The Geonomics Podcast

For this episode of the Geonomics Podcast I had the opportunity to interview Gilad Almogy, CEO of Ultima Genomics. Ultima has been making big waves in the NGS market by aggressively pushing down the cost curve, most recently announcing an $80 price point at AGBT. Here's what we talked about:

1. Ultima's Technology and Cost Advantages – Whether a competitor, customer, or analyst, suggest you listen to this - I doubt you'll find a deeper dive anywhere on Ultima COGS.

2. Market Impact and Elasticity – NGS prices have dropped massively in the last few years, but volume is only going up proportionally, leaving growth flat. The discussion highlights how price reductions in sequencing can drive market expansion, similar to Moore’s Law in semiconductors. 

3. AI and Large-Scale Genomic Data – The conversation explores how AI-driven drug discovery and diagnostics require massive genomic datasets. Ultima is involved in large-scale projects, such as sequencing a billion cells for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and the UK Biobank proteome project, which could enable foundational AI models for biology. 

4. Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) and Whole Genome Sequencing – We discussed how Ultima’s high-accuracy sequencing (PPM-Seq) is ideally suited to MRD applications. Gilad proposed that a new model is emerging for developing the next generation of tests: companies (e.g. Natera) that are doing high volumes of reimbursed MRD are also generating large data sets that can be used to generate next-gen tests like MCED. 

5. Comparison with Roche’s Sequencing Technology – The discussion touches on Roche’s new sequencing platform, noting its advantages and limitations. Gilad highlights how Ultima benefits from advances in camera technology, allowing for continuous improvements in sequencing efficiency.

6. Conclusion - I promised to come visit Ultima on the way up the west coast to Alaska.

Really interesting roaming chat with Christian Henry, CEO of PacBio.

Genomics Star Reporters Steph Budel (DeciBio/LEK) and Jeremy Preston (Sequins/Illumina /Alex black boat survivor) interviewing movers and shakers at the bar at the Marco Island JW Marriott Tuesday evening:

- Lauren Laing: Investor, Oxford Science Enterprises

- Mike Previte: Element co-founder & CTO

- Manoj Dadlani: Executive Chair, Cmbio

- Shawn Levy: SVP Cellanome, CSO Element

Enjoy!

I was thinking about who would have the most objective opinion on Roche's new NGS technology and Susan immediately jumped to mind.

Her professional experience is completely unique: heading up Illumina's R&D, then heading up Illumina's commercial organization, and now CEO of one of the leading cancer screening companies, so a major NGS customer.

We ended up talking for an hour, so I've decided to do two podcasts with the great content. This is a short one focused on Roche SBX.

I'm going to come back with another episode on Susan's fascinating professional journey, her career advice to woman in life science, and of course deets on her star turn on The Celebrity Apprentice alongside the now president 😳