Waterville, Maine, May 9, 2019 – Genotyping Center of America (GTCA) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a grant from Maine Technology Institute (MTI) grant to help expand its Waterville laboratory to accommodate and accelerate growth. As a maturing Maine-based biotechnology company, GTCA is focused on genetic testing as well as the design, development, and commercialization of next generation genotyping to address unmet needs of research institutions and biomedical companies around the globe.
In August 2018, GTCA announced the opening of a Waterville laboratory where it has been operating genetic testing services in the emerging technology and knowledge-based hub within the city’s downtown. GTCA maintains a business office at the Union River Center for Innovation in Ellsworth, Maine, but from the Hathaway Creative Center in downtown Waterville, GTCA is providing accurate, flexible and fast genetic testing services to confirm the genetic makeup and consistency of research models. Seven (7) employees have been added over the last year to support the growing business, which currently receives all revenue from out-of-state.
This is GTCA’s second grant from MTI, which carries a total award of $37,500. This will be matched by GTCA investments and utilized to expand GTCA’s laboratory throughput, general capacity, and process improvements. As a result, GTCA will acquire additional equipment, and has already purchased and installed a new real-time PCR machine, which will more than double current capacity.
“We continue to display strong growth trends and are on track to more than double the number of samples processed, and thus double our revenue in 2019. GTCA has seen rapid growth of approximately 90% over each of the past three years,” said Michael Greene, CEO and co-founder of GTCA. “We are excited about our expected revenue growth over the next 12 to 24 months and we will be looking to further increase our capacity and hire top talent, especially for technical laboratory work and process management to refine our operations as we continue to scale up.”
To receive two grants from MTI is a significant accomplishment, one that underscores the value of the services provided by GTCA. “MTI funding opportunities are some of the most competitive grant processes in the State of Maine and this award speaks to the innovation, talent, and science that GTCA is producing. Having a genetics company like GTCA in the downtown district presents a multitude of exciting opportunities and platforms for our local, regional, and state economy,” said Garvan D. Donegan, Director of Planning & Economic Development at Central Maine Growth Council. “As the downtown’s first biotechnology enterprise, GTCA, bringing together world-class academic and industry ideas and entrepreneurs, and placed in the heart of downtown Waterville, this will not only help us attract a new generation of entrepreneurs who want an urban work-live environment, but it will also help continue to propel the redevelopment of the city center.”
About GenoTyping Center of America
Founded in 2012, GTCA was built to address the growing need for fast, accurate, and cost-effective genetic testing services. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience and expertise in the life sciences, including research and support in molecular biology, genotyping, colony management, and laboratory management. All managing team members have held various roles at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and understand the importance of establishing the proper genetic identification of mouse models and other research organisms. We believe in listening to and collaborating with our clients so we can respond to their unique needs and deliver the results they require.
Last modified: May 9, 2019