Overview
16S Technologies is a specialized company headquartered at 6001 Airport Blvd, Austin, Texas. The firm operates primarily in the oil and gas sector and focuses on leveraging advanced DNA science to manage and mitigate corrosion caused by microorganisms. This is vital for the industry, given the significant annual spend of $11.8 billion on corrosion by U.S. oil and gas companies. The company provides both diagnostic and continuous monitoring services to prevent corrosion from reaching damaging levels.
Industry and Market Position
Positioned within the Scientific Research and Development Services sector, 16S Technologies engages with the Oil and Gas, Hospitals & Clinics, and Healthcare industries. Their strategic use of DNA sequencing technology to address microbial-induced corrosion maintains the integrity of critical infrastructure across these sectors and broadens their market influence.
Key Offerings
- Diagnostic and Monitoring Services: Designed to keep corrosion-causing microorganisms in check to prevent costly damage.
- Genomic Solutions: Employs genomic and transcriptomic sequencing to understand microbial distribution and its implications.
- Data Analytics: Forecasts the effects of microbial activity in engineered systems, aiding in enhanced preventative measures.
- Custom Biocide Plans: Develops tailored treatment plans based on specific genomic profiles in wells, aiming to reduce operational costs and decrease failure rates.
Financial and Operational Impact
Effective management of biocorrosion is crucial to avoid substantial financial losses:
- Cost per untreated well: $200,000
- Failure rate for biocorroded wells: 5%
- Remedial cost for failed wells: $5.5 billion, expected to rise with increased use of recycled water in fracing.
Leadership
- Andrew Millar: Co-Founder and CEO/CTO with deep expertise in the oil and gas sector and genomic research, steering the company’s innovative strategies.
- Paul Carragher: Non-Executive Co-Founder engaged in oil tools and technologies with a significant role at BiSN Oil Tools Ltd.
- Paul Deutch: Provides strategic insights as a Non-Executive team member.
- Hossam Elbadawy: Offers strategic advisory services, enhancing the company’s industry expertise.
Strategic Edge
16S Technologies excels in its domain by applying advanced DNA sequencing and microbial monitoring to reduce operational expenditures (OPEX) while boosting efficiency and reliability for its clients in the oil and gas industry. Its precision microbial control practices are designed to enhance flow assurance and minimize chemical spending in asset management.
Competitor Profiling
Key Competitors
16S Technologies competes with several prominent companies within the biotechnology and microbial research space:
- Ginkgo Bioworks: A Boston-based biotechnology firm known for programming cells for various applications. It provides extensive R&D services across several industries, including agriculture and biopharma.
- Genotix Biotechnologies: Located in Sunnyvale, focuses on protein diagnostics and biomarker discovery, presenting competitive microbial assessment technologies.
- Pluton Biosciences: St. Louis firm dedicated to microbial discovery for sustainable products, employing a Micromining Innovation Engine for identifying novel microbes.
Competitive Insights
Despite having a lean team, 16S Technologies stands out for its specialized focus on microbial challenges in the industrial sector. The competition, particularly those in biotechnology, have complementary strengths that could lead to strategic partnerships or opportunities for service expansion. The company's ongoing innovation and precise, industry-specific insights ensure its significant role amidst a competitive landscape with larger, multi-application firms.
This report summarizes the in-depth profile of 16S Technologies, offering comprehensive insights into their operations, market positioning, competitive landscape, and strategic initiatives in addressing microbial-induced corrosion in key industrial sectors.