Twist Bioscience (TWST) 10-K 27 Nov 20 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Nov. 23, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Registrant Name	Twist Bioscience Corp
Entity Central Index Key	0001581280
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	TWST
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		45,152,511
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Public Float			$ 1,088

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 93,667	$ 46,735
Short-term investments	196,335	91,372
Accounts receivable, net	26,376	12,104
Inventories	12,289	7,330
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,203	2,594
Total current assets	334,870	160,135
Property and equipment, net	25,466	20,835
Operating lease right-of-use assets	33,699
Goodwill	1,138	1,138
Intangible assets, net	307	508
Restricted cash, non-current	579	579
Other non-current assets	2,823	3,799
Total assets	398,882	186,994
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	4,830	9,760
Accrued expenses	3,901	5,965
Accrued compensation	14,945	10,479
Current portion of operating lease liability	6,409
Current portion of long-term debt	3,333	3,333
Other current liabilities	2,611	817
Total current liabilities	36,029	30,354
Operating lease liability, net of current portion	24,837
Long-term debt, net of current portion	1,403	4,400
Other non-current liabilities	351	158
Total liabilities	62,620	34,912
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $0.00001 par value—100,000 and 100,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively; 45,083 and 32,873 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively
Additional paid-in capital	794,630	470,425
Accumulated other comprehensive income	87	181
Accumulated deficit	(458,455)	(318,524)
Total stockholders' equity	336,262	152,082
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 398,882	$ 186,994

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Common stock, par value	$ 0.00001	$ 0.00001
Common stock, share authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, share issued	45,083,000	32,873,000
Common stock, share outstanding	45,083,000	32,873,000

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 90,100	$ 54,385	$ 25,427
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenues	61,406	47,426	32,189
Research and development	43,006	35,683	20,347
Selling, general and administrative	103,267	80,126	43,450
Litigation settlement	22,500
Total operating expenses	230,179	163,235	95,986
Loss from operations	(140,079)	(108,850)	(70,559)
Interest income	1,499	3,032	999
Interest expense	(787)	(1,294)	(1,313)
Other income (expense), net	(182)	(265)	(121)
Loss before income taxes	(139,549)	(107,377)	(70,994)
Provision for income taxes	(382)	(292)	(242)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	(139,931)	(107,669)	(71,236)
Other comprehensive loss:
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments	(34)	49
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(60)	45	54
Comprehensive loss	$ (140,025)	$ (107,575)	$ (71,182)
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders—basic and diluted	$ (3.57)	$ (3.92)	$ (25.51)
Weighted average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders—basic and diluted	39,190	27,462	2,793

Consolidated Statements of Rede

Consolidated Statements of Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Series D Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Accumulated deficit [Member]
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2017		$ 9,141	$ 25,900	$ 36,726	$ 127,866
Beginning Balance , shares at Sep. 30, 2017		2,818	3,316	2,491	6,034
Issuance of Series D redeemable convertible preferred stock, net of financing costs					$ 90,850
Issuance of Series D redeemable convertible preferred stock, net of financing costs, shares					4,292
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018		$ 9,141	$ 25,900	$ 36,726	$ 218,716
Ending Balance , shares at Sep. 30, 2018		2,818	3,316	2,491	10,326
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ (133,358)						$ 6,228	$ 33	$ (139,619)
Beginning Balance , shares at Sep. 30, 2017						3,179
Exercise of stock options	215						215
Exercise of stock options , shares						63
Repurchase of early exercised stock options , shares						(10)
Stock-based compensation	2,961						2,961
Forfeiture of restricted common stock , shares						(21)
Treasury stock purchase, Shares						(5)
Treasury stock purchase	(58)						(58)
Other comprehensive income	54							54
Net loss	(71,236)								(71,236)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ (201,422)						9,346	87	(210,855)
Ending Balance , shares at Sep. 30, 2018						3,206
Issuance of Series D redeemable convertible preferred stock, net of financing costs, shares					0
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Ending Balance , shares at Sep. 30, 2019	0
Issuance of common stock in public offering	$ 153,852				0		153,852
Issuance of common stock in public offering, shares						10,063
Vesting of restricted stock units	0						0
Vesting of restricted stock units, shares						8
Issuance of shares under the employee stock purchase plan	2,700						2,700
Issuance of shares under the employee stock purchase plan, shares						219
Exercise of stock options	2,264						2,264
Exercise of stock options , shares						331
Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability to equity	631						631
Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock to common stock	290,462	$ (9,141)	$ (25,900)	$ (36,726)	$ (218,716)		290,462
Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock to common stock , shares		(2,818)	(3,316)	(2,491)	(10,326)	18,951
Stock-based compensation	11,170						11,170
Net exercise of stock warrants , shares						95
Other comprehensive income	94							94
Net loss	(107,669)								(107,669)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	152,082						470,425	181	(318,524)
Ending Balance , shares at Sep. 30, 2019						32,873
Issuance of common stock in public offering	295,563						295,563
Issuance of common stock in public offering, shares						11,064
Vesting of restricted stock units, shares						178
Issuance of shares under the employee stock purchase plan	3,428						3,428
Issuance of shares under the employee stock purchase plan, shares						126
Exercise of stock options	10,539						10,539
Exercise of stock options , shares						915
Stock-based compensation	17,096						17,096
Other comprehensive income	(94)							(94)
Repurchases of common stock for income tax withholding	(2,421)						(2,421)
Repurchases of common stock for income tax withholding , shares						(71)
Net loss	(139,931)								(139,931)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 336,262						$ 794,630	$ 87	$ (458,455)
Ending Balance , shares at Sep. 30, 2020						45,083

