710117Development of a Flexible, Versatile and Fully Interchangeable Genetic Engineering Platform (SnapFast) by Oxford Genetics LtdClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKModern biological and medical research is highly dependent on genetic engineering (i.e. the modification of Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid, DNA). DNA is the molecule that encodes all of the genes which make an individual organism. Its modification has revolutionised biomedical research, particularly in the fields of vaccinology, oncology, immunology and microbiology. For most research purposes DNA needs to be engineered in order to be useful. The established method of genetic engineering involves obtaining a 'backbone' piece of DNA and then designing strategies to modify it with enzymes and join it to other pieces of DNA to suit the needs of the particular research project. This is a complex and laborious task, and if the direction of the research changes it is often difficult to change the DNA construct to have a new functionality, without purchasing a new 'backbone' and starting the process from scratch. Oxford Genetics intends to develop the world’s most flexible and innovative genetic engineering platform that allows scientists to sequentially modify their DNA constructs to suit their emerging research needs. By using a 'cassette' system, pieces of DNA can be easily changed, allowing simple production of desired constructs without having to start again. This ‘genetic Lego’ will make a major saving to research budgets and accelerate the work of scientists by giving them access to hundreds of ready-made DNA cassettes that can easily slot into their constructs. As such, the company’s business strategy is based on a bait and hook model. Our system will have multiple advantages over our competitors and no other biotechnology company has yet taken this approach to genetic engineering. Oxford Genetics believes it can introduce a step-change in genetic engineering technologies, providing more efficient, cheaper and easier to use DNA, and can capture a substantial share of a very large and expanding market.