Oxford BioDynamics PLC (AIM:OBD, OTC:OXBOF) executive chairman Iain Ross talked with Proactive about the company’s new partnership with Google Cloud, a move he described as a major growth catalyst for both Oxford BioDynamics and the field of 3D genomics.
Ross outlined how the deal will support the global scaling of the company’s EpiSwitch platform by making it cloud native, allowing faster deployment, greater accessibility, and continuous updates. “This deal will accelerate the adoption of our 3D genomics platform. It’ll expand into different markets and it will build recovering revenues,” he said.
By leveraging Google’s cloud, AI, and machine learning infrastructure, Oxford BioDynamics aims to streamline data processing and reach new partners in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Ross highlighted that the partnership boosts credibility by aligning OBD with Google and its other life sciences initiatives like DeepMind and AlphaFold.
The company expects to benefit from new revenue streams through licensing, access fees, and one-off purchases. Ross said the cloud transition enables wider use of the platform and access to broader diagnostics and clinical markets. He noted that the addressable market for genomics could reach $175 billion within the next decade.
Proactive: Iain, very good to speak with you. Congratulations on the partnership with Google Cloud — a significant milestone for OBD. Could you start by outlining what this means for the company and how it fits into your long-term strategy?
Iain Ross: Thank you for having us. It's a very exciting time. Our business has two parts: a core knowledge database and a growing testing business. We’ve developed tests from this database and have more in the pipeline. This partnership is a major milestone. It allows global scaling of our EpiSwitch platform and helps transform precision medicine.
Iain Ross: Our technology is now cloud native, enabling faster collaboration without needing local infrastructure. Using Google's cloud, AI, and machine learning, we can process data more quickly and deliver accessible genomic insights. The setup also enables regular updates to meet client needs, expands our reach, and supports long-term growth and commercialization.
Proactive: How does Google's brand strengthen OBD's credibility with partners?
Iain Ross: Google is a trusted global leader already embedded in life sciences. Being associated with Alphabet companies like DeepMind and AlphaFold signals our credibility and potential. It shows pharma and biotech that our platform is ready for large-scale use and mutual growth.
Proactive: Does the partnership give OBD technical capabilities it didn’t have before?
Iain Ross: Absolutely. Their cloud engineering far surpasses ours. This enables faster customer service, broader access, and raises the profile of our 3D genomics platform.
Proactive: Will this open new markets or customer segments?
Iain Ross: Yes. It will take time to migrate everything to the cloud, but it enables access to new pharma and biotech clients. Previously, we worked on one-off projects. Now, more stakeholders can understand and use our platform. It also lays the foundation for expansion into clinical and diagnostic markets.
Proactive: Does it accelerate timelines for product deployment?
Iain Ross: Yes. It spreads our tech more widely, shortens adoption cycles, and reduces computational bottlenecks in large-scale 3D genomics analysis. Clients can now access more tools and we can reach a broader audience.
Proactive: What revenue models are enabled by this deal?
Iain Ross: Beyond one-off deals, we can now charge licensing and access fees. Individuals and companies can use the EpiSwitch platform on demand.
Proactive: And the impacts on margins and economics?
Iain Ross: Bundling services lets us keep more profit per customer. Working with trusted partners boosts credibility. As usage increases, we earn recurring software revenues, aiming for profitability.
Proactive: How large is the addressable market?
Iain Ross: In 2024, the genomics market was valued at $38 billion. Forecasts show growth to $175 billion over 10 years. Even at 10%, the cloud genomics market could grow from $3.8 billion to $17 billion. And as 3D genomics becomes more established, we’ll serve more opportunities.
Proactive: What differentiates OBD from competitors?
Iain Ross: We have the world’s largest 3D genomics knowledge graph, built over years. It’s biologically intelligent and scalable. We have proprietary algorithms and deliver true 3D genomic insights beyond linear genomics.
Proactive: And the long-term strategic value?
Iain Ross: It positions us for more partnerships and clinical integration. We can sell to drug companies, testing firms, public health, and eventually consumers. This supports multiple growth paths alongside our existing diagnostics business. It also increases our valuation and investor confidence.
Proactive: How is regulatory compliance addressed?
Iain Ross: Our platform meets strict data privacy and healthcare rules. Google was very interested in this. Customers can keep data locally to meet legal needs. Our workflows are transparent and auditable. The key point is: this is more than a cloud migration — it's a growth catalyst for 3D genomics and for us.
Proactive: Iain, congratulations again on the partnership with Google. I hope you’ll keep us updated on progress.