Genomics

Genomics integrates rapid sequencing, metagenomics, transcriptomics and pharmacogenomics to identify pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and host-risk profiles. In military medicine it enables point-of-injury pathogen ID, vaccine and therapeutic design, population surveillance for outbreaks, and tailored medication strategies where delayed evacuation and austere care complicate treatment.

Technical Challenges

  • High-quality specimen collection, stabilization and extraction in austere, contaminated, or delayed-evacuation settings.

  • Field-deployable, rapid sequencing and sample-to-answer workflows that meet clinical turnaround requirements.

  • Real-time bioinformatics, variant interpretation and clinically actionable reporting suitable for non-specialist clinicians.

  • Integration of genomic data with electronic health records while maintaining DoD cybersecurity, privacy and chain-of-custody.

  • Regulatory, ethical and logistics barriers for genomic surveillance, sample sharing and cross-jurisdictional data access.

Emerging Opportunities

  • Robust, low-power nucleic acid extraction and stabilization kits optimized for battlefield/environmental samples.

  • Validated, point-of-care genomic assays that deliver pathogen ID, AMR markers and host biomarkers within clinically relevant windows.

  • Curated reference databases and military-relevant pathogen/strain catalogs for accurate metagenomic interpretation.

  • Automated clinical decision-support tools that translate genomic findings into treatment recommendations for medics in prolonged care.

Current and Emerging Technologies in Genomics

Portable and rapid sequencing

Nanopore and other portable sequencers enable near-real-time whole-genome and targeted sequencing for pathogen ID and outbreak tracking at forward-deployed sites.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS)

Unbiased mNGS identifies bacteria, viruses, fungi and novel agents from complex samples, critical for unknown febrile illnesses and biodefense surveillance.

Targeted panels and rapid PCR-based genomics

Amplicon and hybrid-capture panels rapidly detect resistance genes, virulence factors, and known pathogenic strains with streamlined workflows for point-of-care use.

CRISPR-based diagnostics & isothermal assays

SHERLOCK/DETECTR and other CRISPR diagnostics offer sensitive, rapid detection with minimal instrumentation—suitable for austere settings and field screening.

Single-cell and transcriptomic host-response profiling

Host transcriptomic signatures distinguish bacterial vs viral infections, predict sepsis risk, and inform triage and tailored therapeutics in prolonged-field-care scenarios.

AI-driven bioinformatics and clinical decision support

Machine learning accelerates variant interpretation, AMR prediction and phenotype inference, producing actionable, clinician-friendly reports at the point of care.

Importance to Military Medicine

Rapid battlefield diagnostics and outbreak control

Genomic tools identify pathogens and variants in near real-time, enabling targeted containment, force-preservation, and faster therapeutic selection in forward environments.

Precision pharmacology and trauma care

Pharmacogenomic profiling reduces adverse drug events, optimizes analgesia and antimicrobial therapy in polytrauma and prolonged care where evacuation is delayed.

Readiness and population-level surveillance

Genomic surveillance supports force health monitoring, vaccine strain selection, and anticipatory mitigation of infectious threats that degrade readiness.

Support for prolonged and distributed care

Portable genomic assays and decision-support extend diagnostic capability into austere, far-forward settings, improving outcomes when definitive care is delayed.

Alignment with the MTEC Mission

Accelerates translation of genomic innovations to operational use, consistent with MTEC’s DoD-focused mission to field technologies faster for Warfighters.

Promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration—biotech, clinical labs, informatics and defense stakeholders—required to validate and deploy genomic solutions.

Supports dual-use outcomes: military-readiness improvements with downstream civilian public-health and biodefense benefits.

Dual-Use (Military + Civilian) Applications

Pathogen detection and antimicrobial-resistance surveillance for force health protection and public-health integration.

Pharmacogenomics and host-response profiling to personalize drug selection and predict complications after polytrauma or TBI.

Vaccine and therapeutic development informed by genomic surveillance and strain characterization.

Forensic and environmental genomics for contamination assessment, biothreat attribution and mission-area biosafety.

Explore MTEC Members with Genomics Capabilities

MTEC members bring clinical laboratories, sequencing platform developers, bioinformatics innovators and translational researchers who can validate, scale and operationalize genomic solutions for DoD needs.

