Juniper Genomics lands $4.6m seed funding to launch world-first whole-genome embryo test
New standard of care for IVF genetic testing
A Canadian startup is promising more clarity during the IVF process and fewer failed embryo transfers thanks to a new standard in embryo screening.
Juniper Genomics came out of stealth with $4.6m in seed funding in a round led by Company Ventures, with support from Innospark Ventures, MBX Capital, Amboy Street Ventures, Dria Ventures, and Blue Collective.
It is building what it says is the world’s first embryo screening test to combine both whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing. Junipeter says the new platform will offer prospective parents and clinicians what it describes as “the clearest, most detailed, and actionable view of embryo health and viability available today”.
“The IVF journey can be emotionally exhausting and financially overwhelming—and the current standard of care for embryo testing has a low success rate that often leaves patients with more questions than answers,” said Jeremy Grushcow, PhD, JD, Founder and CEO of Juniper Genomics.
“It’s important for people to know that failed transfers aren’t anyone’s fault—most embryos simply aren’t viable. We can do better by improving the chances of success on the very first try.”
Replacing existing forms of genetic testing
At the core of Juniper’s offering is a proprietary screening test that replaces most existing forms of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), while expanding the scope of analysis to include thousands of genetic variants associated with IVF failure, miscarriage, and postnatal health conditions. The company says it uses trio analysis—testing both biological parents alongside each embryo—to offer “the most complete, clinically-relevant, and ethically responsible insights”.
Notably, Juniper’s method avoids using polygenic or genetic risk scores, which have become controversial for their limited predictive value.
“Polygenic risk scores assess fewer than 1,000 data points across the genome to identify statistical associations with disease risk in populations, but they do not predict or determine outcomes for individual embryos,” the company said.
Instead, Juniper screens for specific genetic changes known to be linked to serious health outcomes. The company says its results provide clinicians and patients with high-resolution genetic data that can lead to more informed decisions—potentially reducing the emotional and financial burden of multiple IVF cycles.
Juniper’s co-founders include Carolyn Quinlan, MSc, VP of Bioethics, and Dr. Lee Shulman, Medical Director and a leading clinical geneticist. The team is also supported by Genome Canada / Genome Quebec GAPP grant funding.
Early adopters in North America
The company is now rolling out its test through early adopter IVF clinics across North America. The process fits into standard IVF workflows: on day five or six of embryo development, a biopsy is taken, and blood is drawn from each parent. Juniper then analyzes millions of genetic markers to assess viability at a level of depth the company claims is unmatched by current technologies.
“Juniper is addressing one of the most emotionally and financially challenging aspects of healthcare with a solution that is both scientifically advanced and deeply compassionate,” said Margaret Davidson, Principal at Company Ventures.
“Their approach has the potential to establish a new benchmark in IVF, combining world-class science with a strong commitment to ethics, equity, and an exceptional team driving it forward.”
With the new funding, Juniper plans to scale its commercial operations, grow its bioinformatics and clinical teams, and expand research collaborations.