Plasgene was founded in 2006, as a joint venture between On2 Ventures Ltd, Birmingham Research and Development Ltd (BRDL) and the University of Birmingham. The company was formed to develop new DNA plasmid technology from research carried out in the School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham. The University plasmid group, which is lead by Professor Christopher Thomas, has established world leading expertise in the plasmid field and has pioneered the development of selective methods for the removal of plasmids from bacteria. This includes organisms which which exhibit post-segregational killing systems (PSK's).

Plasgene is now engaged in translating these discoveries into new technologies, which will help unlock other valuable areas of development, notably in drug discovery, in the industrial production of valuable proteins and in genetic research.