Consolidated Statements of Re_2

Consolidated Statements of Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Net of underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses	$ 18,916	$ 17,210
Series D Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Issuance of redeemable convertible preferred stock, net of financing cost			$ 339

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	$ (139,931)	$ (107,669)	$ (71,236)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	6,677	6,111	5,727
Non-cash lease expense	(1,043)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		189	55
Stock-based compensation	17,096	11,170	2,961
Discount accretion on investment securities	(214)	(1,249)
Non-cash interest expense	152	233	254
Change in fair value of redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability			(13)
Amortization of debt discount	184	282	308
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(14,272)	(6,685)	(3,073)
Inventories	(4,956)	(1,302)	(4,202)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(3,683)	746	(1,760)
Other non-current assets	(554)	(2,064)	(812)
Accounts payable	(5,506)	3,278	3,759
Accrued expenses	(2,648)	4,210	(114)
Accrued Compensation	4,465	5,060	1,932
Other liabilities	1,978	(247)	50
Net cash used in operating activities	(142,255)	(87,937)	(66,164)
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(9,868)	(14,757)	(3,688)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		21	17
Purchases of investments	(202,882)	(177,574)	(3,523)
Maturity of investments	98,100	87,500	34,500
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(114,650)	(104,810)	27,306
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	10,495	2,170	331
Proceeds from public offerings, net of underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses	295,563	156,208
Proceeds from issuance of Series D redeemable convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs			90,850
Proceeds from issuance under employee stock purchase plan	3,428	2,700
Payments of deferred offering costs			(2,359)
Repayments of long-term debt	(3,333)	(2,500)
Repurchases of common stock for income tax withholding	(2,421)
Net cash provided by financing activities	303,732	158,578	88,822
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	21	30
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	46,848	(34,139)	49,964
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	47,398	81,537	31,573
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year	94,246	47,398	81,537
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest paid	438	779	751
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	172	291	179
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Property and equipment additions included in accrued expenses and accounts payable	1,333	170	344
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities	$ 3,718
Deferred offering costs included in accounts payable and accrued expenses			$ 1,308
Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability to equity		631
Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock to common stock		$ 290,462

