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Oxford Nanopore
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Oxford Nanopore

Oxford University spinout developing instruments for real-time DNA and RNA sequencing.

Founded as an Oxford University spinout in 2005, Oxford Nanopore develops instruments that read DNA and RNA directly, from portable devices to larger laboratory systems.

Last refreshed: 26 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

How did an Oxford academic's nanopore research become a FTSE-listed company that reads DNA in real time?

Timeline for Oxford Nanopore

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Background

Oxford Nanopore Technologies develops instruments for reading DNA and RNA. It originated as a University of Oxford spinout and is headquartered at Oxford Science Park. Its technology analyses molecules directly and produces sequencing data as a sample is being read, supporting short, long and ultra-long fragments.

The product range includes the portable MinION, the benchtop GridION and higher-output PromethION systems. The company also supplies sample-preparation products, consumables and analysis software. Researchers use its equipment for work on human genomes, microorganisms, plants and environmental samples. Its manufacturing operations include an Oxford facility. The company's sequencing platform serves laboratory projects of different sizes, from portable testing to larger genomics programmes.

Common Questions
What is Oxford Nanopore and how does its sequencing technology work?
Oxford Nanopore Technologies is an Oxford University spinout that makes DNA and RNA sequencing devices using nanopores, tiny holes in a membrane through which DNA strands pass. The electrical signal as each base passes through the pore identifies the sequence in real time. Its MinION device is portable enough to use in the field.Source: Oxford Nanopore
Is Oxford Nanopore publicly listed?
Yes. Oxford Nanopore listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2021 at a market capitalisation of approximately £3.4bn, making it one of the largest UK biotech IPOs of that year.Source: London Stock Exchange
Why does Lansdowne cite Oxford Nanopore as a reference in its new VC fund?
Lansdowne Partners includes Oxford Nanopore on its track record to demonstrate prior exposure to Oxford University-origin deep technology companies that reached FTSE-listed scale, supporting its credibility for a new university spinout fund targeting similar sectors.Source: eu-startups.com
Source Material
Investor centreAbout Oxford Nanopore

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 26 October 2026. Editorial standards.