DIAGENODE

Their core work

Diagenode is a Belgian biotech SME specializing in epigenetics and chromatin biology tools, reagents, and services. They provide critical sample preparation, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and bioinformatics expertise to large research consortia studying gene regulation, stem cell biology, and disease mechanisms. Their commercial products and technical know-how make them a go-to industry partner for EU training networks and research projects that need reliable epigenomic and genomic profiling capabilities. More recently, they have extended their genomics expertise into livestock breeding and agricultural genomics.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), Diagenode focused squarely on fundamental epigenetics: chromatin structure, histone modifications, nucleosome biology, and stem cell pluripotency. From 2019 onward, their work shifted toward applied genomics — hematological disease targets, functional genome annotation in livestock, and genotype-to-phenotype mapping. This evolution suggests a company moving from pure tool-provider in basic research toward application-driven genomics in both health and agriculture.

Diagenode is broadening from fundamental epigenetics tools toward translational applications in disease biology and livestock genomics, making them relevant for consortia bridging basic research and real-world impact.

How they like to work

Diagenode operates exclusively as a participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which is typical for a technology SME that provides specialized services and products rather than leading research agendas. With 87 unique partners across 20 countries in just 7 projects, they plug into large training networks and research consortia (mostly MSCA-ITN with 13+ partners each). This makes them an accessible, low-friction partner: they bring specific technical capabilities without competing for scientific leadership.

Diagenode has built a broad European network of 87 unique partners across 20 countries through participation in large MSCA training networks and RIA consortia. Their reach is pan-European with no strong geographic concentration, reflecting the international nature of the genomics research community.

What sets them apart

Diagenode occupies a rare niche as a commercial SME with deep epigenetics expertise that consistently participates in EU research consortia — they bridge the gap between academic research and reliable industrial-grade genomic tools. Unlike academic partners, they bring product development experience and standardized workflows for chromatin and DNA analysis. For consortium builders, they offer a proven industry partner that satisfies SME participation requirements while delivering genuine technical value in epigenomics and bioinformatics.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GENE-SWitCH
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 548,000) and represents Diagenode's strategic move into agricultural genomics — functional annotation of swine and chicken genomes.
• PEP-NET
  Second-largest funding (EUR 512,640) focused on predictive epigenetics combining theory and experiment, showcasing Diagenode's quantitative modeling capabilities.
• ARCH
  Most translational project — connects epigenomic tools directly to leukemia drug target identification, signaling a move toward clinical applications.