Ginkgo Bioworks has secured a $47 million, four‑year agreement with the Department of Energy’s Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to design, build, and integrate a high‑throughput automated phenotyping platform (HTP‑APP) for the Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability (M2PC). The platform will use Ginkgo’s modular Reconfigurable Automation Cart (RAC) system and Catalyst scheduling software to automate end‑to‑end workflows—from media preparation and cultivation to sample preparation and multimodal analytics—while supporting BSL‑2 operations and remote planning.
The contract represents a substantial new revenue stream for Ginkgo’s tools business, which has faced a 56% year‑over‑year decline in total revenue to $39 million in Q3 2025. The $47 million contract, spread over four years, will provide a predictable, multi‑year cash flow that helps offset recent margin compression and supports the company’s goal of reaching adjusted EBITDA breakeven by the end of 2026. The deal also expands Ginkgo’s footprint in the federal government sector, a market that has proven resilient during broader economic uncertainty.
Will Serber, General Manager of Ginkgo Automation, said the partnership “expands access to high‑quality biological phenotyping at scale and will generate the large, high‑fidelity datasets needed for AI/ML models in the bioeconomy.” CEO Jason Kelly added that the project “aligns with the DOE’s AI Action Plan and demonstrates how Ginkgo’s technology can help maintain American competitiveness in the global bioeconomy.” The contract was awarded through a competitive procurement process, underscoring Ginkgo’s ability to win business against other potential providers.
The announcement was well received by investors, reflecting confidence in Ginkgo’s strategic pivot toward fee‑for‑service tools and its growing role in government‑led research initiatives.
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.