In the rapidly evolving landscape of single-cell and spatial multi-omics, Oebiotech has emerged as a leading force—not by chasing trends, but by redefining them. While competitors are locked in price wars, Oebiotech has achieved sustained counter-trend growth over the past three years, setting an ambitious goal: “Build another Oebiotech in three years.”
Through an exclusive dialogue with Zhang Zhiming, General Manager of Oebiotech, we uncover the strategic logic behind their success—how they transformed from borrowing equipment to defining industry standards, and how they consistently turn scientific pain points into breakthrough discoveries. This is the story of how one company cracked the so-called “impossible triangle” of technology, service, and scalability in research services.
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The Core Pillars: Technology Depth × Service Sharpness × Evolution Speed
At its heart, Oebiotech operates on a simple principle: scientific data must be truthful, reproducible, and future-proof. But beneath the surface of excellent client service lies a rigorous foundation of technical excellence and operational agility.
1. From Tool Users to Technology Pioneers
Oebiotech didn’t just adopt single-cell and spatial omics technologies—they evolved with them.
- Diverse Platform Strategy: By integrating three distinct platforms—10x Genomics, BD Rhapsody, and the homegrown MobiNova—Oebiotech caters to varied research needs while supporting domestic innovation.
- Spatial Transcriptomics Leadership: They’ve built a flexible spatial transcriptomics infrastructure capable of handling multiple species, sample types, and resolutions, enabling customized experimental designs.
- Setting Industry Standards: Oebiotech co-led the development of a group standard for spatial metabolomics with ten institutions—establishing new benchmarks for reliability and quality in the field.
This isn’t just about owning equipment; it’s about shaping the future of how science is done.
2. Service That Turns Pain Points into Breakthroughs
Great service isn’t just responsiveness—it’s anticipation.
- Nationwide Rapid Response Network: With seven collaborative labs across China, Oebiotech ensures fresh sample processing, preserving biological integrity critical for accurate single-cell data.
- Co-Research Initiatives: Their annual Scientific Support Program, including partnerships like the Protein-Metabolism Cohort Multi-Omics Project with BioArt, provides funding and resources to reduce researchers’ financial burdens.
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3. Rapid Iteration: Staying Ahead of the Curve
While others chased spatial transcriptomics in 2023, Oebiotech pivoted early to spatial metabolomics, leveraging DESI-based detection with technical support from Professor He Jiuming at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The result?
- Over 28 high-impact publications, including in Nature Genetics
- Total impact factor exceeding 300
- A clear leadership position in an emerging field
Their agility proves that in science, anticipation beats reaction.
Why Top Institutions Choose Oebiotech: Hardcore, Fast, and Understands You
When elite research centers choose a partner, they’re not just buying a service—they’re buying certainty.
🔹 Hardcore: Uncompromising Data Quality
Oebiotech enforces internal data quality standards far stricter than industry norms. For example:
- Cell count and gene median values—key metrics in single-cell analysis—are held to “extreme-level QC standards.”
- Projects considered acceptable by others may be flagged as problematic internally.
This obsession with quality builds trust that lasts.
🔹 Fast: Embracing Innovation at Speed
When 10x Genomics launched its upgraded GEM-X reagents and iX system, Oebiotech didn’t wait—they purchased eight systems at once, accelerating adoption to deliver superior data performance for clients.
Speed isn’t just logistics; it’s strategic foresight.
🔹 Understands You: Accelerating Scientific Impact
With over 400 single-cell and spatial omics papers co-published in seven years, Oebiotech has deep experience solving the final “last mile” challenges of research. Their technical support team turns complex data into publishable insights—fast.
Case Study: Redefining Kidney Cancer Research
One landmark collaboration stands out: the clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) study with Professor Chen Ke’s team at Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
Facing global competition and tight timelines, the team used Oebiotech’s integrated spatial transcriptomics and metabolomics platforms to decode tumor microenvironments. The result?
- A groundbreaking paper in Nature Genetics
- New insights that could reshape kidney cancer treatment guidelines
- An ongoing partnership fueled by mutual trust
“Technology and trust turned uncertainty into certainty—and the impossible into possible.”
— Zhang Zhiming
From Borrowed Equipment to Market Leader: Scaling in 3 Years
How did a company that started by borrowing client equipment grow into a multi-million-dollar business?
✅ 1. Rapid Decision-Making & Continuous Learning
Each platform launch came with a strict timeline. Quick decisions, fast implementation, and constant post-launch reviews allowed agile adaptation.
