The personal genomics company Helix has joined forces with Illumina Accelerator to support entrepreneurs developing DNA sequencing-based products and insights for consumers. Illumina Accelerator operates on a 6-month funding cycle, during which selected startups receive business guidance, seed investment (and potentially match funding), and access to Illumina’s software, fully operational lab space in the San Francisco area, and sequencing systems and reagents. Under the terms of this agreement, Illumina Accelerator startups will now also have access to Helix’s team of experts in next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics, applied genomics, software and product development, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, consumer marketing, and business development. “Helix’s mission is to empower every person to improve their life through DNA,” said Justin Kao, co-founder and senior vice president of Helix. “We are proud to collaborate with Illumina Accelerator to stimulate innovation in personal genomics by helping selected startups harness their creativity and build best-in-class DNA-powered products for everyday use.”