BioDiscovery
Twist Bioscience, headquartered in South San Francisco, California, was founded in 2013 by Emily M.
Profile
Twist Bioscience provides synthetic DNA and tools for researchers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical development.
Twist Bioscience, headquartered in South San Francisco, California, was founded in 2013 by Emily M. Leproust, Ph.D., and others. The company specializes in synthetic biology, offering DNA synthesis, protein solutions, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications.
Twist Bioscience has established itself as a key player in the biotech industry, providing tools and services that enable researchers to accelerate their work in drug discovery, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology. As of the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Twist reported record revenue of $110.7 million, marking a 19% increase from the same period in 2025. The company’s gross margin improved to 51.6%, and it shipped products to approximately 2,583 customers, up from 2,431 in the previous year.
Twist Bioscience has also entered strategic partnerships, such as the bispecific licensing agreement with Invenra for their B-Body® bispecific antibody platform. Additionally, Twist has been recognized as a wet lab partner for Amazon Bio Discovery, Amazon Web Services' AI-powered drug discovery application. Despite its growth, Twist reported a net loss of $44.0 million for the quarter, driven by increased operating expenses and a $7.2 million litigation settlement. The company anticipates achieving adjusted EBITDA breakeven in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026.
Who buys this
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Biotechnology firms
- Academic research institutions
- Agricultural biotechnology companies
- Industrial biotechnology companies
Strengths and what to watch
Strengths
- Strong revenue growth with 19% increase in Q2 FY2026
- Strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Invenra and Amazon Web Services
- Improved gross margin to 51.6% in Q2 FY2026
Watch for
- Net loss increased to $44.0 million in Q2 FY2026
- Litigation settlement costs impacting financials
- Dependence on strategic partnerships for growth
Recent moves
Key Information
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- South San Francisco, California
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Twist Bioscience do?
Twist Bioscience provides synthetic DNA and biotechnology tools for researchers. Their offerings include DNA synthesis, protein solutions, and next-generation sequencing applications, serving pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial biotech sectors. The company partners with organizations like Amazon Web Services for AI-powered drug discovery solutions.
How is Twist Bioscience performing financially in 2026?
In Q2 2026, Twist reported $110.7 million revenue, a 19% year-over-year increase, with 51.6% gross margins. However, net losses reached $44 million due to operating expenses and a $7.2 million litigation settlement. The company expects adjusted EBITDA breakeven by Q4 2026.
Who uses Twist Bioscience's products?
Their primary customers include pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, academic research institutions, and agricultural/industrial biotech companies. In Q2 2026, they served 2,583 customers, up from 2,431 the previous year. Products support drug discovery, genetic research, and biotechnology development.
What are Twist Bioscience's key partnerships?
Twist partners with Invenra for bispecific antibody technology and Amazon Web Services as a wet lab partner for Amazon Bio Discovery. These collaborations expand their reach in AI-powered drug discovery and therapeutic development while demonstrating industry validation of their platform.
What are the risks of working with Twist Bioscience?
Key risks include their $44 million Q2 2026 net loss, dependence on strategic partnerships, and litigation costs. While revenue grows, profitability challenges persist. Customers should evaluate their financial stability and partnership dependencies when considering long-term engagements.
How does Twist Bioscience compare to other synthetic DNA providers?
Twist differentiates through 51.6% gross margins, 19% revenue growth, and partnerships with major players like Amazon. Their NGS applications and protein solutions offer comprehensive research tools, though financial losses may concern some users compared to more established competitors in synthetic biology.
Sources
- investors.twistbioscience.com — Q2 FY2026 financial results and strategic partnerships
- ir.healthpeak.com — Financial summary table
- techcrunch.com — Tech layoffs in 2025
- ir.aboutamazon.com — Amazon's Q1 2026 financial results