The company is using the data from the genome editing experiments it designs to train an AI that could one day be used for personalised genome editing therapies in human patients.

The company provides its tools to Editas Medicine, the largest CRISPR therapeutics company in the world, and has previously received strategic corporate investment from Illumina, the largest provider of DNA sequencing technology in the world. Desktop Genetics is currently working with the Epigenetics Unit at Imperial College London to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms underpinning resistance to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer.

The SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards celebrate the most inspiring, creative innovations in the connected world. The award is given to the newest technology that best improves the quality, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care in health and medicine.

Of hundreds of application submitted, Desktop Genetics was one of 65 finalist spots given across 13 categories by a panel of judges comprised of industry peers and experts. Categories include Health Med & Biotech, Innovation in Connecting People, Innovative 3-DIY, Music & Audio Innovation, New Economy, Privacy & Security, Responsive Design, Sci-Fi No Longer, Smart Cities, Student Innovation, Visual Media Experience, VR & AR and Wearable Tech.

Riley Doyle, CEO of Desktop Genetics, commented: "This award is a wonderful validation of the work that we are doing to help researchers use CRISPR to investigate our genome, create new biotechnologies, and develop life-saving treatments. We are incredibly excited to be building AI tools for genome editing, and I hope that this award inspires the world's software developers to join us in London to help researchers discover and treat the root cause of all disease."

For more information visit the Desktop Genetics SXSW 2016 online press kit: http://sxsw.vporoom.com/DesktopGenetics

About Desktop Genetics, Ltd www.deskgen.com
Desktop Genetics is a bioinformatics company specialising in gene editing tools and services. The company has developed the DESKGEN platform, an intuitive and powerful system that supports the optimal design, construction, management of the DNA, reagents and services important in genome editing and molecular biology. The company offers state-of-the-art CRISPR library design services, and can coordinate DNA synthesis, library assembly, cell line engineering projects and high-throughput gene editing experiments for its customers. Desktop Genetics is an Illumina-backed company and works with recognized leaders in the gene-editing field, including Editas Medicine, Horizon Discovery, Transcriptic, Twist Bioscience and enEvolv.

About SXSW Interactive: The 23rd annual SXSW Interactive Festival returns to Austin from Friday, March 11 through Tuesday, March 15. An incubator of cutting-edge technologies and digital creativity, the 2016 event features five days of compelling presentations and panels from the brightest minds in emerging technology, scores of exciting networking events hosted by industry leaders and an unbeatable lineup of special programs showcasing the best new websites, video games and startup ideas the community has to offer. From hands-on training to big-picture analysis of the future, SXSW Interactive has become the place to preview the technology of tomorrow today.

SXSW Interactive 2016 is sponsored by Esurance, Mazda, Monster Energy, Capital One, Bud Light, Deloitte Digital, McDonald's, Ten-X, and The Austin Chronicle.

SOURCE Desktop Genetics Ltd

Related Links

http://www.deskgen.com