The company

The company	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
The Company	1. The company Twist Bioscience Corporation (the Company) was incorporated in the state of Delaware on February 4, 2013. The Company is a synthetic biology company that has developed a disruptive DNA synthesis platform. DNA is used in many applications across different industries: industrial chemicals, academic, healthcare and food/agriculture. The core of the Company’s platform is a proprietary technology that pioneers a new method of manufacturing synthetic DNA by “writing” DNA on a silicon chip. The Company has combined this technology with proprietary software, scalable commercial infrastructure and an e-commerce platform to create an integrated technology platform that enables the Company to achieve high levels of quality, precision, automation, and manufacturing throughput at a significantly lower cost than its competitors. The Company is leveraging its unique technology to manufacture a broad range of synthetic DNA-based products, including synthetic genes, tools for next generation sample preparation, and antibody libraries for drug discovery and development. The Company has a limited operating history and its prospects are subject to risks, expenses and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in this industry. These risks include, but are not limited to, the uncertainty of availability of additional financing, market acceptance of its products, the ability to retain and attract new customers, and the uncertainty of achieving future profitability. The Company has generated net losses in all periods since inception. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $458.5 million and has not generated positive cash flows from operations since inception. Losses are expected to continue as the Company continues to invest in product development, manufacturing, and sales and marketing. The Company has raised multiple rounds of debt and equity financing since its inception. In October 2018, the Company completed an initial public offering (IPO) of its common stock which raised proceeds of $69.6 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. In May 2019, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of its common stock with proceeds of $84.3 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. In December 2019 and January 2020, the Company entered into a sales agreement with Cowen and Company, LLC for an at-the-market offering (ATM) to sell its common stock with net proceeds of $48.0 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. In February 2020, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of its common stock with net proceeds of $140.2 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. In June 2020, the Company completed an underwriting public offering of its common stock with net proceeds of $107.4 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. Management believes that these proceeds combined with existing cash balances on hand will be sufficient to fund operations for at least one year from the issuance of these consolidated financial statements. However, the Company may need to obtain additional financing to fund operations beyond this period, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in raising additional financing on terms which are acceptable to the Company. If the Company requires but is unable to obtain additional funding, the Company could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate some or all of its research and development programs, product portfolio expansion or commercialization efforts, which could adversely affect its business prospects, or the Company may be unable to continue operations.

