Meetings with the participation of Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan on Science and Innovation Kunsulu Zakarya, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Gabidulla Ospankulov, and the leadership of the Chinese company BGI Group were held in Astana. The parties discussed the progress of the company’s projects in Kazakhstan, including the creation of the Forebright Life Science Technology Fund, under which JSC Qazaqstan Investment Corporation and BGI Group will finance projects in the field of life science, KAZAKH INVEST national company reported on March 14.
BGI Group is one of the world leaders in genome research of living organisms (formerly the Beijing Institute of Genomics). The company has over 100 joint laboratories, medical centers, and production facilities in more than 30 countries.
In 2023, BGI Group opened an innovative genetic laboratory, Astana Genetic Center, on the basis of the National Center for Biotechnology under the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan. The laboratory specializes in conducting a wide range of molecular genetic tests related to reproductive health, diagnosis of hereditary diseases, and monitoring in the field of oncology.
The new Fund will focus on financing innovative projects in multi-genetic technologies and synthetic biology in Kazakhstan. Special attention will be paid to healthcare, including the development of reproductive technologies, prenatal research for the prevention of birth defects, and comprehensive newborn screening.
