DATE FOUNDED
March 3, 2023
LOCATION
Charlottesville, Virginia
COMPANY SIZE
4 FTEs & 5 Contractors
FUN FACT
Avant’s co-founders originally specialized in forensic human identification before pivoting their expertise toward diagnostic and precision oncology.
Their mission:
Enabling the full potential of liquid biopsy through precision sample prep
In modern oncology, a patient’s blood can reveal far more than diagnosis, it can guide treatment, monitor response, and detect the faintest traces of disease before symptoms return. Yet in the race to advance liquid biopsy, one critical step has lagged behind: how laboratories prepare blood samples to uncover the DNA clues that inform every stage of the cancer journey.
Avant Genomics, a biotechnology company founded at the University of Virginia, is addressing this overlooked challenge. The team is developing an automated platform that replaces the slow, manual process of sample preparation with an enclosed, self-contained system that works in minutes, capturing more DNA and reducing human error.
“Right now, that process is slow, largely manual, and prone to errors,” explains the Avant Genomics team. “Imagine a highly trained lab technician moving droplets of liquid back and forth dozens of times with small pipettes. Our technology replaces all of that with an automated system that does the work in minutes.”
The result is a workflow that’s not only faster but far more precise. By isolating and purifying DNA inside a closed cartridge rather than through open pipetting steps, Avant’s system preserves more of the genetic material needed for analysis. The process reduces manual steps by 98%, cuts processing time in half, and lowers the cost per sample by 84%, improvements that could turn liquid biopsy from a niche, underused test into a mainstream standard of care.
Faster Results
By automating the laboratory workflows, the platform dramatically increases speed-to-result, ensuring quicker access to critical patient information.
Increased Efficiency
The platform optimizes laboratory workflows, cutting costs and minimizing the need for specialized expertise and manual intervention.
Greater Accuracy
Enhanced analytical performance provides more precise and reliable results, improving the quality of analytical outcomes.
“Simply put, we’re making it easier and faster for laboratories to uncover the genetic whispers of cancer, often before symptoms appear. Our platform not only supports early detection but also enables abs to help patients find the right therapies and monitor treatment response over time, all through a single, efficient workflow.”
From Research to Real-World Impact
Avant’s founders, Renna Nouwairi, Ph.D. and Rachelle Turiello, PhD, came to the problem from different but complementary angles. Both had seen firsthand how inefficient sample preparation could compromise results, whether in advanced research or forensic genetics.
“The science behind genetic testing was advancing rapidly, yet the process of preparing samples hadn’t evolved in decades.” they recall. “We realized how much potential was being lost to the mechanics of manual pipetting and error-prone workflows.”
Drawing on their experience at UVA’s cutting-edge research labs, they set out to design a technology that automates the process from the inside out, one capable of bringing the precision of research environments into everyday diagnostic settings.
Democratizing Precision Diagnostics
The implications go beyond speed and convenience. Automated sample preparation could help make advanced testing accessible to a broader range of laboratories, including those without large staffs or specialized expertise. By recovering more DNA and reducing variability, Avant’s system could also improve the sensitivity of downstream assays, supporting faster regulatory approvals, broader reimbursement, and earlier, more reliable detection.
“Ultimately, we aim to democratize precision diagnostics so that more people, including the one in two who will face cancer in their lifetime, can benefit from earlier, more affordable, and more reliable detection.”
Milestones and Momentum
Avant Genomics recently received National Science Foundation (NSF) support through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, a key milestone in bringing its technology from the lab to market. The grant will help the company refine its automation system ahead of a planned beta launch in Fall 2026.
The team also continues to engage in the NSF’s I-Corps program, focused on customer discovery and commercialization strategy, a sign of its commitment to aligning technical innovation with real-world market needs.
Looking Ahead
Avant’s vision extends beyond oncology. The company imagines a future where detecting and monitoring disease is fast, precise, and routine, where a simple blood draw could replace invasive procedures or long waits for results.
If technologies like Avant’s become standard practice, laboratories could deliver high-quality data more efficiently, and patients could receive actionable insights far earlier in their care journey.
“It’s about turning today’s specialized, expensive diagnostics into everyday tools that improve outcomes for millions of people,” says the team.
Partnering for the Future of Diagnostics
Avant Genomics is now focused on building the partnerships that will help bring its platform to market. While early collaborations include research institutions preparing for the beta launch, the team is primarily engaging with commercial laboratories, diagnostic developers, and healthcare technology companies to refine the system in real-world settings.
These partnerships provide vital feedback and ensure the technology integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, a crucial step before large-scale commercial rollout. By working directly with industry, Avant is not only validating its platform but also laying the foundation for sustainable growth and continued capital investment.