Summary of significant accounti

Summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	2. Summary of significant accounting policies Basis of presentation and use of estimates The presentation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates include the valuation of deferred tax assets, stock-based compensation expense, determination of the net realizable value of inventory, and the fair value of the Company’s common stock and redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s consolidated financial statements include its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and accounts are eliminated in consolidation. Risks and uncertainties The Company relies on third parties for the supply and manufacture of its products, including a single-source supplier for a critical component, as well as third-party logistics providers. In instances where these parties fail to perform their obligations, the Company may be unable to find alternative suppliers to satisfactorily deliver its products to its customers on time, if at all. The Company operates in a dynamic and highly competitive industry and believes that changes in any of the following areas could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future financial position, results of operations, or cash flows: ability to obtain future financing; advances and trends in new technologies and industry standards; market acceptance of the Company’s products; development of sales channels; certain strategic relationships; litigation or claims against the Company regarding intellectual property, patent, product, regulatory, or other factors; and the ability to attract and retain employees necessary to support its growth. The Company has expended and expects to continue to expend substantial funds to complete the research and development of its production process. The Company may require additional funds to commercialize its products and may be unable to entirely fund these efforts with its current financial resources. Additional funds may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. If adequate funds are unavailable on a timely basis from operations or additional sources of financing, the Company may have to delay the sale of the Company’s products and services which would materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and operations. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a pandemic. During the year ended September 30, 2020, financial results of the Company were not significantly affected by the COVID-19 COVID-19 Concentration of credit risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. Substantially all of the Company’s cash is held by one financial institution that management believes is of high credit quality. Such deposits may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Company’s investment policy addresses the level of credit exposure by establishing a minimum allowable credit rating and by limiting the concentration in any one investment. The Company’s accounts receivable is derived from customers located principally in the United States and Europe. The Company maintains credit insurance for certain of its customer balances, performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers, and maintains allowances for potential credit losses on customers’ accounts when deemed necessary. The Company does not typically require collateral from its customers. Credit losses historically have not been material. The Company continuously monitors customer payments and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on its assessment of various factors including historical experience, age of the receivable balances, and other current economic conditions or other factors that may affect customers’ ability to pay. Customer concentration Two customers accounted for more than 10% of total revenues as follows: Year ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Customer A 12 % 17 % 34 % Customer B 10 % — — One customer accounted for greater than 10% of net accounts receivable as follows: September 30, 2020 2019 Customer A * 13 % Customer B 36 % — * Represents less than 10%. Cash and cash equivalents Cash equivalents that are readily convertible to cash are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of investments in money market funds as of September 30, 2020 and 2019. Short-term investments The Company invests in various types of securities, including United States government, commercial paper, and corporate debt securities. It classifies its investments as available-for-sale and records them at fair value based upon market prices at period end. Unrealized gains and losses that are deemed temporary in nature are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of investments sold. The Company may sell these securities at any time for use in current operations. Accounts receivable Trade receivables include amounts billed and currently due from customers, recorded at the net invoice value and are not interest bearing. The amounts due are stated at their net estimated realizable value. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide for the estimated amounts of receivables that will not be collected. The allowance is based upon an assessment of customer creditworthiness, historical payment experience, the age of outstanding receivables and collateral to the extent applicable. The Company re-evaluates such allowance on a regular basis and adjusts its allowance as needed. Once a receivable is deemed to be uncollectible, such balance is charged against the allowance. The Company has a short order-to-invoice lifecycle, as most products can be manufactured within one month. Upon delivery of the products to the customer, the Company invoices the customer. The typical timing of payment is net 30 days. Fair value of financial instruments The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments including cash equivalents, short term investments, and accounts receivable approximate fair value due to their relatively short maturities. The carrying amounts of the redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability represent their fair values. Based on the borrowings rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms, the carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates its fair value (level 2 within the fair value hierarchy). Inventories Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Determining net realizable value of inventory involves judgments and assumptions, including projecting selling prices and costs to sell. Provisions are made to reduce excess and obsolete inventories to their estimated net realizable value based on forecasted demand, past experience, the age and nature of inventories. Property and equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the remaining lease term of the respective leasehold improvements assets, if any. The Company recorded depreciation and amortization expense of $6.7 million, $6.1 million and $5.5 million for the years September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Estimated lives of property and equipment are as follows: Laboratory equipment 5 Years Furniture, fixtures and other equipment 5 Years Computer equipment 3 Years Computer software 3 Years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or ‎ facilities’ lease term. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Betterments are capitalized and depreciated through the life of the lease. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations in the period realized. Capitalized software development costs Costs associated with internal-use software systems, including those to improve e-commerce capabilities, during the application development stage are capitalized. Capitalization of costs begins when the preliminary project stage is completed, management has committed to funding the project, and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. Capitalization ceases at the point when the project is substantially complete and is ready for its intended purpose. The capitalized amounts are included in property and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. Capitalized software development costs were $2.4 million and $2.3 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Capitalized costs are amortized from the project completion date, using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of the assets, which is three years. Long-lived assets The Company reviews property and equipment and intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the carrying amount to the future undiscounted cash flows which the assets are expected to generate. