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Life Technologies:

Innovation Leader and Global Citizen

With the close in November 2008 of the merger between Carlsbad-based Invitrogen and Bay Area-based Applied Biosystems, San Diego County became the home base of one of the most diversified suppliers of technologies that enable researchers to accelerate scientific exploration.

Born in a garage over 20 years ago, Invitrogen has evolved into a beacon of innovation in North San Diego County, and with the expanded business following its merger, Life Technologies continues to flourish and contribute significantly to the local economy.  In its history, the company has grown both organically and through acquisitions from a small outfit that makes tools focused on genomics research to a global biotechnology company that touches every area of the biological spectrum.

Life Technologies’ products drive the scientific discoveries and developments that make life even better.  The company’s innovations range from tiny crystals that glow in every color of the rainbow, allowing researchers to see the smallest cellular structures, to cutting edge DNA sequencing systems that are pushing science towards the $1,000 genome.

Locally, innovations pioneered by Life Technologies empower the biotech engine in San Diego.  The company’s more than 50,000 products can be found in nearly every biotechnology company in San Diego County as well as the county’s world class research institutions including UCSD, the Salk Institute, the Scripps Research Institute and the Burnham Institute.

Life Technologies employs over 9,500 people in 110 countries and 1,000 people in San Diego.  The company contributes to a better San Diego with a wide range of programs. Every year, Life Technologies organizes a Global Volunteer Day, where every employee is given the opportunity to take a half day of paid time to volunteer in a variety of activities.  In 2008, the company launched a philanthropic foundation that supports science literacy and helped finance several programs at institutions throughout San Diego County, including High Tech High, UCSD, the San Diego Zoological Society and Aquatic Adventures.

In addition to its philanthropic efforts, Life Technologies is committed to corporate social responsibility and believes that every action it takes as a company impacts the health of our planet.  Given that, Life Technologies has invested significant resources to reducing its impact on the environment, resulting in significant achievements locally and across the world.

“By combining industry-leading technologies with a commitment to global citizenship, we are positioned to be a leader in San Diego and globally for the future,” said Greg Lucier, Chairman and CEO of Life Technologies.

“San Diego’s educated workforce and world-class research institutions have helped Life Technologies grow over the years to the powerhouse that it is now,” noted Bernd Brust, President and Chief Commercial Operations Officer at Life Technologies. “Life Technologies’ goal is to continue to evolve as a major engine in the San Diego economy.”

For more information on Life Technologies, contact Revelle Bailey at (760) 268-7482 or revelle.bailey@lifetech.com.  Visit www.lifetechnologies.com.