Since then, BGI has sequenced a number of genomes, including the Rice genome in 2002, which became the cover story for Science. During the onslaught of the SARS virus in 2003, it was sequenced by BGI leading to the quick creation of a detection kit. The Asian genome was also sequenced later. BGI expanded its sequencing capacity in 2010 in a dramatic way.
BGI’s branch in Shenzhen is ISO9001 certified after it was found to comply with the requirements for high throughput sequencing service.
Over the next ten years, BGI is expected to receive “collaborative funds” of $1.5 billion from China Development Bank.