Quantum Biosystems

About Quantum Biosystems

Quantum Biosystems Inc. was a Japanese company founded in January 2013 as a venture from Osaka University. The company was established by Masateru Taniguchi and was later led by co-founder, President, and CEO Toshihiko Honkura. It was created to develop and commercialize a next-generation DNA sequencer based on the research of Professor Tomoji Kawai and Masateru Taniguchi, who had demonstrated a principle for DNA analysis using single-molecule electrical detection.

The firm focused on developing what it called "Quantum Sequencing" technology. This technology aimed to achieve single-molecule electrical DNA sequencing by integrating semiconductor manufacturing technology with an electrical detection system. The core of their method was a nano-chip with integrated nanogap electrodes that could detect the tunneling and hopping currents generated as a single DNA or RNA molecule passed through a one-nanometer-wide gap. This allowed for the direct identification of base sequences by measuring the differences in electrical resistance between the four base molecules, a technique known as the gating-nanopore method. The goal was to create a platform that was label-free, low-cost, and high-throughput, eliminating the need for complex sample preparation, DNA/RNA amplification, or fluorescent reagents that made existing sequencing methods expensive and time-consuming.

The company operated on a B2B model, targeting its sequencing system at clients in research and medicine to accelerate the use of DNA and RNA sequencing. Throughout its operation, Quantum Biosystems raised a total of approximately $35 million over four funding rounds. Notable investors included Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ), Mitsubishi UFJ Capital, JAFCO Group, UTEC, and SBI Investment. The last major funding was a Series C round of $8.82 million in November 2018. Despite its promising technology and significant backing, the company faced a prolonged development period and ultimately did not achieve commercialization. In August 2021, one of its main investors, INCJ, announced it had revoked its support following Quantum Biosystems' decision to dissolve and cease business activities. PitchBook data shows the company as "Out of Business" as of January 2022.