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. There have been no such impairments of long-lived assets during the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Leases The Company has entered into lease agreements for its manufacturing, research and development and office facilities. In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new lease accounting guidance in Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2016-02, Leases, and in July 2018 issued ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, and ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements (the foregoing ASUs collectively referred to as “Topic 842”). Under the new guidance, lessees are required to recognize for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. On October 1, 2019, the Company adopted Topic 842 using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption had a material effect on the consolidated balance sheets but did not have a material effect on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous accounting under ASC 840, Leases. The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance which, among other things, allows carrying forward the historical classification of existing leases as of October 1, 2019. As a result of electing the transition guidance as described above, on October 1, 2019, the Company recorded operating lease right-of-use assets of $35.8 million, including the derecognition of deferred rent of $0.1 million and prepaid rent of $1.6 million, with the corresponding lease liabilities totaling $34.3 million. There was no material effect to the Company’s statements of operations and comprehensive loss upon adoption. Under Topic 842, the Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception primarily based on the determination of the party responsible for directing the use of an underlying asset within a contract. Operating lease right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In determining the present value of committed lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date which includes significant assumptions made including the Company’s estimated credit rating, annual percentage yields from corporate debt financings of companies of similar size and credit rating over a loan term approximating the remaining term of each lease, and government bond yields for terms approximating the remaining term of each lease in countries where the leased assets are located. Certain leases include payments of operating expenses that are dependent and may be revised based on the landlord’s estimate, and these variable payments are therefore excluded from the lease payments used to determine the operating lease right-of-use asset and lease liability. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise any such options. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. The Company elected to not apply the recognition requirements of Topic 842 to short-term leases with terms of 12 months or less which do not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. For short-term leases, lease payments are recognized as operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company elected to account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Additional information and disclosures required by Topic 842 are contained in Note 7. Goodwill and purchased intangible assets Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. If, based on a qualitative assessment, the Company determines it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a quantitative assessment is performed to determine if the fair value of the Company’s sole reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Purchased intangible assets with finite lives are generally amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The Company reviews intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Impairment assessments inherently involve judgment as to assumptions about expected future cash flows and the impact of market conditions on those assumptions. Segment information The Company has one business activity, which is manufacturing of synthetic DNA using its semiconductor-based silicon platform and operates as one reportable and operating segment. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), reviews the Company’s operating results on an aggregate basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. Revenue recognition Effective October 1, 2017, the Company elected to early adopt the requirements of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers using the full retrospective method. The Company evaluated the impact on revenues, loss from operations, net loss attributable to common stockholders and basic and diluted earnings per share for all periods presented and concluded that there was no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. The Company’s revenue is generated through the sale of synthetic biology tools, such as synthetic genes, or clonal genes and fragments, oligonucleotides pools, or oligo pools, next generation sequencing, or NGS tools and DNA and Biopharma libraries. The Company accounts for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. Contracts with customers are generally in the written form of a purchase order or a quotation, which outline the promised goods and the agreed upon price. Such orders are often accompanied by a Master Supply or Distribution Agreement that establishes the terms and conditions, rights of the parties, delivery terms, and pricing. The Company assesses collectability based on a number of factors, including past transaction history and creditworthiness of the customer. For most of the Company’s contracts to date, the customer orders a specified quantity of synthetic DNA; therefore, the delivery of the ordered quantity per the purchase order is accounted for as one performance obligation. Some contracts may contain prospective discounts when certain order quantities are exceeded; however, these future discounts are either not significant, not deemed to be incremental to the pricing offered to other customers, or not enforceable options to acquire additional goods. As a result, these discounts do not constitute a material right and do not meet the definition of a separate performance obligation. The Company does not offer retrospective discounts or rebates. The transaction price is determined based on the agreed upon rates in the purchase order or master supply agreements applied to the quantity of synthetic DNA that was manufactured and shipped to the customer. The Company’s contracts include only one performance obligation – the delivery of the product to the customer. Accordingly, all of the transaction price, net of any discounts, is allocated to the one performance obligation. Therefore, upon delivery of the product, there are no remaining performance obligations. The Company’s shipping and handling activities are considered a fulfillment cost. The Company has elected to exclude all sales and value added taxes from the measurement of the transaction price. The Company has not adjusted the transaction price for significant financing since the time period between the transfer of goods and payment is less than one year. The Company recognizes revenue at a point in time when control of the products is transferred to the customer. Management applies judgment in evaluating when a customer obtains control of the promised good which is generally when the product is shipped or delivered to the customer. The Company’s customer contracts generally include a standard assurance warranty to guarantee that its products comply with agreed specifications. The Company reduces revenue by the amount of expected returns which have been insignificant. The Company has elected the practical expedient to not disclose the consideration allocated to remaining performance obligations and an explanation of when those amounts are expected to be recognized as revenue since the duration of the contracts is less than one year. Refer to Note 15 for the disaggregation of revenues by geography, by product and by industry. The Company does not have any contract assets or contract liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and 2019. For all periods presented, the Company did not recognize revenue from amounts that were included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of each period. In addition, for all periods presented, there was no revenue recognized in a reporting period from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods. Based on the nature of the Company’s contracts with customers which are recognized over a term of less than 12 months, the Company has elected to use the practical expedient whereby costs to obtain a contract are expensed as they are incurred. Research and development Research and development expenses consist of compensation costs, employee benefits, subcontractors, research supplies, allocated facility related expenses and allocated depreciation and amortization. All research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs Costs related to advertising and promotions are expensed to sales and marketing as incurred. Advertising and promotion expenses for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, were $1.2 million, $1.