Members offer regulatory, clinical-trial, and field-evaluation expertise to navigate approval, deployment and sustainment in austere and secure environments.

Explore member profiles to identify partners with sequencing hardware, reagent engineering, AI-driven analytics and military clinical experience ready to co-develop and transition genomics capabilities into operational use.

86 Members with Genomics capabilities.

Member
IQVIA

IQVIA is a global leader in advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services for the life sciences industry. With a mission to accelerate innovation for a healthier world and a vision to power smarter healthcare for everyone, everywhere, IQVIA leverages unparalleled data, transformative technology, and deep healthcare expertise to drive better patient outcomes. Operating in over 100 countries with approximately 88,000 employees, IQVIA supports pharmaceutical, biotech, medtech, public health, and government organizations with a comprehensive portfolio of services and solutions. The company is recognized for its Connected Intelligence™, healthcare-grade AI, and commitment to sustainability, innovation, and evidence-based insights that shape the future of healthcare globally. IQVIA is also dedicated to reducing health inequities and driving sustainable change through innovation, collaboration, and data-driven solutions, partnering with organizations worldwide to address complex healthcare challenges.

Member
Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is a vibrant institution with over 26,100 students across three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. The university offers 132 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, emphasizing student success, community impact, and research excellence. With a commitment to inclusivity and engagement, Georgia Southern fosters a supportive environment for diverse learners, including military-affiliated and adult students. The university is dedicated to transforming lives through education and community engagement, aligning its programs with regional needs. Additionally, Georgia Southern provides accelerated pathways for students to fast-track their master's degrees, enhancing educational opportunities. The university also emphasizes career readiness and public impact research, preparing students for successful careers and contributing to community development.

Member
CRI Genetics

CRI Genetics, part of the Cellular Research Institute, aims to unlock complex genetic information and present it in an engaging and useful manner. Their mission is to enhance human life and advance the understanding of the human genome through consumer genetic reports and active participation in scientific research. They believe genetic analysis is the future of medicine and are committed to solving complex medical problems. The company ensures the privacy and security of customer data, offering an 8-week efficiency guarantee for delivering genetic reports.

Member
Auburn University

Auburn University Research & Economic Development is dedicated to advancing research and economic growth through a collaborative effort among its various colleges and departments. The organization focuses on fostering innovation, supporting faculty and student research, and facilitating partnerships with industry and government to address societal challenges and enhance the quality of life. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Team Science Series to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station to address coastal environmental challenges.

Member
Seek Labs

Seek Labs is a biotechnology company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and delivering universal healthcare solutions. The company specializes in next-generation point-of-care molecular diagnostics and programmable CRISPR-based therapeutics, aiming to bridge the gap between disease outbreak and intervention. Powered by its proprietary AI discovery engine, BioSeeker™, Seek Labs is building a modular, full-stack system that enables rapid response to emerging pathogens, scalable precision treatments, and accessible diagnostics. The company is committed to global health innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, and is a proud member of Utah's BioHive life sciences ecosystem. Seek Labs' mission is to empower individuals with healthcare solutions tailored to their specific needs, revolutionizing the detection and treatment of diseases for both human and animal health.

Member
University of Arkansas

The Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I3R) at the University of Arkansas is dedicated to pioneering solutions to complex societal challenges through convergence research. With a mission to advance research excellence and stimulate economic development, I3R focuses on deploying innovations at scale through collaboration across various sectors, including academia, industry, and government.

Member
Vindhya Data Science

Vindhya Data Science is a women-owned small business headquartered in North Carolina, USA, with a presence in RTP and Boston. We specialize in bioinformatics, genomics, artificial intelligence, and data engineering, cheminformatics, evidence-based medicine, epidemiology and related disciplines. Vindhya partners with federal government agencies, leading academic medical centers, and pharma/biotech organizations to transform large datasets into informed decisions using advanced data science technologies. With over 100 years of combined experience, 150+ publications, and 73+ successful projects, Vindhya is committed to delivering impactful solutions in the life sciences sector.

Member
The University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is a prestigious urban research university committed to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom. Founded in 1890, it has produced numerous Nobel laureates and is known for its transformative education and groundbreaking research across various fields. The university fosters an inclusive and diverse learning environment, encouraging participation from all community members.

