HISTORY 

Bas Reichert and Erna Barèl, the managing and commercial directors of BaseClear to this day, founded BaseClear in 1993. Bas and Erna foresaw that the DNA sequencing technology would play an increasingly important role in life sciences, even though it was difficult to carry out and expensive equipment was needed. Outsourcing DNA sequencing would be interesting for many life science laboratories, they thought. The idea for BaseClear was born.

Since developments in the DNA sequencing market are rapid and unpredictably, in many cases it is more cost efficient for institutes to outsource their sequencing projects than to buy their own DNA sequencing equipment. Next to the high purchasing cost, cost like maintenance and keeping personal trained and up-to-date can be very expensive. Also, since we have years of experience in house, the customer is always guaranteed with best sequencing results.

Bas Reichert and Erna Barèl in 1993.

Extended service package
Over the years BaseClear extended its service package, although all the services are still based on routine DNA tests. The mycoplasma detection service was the first non-sequencing service, which was started in 1997. In 1998 the gene synthesis service was added, and in 2000 the cloning, genotyping and microbiological services came in. BaseClear's customers were offered more and more possibilities for customised projects. The latest extension of the service package is a set of services for next generation sequencing.

Milestones

1993: Foundation BaseClear, start with LiCor model 400 sequencer
1994: Move to ABC building in Leiden
1995: Participation in Arabidopsis sequencing project
1996: First capillary sequencer
1997: New mycoplasma test service
1998: New gene synthesis service (8 guilders/bp)
1999: Introduction LIMS
2000: Service package extended (cloning, genotyping and microbiological services)
2001: Six sequencers in production
2002: Expansion of the robotics
2003: Move to the Einsteinweg
         New 3730 multicapillary sequencer
2004: Participation in ESA-MAP project
2005: Start construction extended synthetic gene libraries
2006: ISO 17025 accreditation
2007: Start ZF-tools project
2008: Start Illumina sequencing services
         Start forensic laboratory
         Official MicroSEQ service provider