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively. Government contract payments The Company has arrangements and is under a subcontract with the Georgia Institute of Technology funded by the United States Director of Central Intelligence (IARPA). The Company recognizes payments received from these arrangements The total expected cost for the IARPA development project is $6.5 million with IARPA funding $4.5 million and the Company responsible for providing a minimum contribution of $2.0 million, which remains outstanding as of September 30, 2020. DARPA payments of $ . In fiscal 2020, the Company received IARPA payments of Redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability Outstanding warrants that were related to the Company’s redeemable convertible preferred stock were classified as liabilities on the balance sheet. As the warrants to purchase redeemable convertible preferred stock were exercisable into shares of convertible preferred stock, the Company had recognized a liability for the fair value of its warrants on the consolidated balance sheets upon issuance and subsequently remeasured the liability to fair value at the end of each reporting period. In connection with the closing of our IPO, all of the outstanding warrants to purchase redeemable convertible preferred stock automatically converted to warrants to purchase common stock, which qualified for equity classification and no further measurement had been required thereafter. Common stock warrants Warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock issued in conjunction with debt are recorded as additional paid-in-capital and classified as equity on the consolidated balance sheets. There were no common stock warrants issued during the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Stock-based compensation The Company maintains performance incentive plans under which incentive and nonqualified stock options and restricted stock units are granted primarily to employees and may be granted to members of the board of directors and certain non-employee consultants, and employees may participate in an employee stock purchase plan. The Company recognizes stock compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation . ASC 718 requires the recognition of compensation expense, using a fair value-based method, for costs related to all stock-based payments including stock options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchase plan. The Company recognizes fair value of stock options granted to non-employees as a stock-based compensation expense over the period in which the related services are received. The Company recognizes forfeitures as they occur. The Company believes that the estimated fair value of stock options is more readily measurable than the fair value of the services rendered. Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders The Company calculates its basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders in conformity with the two-class method required for companies with participating securities. In computing diluted net loss attributable to common stockholders, undistributed earnings are re-allocated to reflect the potential impact of dilutive securities. The Company’s basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. For purposes of the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, redeemable convertible preferred stock, unvested shares of common stock issued upon the early exercise of stock options, shares issuable for employee stock purchase plan contributions received, warrants to purchase redeemable convertible preferred stock, warrants to purchase common stock, unvested restricted common stock, unvested restricted stock units and stock options to purchase common stock are considered potentially dilutive securities but have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders as their effect is antidilutive. Basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, less shares subject to repurchase, and excludes any dilutive effects of employee stock-based awards and warrants. Because the Company has reported a net loss for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, diluted net loss per common share is the same as the basic net loss per share for those years. The Company considered all series of its convertible preferred stock to be participating securities as they were entitled to receive noncumulative dividends prior and in preference to any dividends on shares of common stock. Due to the Company’s net losses, there was no impact on the loss per share calculation in applying the two-class method since the participating securities had no legal obligation to share in any losses. Reverse stock split In October 2018, the Company’s stockholders approved a one-for-0.101 reverse stock split of its common and redeemable convertible preferred stock which was effected on October 16, 2018. The par value of the common stock and redeemable convertible preferred stock were not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split. Accordingly, all share and per share amounts for all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been adjusted retrospectively to reflect this reverse stock split. Income taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax asset and liability accounts are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are currently in effect. Valuation allowances are established where necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. Deferred offering costs Deferred offering costs, which consist of direct incremental legal, consulting, banking and accounting fees relating to the Company’s IPO, were initially capitalized and subsequently offset against proceeds from the IPO within stockholders’ equity. As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, there were no capitalized deferred offering costs on the consolidated balance sheets. Recent accounting pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which provides accounting guidance for all revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of the new standard is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented and the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the earliest period shown, or the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. The Company adopted the new revenue standard, on October 1, 2017, using the full retrospective method. In February 2016, the FASB issued new lease accounting guidance in ASU 2016-02, Leases, 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements right-of-use In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . The new standard requires entities to use the new “expected credit loss” impairment model for most financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade and other receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities, and modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , which was intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The standard provides guidance in a number of situations including, among others, settlement of zero-coupon bonds, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, and distributions received from equity method investees. The ASU also provides guidance for classifying cash receipts and payments that have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The Company adopted this standard effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for either period presented. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash September 30, (In thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 93,667 $ 46,735 $ 80,757 Restricted cash, non-current 579 579 579 Restricted cash, current (within prepaid expenses and other current assets) — 84 201 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 94,246 $ 47,398 $ 81,537 Amounts included in restricted cash primarily related to security deposits and a letter of credit with a financial institution, both in connection with office space lease agreements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) : Clarifying the Definition of a Business , clarifying the definition of a business. The ASU affects all companies and other reporting organizations that must determine whether they have acquired or sold a business. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The Company adopted this standard effective October 1, 2018. The Company applied the provisions of this ASU in evaluating the definition of a business for any prospective transaction from October 1, 2018. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This ASU simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The ASU eliminates step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, including for reporting units with a zero or negative carrying amount that fail a qualitative test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. This ASU should be applied on a prospective basis. This ASU is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adoption on its disclosures. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting , which clarifies when to account for a change to the terms or