Member
Boston University

Boston University is a major research institution committed to leading breakthroughs across various disciplines. The Office of Research supports and advances research excellence, fostering collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and government leaders to address significant societal challenges.

Member
Cooper University Health Care

Cooper University Health Care is a regional academic health system recognized for comprehensive clinical services, advanced multidisciplinary care, specialized surgery, and robust research in South Jersey. It provides integrated healthcare across general and specialty domains, including cancer, neurosciences, cardiology, trauma, genetics, addiction medicine, and complex surgical procedures, supported by leading technologies and a network of modern facilities.

Member
Baylor University

Baylor University is a preeminent Christian research university committed to addressing the world's most meaningful challenges through top-tier research and scholarship. Recognized as an R1 research institution, Baylor focuses on infusing its distinct Christian mission into its research initiatives, fostering a commitment to excellence and innovation.

Member
TIMSER S.A.P.I. de C.V.

TIMSER S.A.P.I. de C.V. is a biomedical company in Mexico developing accessible and non-invasive blood-based screening solutions for early detection of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions. The company leverages more than a decade of research to advance clinically validated molecular diagnostics using protein biomarkers identified through proteomics and molecular biology approaches. These technologies address barriers to traditional screening and are backed by extensive national and international patent coverage and clinical trial validation involving hundreds of participants.

Member
NEXT Labs, LLC

NEXT Labs is pioneering the automation and accessibility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) by developing affordable, portable solutions for sample and library preparation. Their mission is to enable sequencing anywhere, by anyone, moving NGS from specialized labs to point-of-need applications. By automating complex sample processing steps, NEXT Labs aims to democratize genomics research and diagnostics, making advanced testing faster, more accessible, and cost-effective for a wide range of applications including infectious disease detection, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease diagnostics.

Member
Base Pair Biotechnologies

Base Pair Biotechnologies specializes in custom aptamer discovery and development for research, diagnostics, therapeutics, and industrial applications. The company leverages proprietary multiplex selection, advanced bioinformatics, and chemical modification techniques to develop high-affinity and selective nucleic acid aptamers. Base Pair enables affinity reagent development, biosensor design, and molecular detection for a broad range of targets and partners across academia and industry.

Member
Phelix Medical

Phelix Medical is a precision health company dedicated to advancing pharmacogenomics (PGx) as a tool for health equity, safer prescribing, and personalized care. We specialize in delivering inclusive PGx testing, real-time clinical decision support, and secure data integration for providers, payers, and patients—particularly in underserved and high-risk populations. Through strategic partnerships with CLIA-certified labs, EHR integrators, and public health educators, Phelix Medical supports scalable PGx programs across federal systems, community clinics, and telehealth networks. Whether improving medication safety for military health readiness or enabling precision prescribing in minority communities, our solutions are built to inform, empower, and deliver outcomes where they matter most.

Member
Solventum

Solventum is a healthcare company dedicated to enabling better, smarter, and safer healthcare solutions. With a legacy of innovation, Solventum focuses on improving patient outcomes through advanced medical technologies, oral care solutions, health information technology, and purification and filtration systems.

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Projects

Technology Showcase

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University of California San Francisco

TemPredict: AI-Driven Wearable Monitoring for Early Illness Detection and Warfighter Readiness

TemPredict: AI wearables detect early illness and health risks to support warfighter readiness.

Arizona State University

ASU Crosscutting Technologies to Enhance Military Medical Readiness and Resilience

Dr. Rachel Cassalia leads MTEC-supported efforts at ASU to shift military health from reactive care to proactive readiness through data-driven prevention.

University of Pittsburgh

Topical Metformin Lotion for Tendinopathy Prevention

University of Pittsburgh study shows topical metformin prevents overuse tendon injury. This work was sponsored through MTEC project 22-02-MPAI-014.

Theradaptive

Theradaptive’s RESTORE Trial Initiation for OsteoAdapt™ DE

Theradaptive launches RESTORE Phase I/II trial of OsteoAdapt™ DE for faster, precision bone healing in craniofacial injuries. MTEC-funded study targets improved recovery for military and civilian patients.

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