Our team shaping the future of microbial genomics.
We are committed to making microbial genomics accessible to all. At Abrinca, we bridge the gap in genomics analysis, empowering researchers to achieve scientific breakthroughs with our self-hosted solutions.
A world where microbial genomics data is effortless for biologists and enables bioinformaticians to focus on meaningful scientific challenges.
Our vision.
Our mission.
Empowering researchers with intuitive tools that accelerate microbial genomic discovery.
Our mission.
A world where microbial genomics data is effortless for biologists and enables bioinformaticians to focus on meaningful scientific challenges.
Our vision.
Empowering researchers with intuitive tools that accelerate microbial genomic discovery.
Our mission.
Our mission.
From open source to scientific breakthrough.
We began in 2019 as OpenGenomeBrowser, a passionate team of researchers committed to making genomic analysis accessible, launching our first MVP that same year. Building on this foundation, Abrinca Genomics was established as an official startup of the University of Bern. The name Abrinca honors the historical name of the Aare River, which flows through the city — a symbol of Bern and an integral part of our brand story, representing flow, continuity, and the transformative power of genomics.
From open source to scientific breakthrough.
We began as OpenGenomeBrowser, a passionate collective of researchers determined to make genomic analysis accessible. Our journey started in 2019 with a first MVP. Abrinca Genomics was founded as an official startup of the University of Bern. Its name pays homage to the historical name of the Aare river, which flows through the city. The Aare is not only a defining symbol of Bern but also a key element of our brand story — representing flow, continuity, and the transformative power of genomics.
Meet our team.
Driven scientists transforming microbial genomics research.
Thomas Roder, PhD
Co-founder, CEO
Thomas Roder, creator of Arx (OpenGenomeBrowser), is passionate about microbial genomics, Python-based automation, and web technologies. He has a biochemistry background and is a University of Bern alumnus.
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Tom Howze, MBA
Co-founder, CCO
Tom brings over 20 years of experience in data-driven marketing, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence. Originally from the U.S., he holds an MBA from Thunderbird and has lived and worked in the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Linda Studer, PhD
Co-founder, CAO
Linda supports scientific experts in digital pathology and life sciences. She worked in the Computational Pathology group at Radboudumc and completed her PhD at the University of Fribourg, specializing in graph-based methods for histopathology.
Sandro Wittwer, BSc
Early employee, CTO
Sandro is a software engineer with a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Bern and a background in computer science and molecular biology. His experience in software development and system integration drives the Arx platform forward.
Our advisors.
Our advisors are experienced scientific and entrepreneurial leaders shaping the future of microbial genomics. Their expertise helps drive our strategic direction and innovation.
Rémy Bruggmann, PD
Co-founder & advisor
Rémy is Head of the Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit at the University of Bern. As Thomas' PhD supervisor, he supported Arx from the very beginning.
Pol Budmiger
Advisor
Pol is an Innosuisse coach, entrepreneur, and founder with a successful exit. His experience supports Abrinca with strategic guidance and startup expertise.
Arx (formerly OGB) received the Innovative Resource Award from the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics.
Abrinca successfully completed all three Venture Kick stages, winning CHF 150,000 in funding.
Abrinca successfully pitched at the STI foundation, winning CHF 70,000.
Supporters & partners.
From our beginnings as a startup, we have been supported by partners who believe in our vision. Their long-term commitment has been essential to where we are today.
Through be-advanced, Abrinca gained tailored coaching support.
Abrinca is supported by Innosuisse Core Coaching.
Abrinca is backed by the Bern Economic Development Agency.
Sales & growth.
New partnerships and active discussions with research and industry groups drive Abrinca’s commercial growth, laying the foundation for a broader market presence.
First customer.
Abrinca signs its first contract. This year showcases our dedication to excellence, solidifying our position as a leading force in the genomics industry.
Incorporation & funding.
Abrinca is incorporated in February of 2023 and negotiates an IP agreement with Unitectra. We recieve funding from Venture Kick (Stage 1 & 2) and the STI foundation, and are accepted to the Innosuisse Core Coaching program.
Early achievements.
Presentation of Arx (OGB) at conferences results in winning of SIB days poster award and first commercial interest.
Minimum viable product.
We reach a significant milestone with the successful launch of our minimum viable product (MVP) for Agroscope's genome database, laying the foundation for Abrinca's journey in revoluzioning microbial genomics.
Our core values.
TRUST.
Abrinca Genomics provides a reliable and secure product that is selfhosted, communicates transparently, and offers long term customer service.
EMPOWERMENT.
Abrinca Genomics enables to transform your workflow with enhanced research efficiency and unlocks new opportunities in the field of data analysis.
RELIABILITY.
Abrinca Genomics offers a solution you can rely on – user-friendly features, accessible interface, tailored to your needs.
« I'm a biologist, I love working in the lab but I'm not so much into bioinformatics. Now that my genomes are sequenced and loaded into Arx, I can do almost everything I needed just by clicking myself through website! »
« Arx stands out for the range of tools available for genome analysis and for their ease of use. It requires no prior scripting skills and is very user-friendly. I use it several times a week, to search for genomes with particular characteristics or to compare strains from our collection. Compared with conventional bioinformatics tools, it saves a lot of time. »
« Genomics data storage and sharing can be a challenging and time-consuming task. While it doesn’t fall squarely into the realms of research, it remains a critical aspect of our work. Fortunately, Arx can alleviate some of that burden. »
« Without Arx, the data is just stored somewhere and only really accessible by my bioinformatician because he can code. Thanks to Arx, I can just work with the genes that interest me, compare different variants and so on. Without it, it was just not possible, I would have had to learn everything. »
« The scientific collaboration with my customers has sped up significantly thanks to Arx. Before using Arx, we were often losing time with relatively trivial analyses. Thanks to Arx, my customers can do much by themselves! »
« Once or twice, I was just sitting in a train and suddenly had a question about my research. Using my phone, I quickly accessed Arx and my question was answered! »
« Arx offers the tools that I need: compare genes, proteins and genomes. It's very straightforward. »
Let's discuss your genomic data analysis needs.
Are you interested? Connect with our genomics experts for personalized solutions.