✅ 2. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Faced with talent shortages in bioinformatics early on, Oebiotech mobilized internal resources across departments to solve analytical bottlenecks—ensuring on-time delivery.
✅ 3. Execution Excellence
They treated publication speed as a KPI. This focus helped researchers convert data into papers faster—solidifying Oebiotech’s reputation.
✅ 4. Hard Data + Great Service = Repeat Business
Consistent high-quality output and end-to-end professional support led to strong word-of-mouth and high client retention.
✅ 5. Organizational Innovation
In 2021, they launched a dedicated Single-Cell Business Unit with independent goals, budgets, and incentive structures—boosting accountability and performance.
“From borrowed machines to leading the market—this journey wasn’t luck. It was belief, step by step.”
Culture as Competitive Advantage: Honest, Reliable, Respectful
Oebiotech’s culture isn’t posted on walls—it’s lived daily.
- Honest Culture: Open feedback is encouraged. Monthly executive Q&A sessions let employees ask tough questions—no filters.
- Reliable Culture: “Say what you do, do what you say.” Every task has follow-up; every promise is kept.
- Respectful Culture: Individuality is celebrated. Employees are supported through training programs and career development opportunities.
When culture becomes behavior, excellence becomes inevitable.
Navigating Industry Shakeouts: Value Over Price
Amid widespread price wars in multi-omics services, Oebiotech’s revenue continues to grow—why?
“In a race to the bottom, only value survives.”
Their strategy?
- Double Down on Value Innovation: Reject “watering down” services. Instead, they “add more milk”—investing in R&D to enhance product value.
- Focus on Core Strengths: Rather than expanding haphazardly, they’ve narrowed focus to single-cell and spatial multi-omics, going “1,000 meters deep” to build unmatched expertise.
While price wars lead to zero-sum outcomes, value creation leads to sustainable growth.
Balancing Growth and Integrity: The “Three-Year Doubling” Challenge
Can you scale without compromising quality?
Oebiotech says yes—but only if you refuse shortcuts.
- No lowering standards
- No cutting corners
- No sacrificing data integrity for speed
Their growth model relies on continuous improvement, not cost-cutting. Because long-term success isn’t about being big—it’s about being trusted.
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Future Trends: Where Will Multi-Omics Go Next?
According to Zhang Zhiming, two forces will shape the next wave:
- Single-Cell & Spatial Omics Expansion
These are no longer niche tools—they’re essential. The future is full-spatial, multi-dimensional understanding of cellular function. - AI-Powered Multi-Omics Integration
Artificial intelligence will enable seamless integration of massive datasets, unlocking dynamic views of biological systems—from development to disease.
Together, these will enable panoramic, real-time decoding of life processes.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What makes Oebiotech different from other multi-omics service providers?
A: Their combination of technical depth (especially in spatial metabolomics), strict QC standards, rapid innovation cycles, and client-centric culture sets them apart.
Q: How does Oebiotech ensure data quality in single-cell studies?
A: Through internal benchmarks that exceed industry norms—particularly in cell viability, gene detection rates, and batch effect control.
Q: Can small labs afford high-end omics services?
A: Yes—through initiatives like subsidized research programs and tiered pricing models designed to lower entry barriers.
Q: Is spatial metabolomics ready for mainstream use?
A: Absolutely. With standardized protocols now established (including Oebiotech’s group standard), it’s becoming more accessible and reliable.
Q: How important is AI in analyzing multi-omics data today?
A: Increasingly critical. AI accelerates pattern recognition, reduces noise, and enables integration across data layers—key for extracting biological meaning.
Q: Does Oebiotech work outside China?
A: While primarily serving Chinese institutions, their publications include international collaborations, indicating growing global reach.
Final Thoughts: Building Certainty in Uncertain Science
In a field where uncertainty is the norm, Oebiotech offers something rare: scientific certainty. Not through promises—but through consistent delivery of hard data, fast turnaround, and deep collaboration.
They’ve proven that you can have it all—technology depth, service excellence, and scalable growth—without falling into the “impossible triangle.”
By choosing to “add milk” instead of water, staying focused on core strengths, and embedding integrity into their culture, Oebiotech isn’t just surviving the industry shakeout—they’re leading it.
And as they aim to double in size within three years, one thing is clear:
For researchers who need more than just data—they need a partner—Oebiotech is building the future of scientific service.