Fair value measurement

Fair value measurement	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurement	3. Fair value measurement The Company assesses the fair value of financial instruments based on the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements . ASC 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1 —Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 —Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 —Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value. The following table sets forth the cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments as of September 30, 2020: (in thousands) Amortized Gross Gross Fair value Cash and cash equivalents $ 93,667 $ — $ — $ 93,667 Short-term investments 196,320 15 — 196,335 Total $ 289,987 $ 15 $ — $ 290,002 The following table sets forth the cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments as of September 30, 2019: (in thousands) Amortized Gross Gross Fair value Cash and cash equivalents $ 46,735 $ — $ — $ 46,735 Short-term investments 91,323 49 — 91,372 Total $ 138,058 $ 49 $ — $ 138,107 As of September 30, 2020, financial assets and liabilities measured and recognized at fair value are as follows: (in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair value Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,254 $ — $ — $ 20,254 Money market funds 73,413 — — 73,413 Commercial paper — 94,840 — 94,840 U.S. government treasury bills 101,495 — — 101,495 Total $ 195,162 $ 94,840 $ — $ 290,002 As of September 30, 2019, financial assets and liabilities measured and recognized at fair value are as follows: (in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair value Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,344 $ — $ — $ 19,344 Money market funds 27,390 — — 27,390 Corporate bonds — 8,530 — 8,530 Commercial paper — 28,361 — 28,361 U.S. government treasury bills 54,482 — — 54,482 Total $ 101,216 $ 36,891 $ — $ 138,107 Contractual maturities of short-term investments, as of September 30, 2020, were less than 12 months. Redeemable convertible preferred stock warrants The following table provides a reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the Level 3 instruments during the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018: (in thousands) Series A Series B Series C Series D Total Redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability: Fair value as of September 30, 2017 $ 331 $ 110 $ 152 $ 51 $ 644 Change in fair value recorded in other income (expense), net 34 (16 ) (22 ) (9 ) (13 ) Fair value as of September 30, 2018 $ 365 $ 94 $ 130 $ 42 $ 631 Change in fair value recorded in other income (expense), net (365 ) (94 ) (130 ) (42 ) (631 ) Fair value as of September 30, 2019 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Change in fair value recorded in other income (expense), net — — — — — Fair value as of September 30, 2020 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —

Balance sheet components

Balance sheet components	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Balance sheet components	4. Balance sheet components The Company’s accounts receivable, net balance consists of the following: September 30, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Trade Receivables $ 25,790 $ 11,085 Other Receivables 951 1,313 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (365 ) (294 ) Accounts Receivable, net $ 26,376 $ 12,104 Inventories consist of the following: September 30, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Raw Materials $ 9,237 $ 4,900 Work-in-process 2,021 1,157 Finished Goods 1,031 1,273 $ 12,289 $ 7,330 Property and Equipment, net consists of the following: September 30, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Laboratory equipment $ 37,338 $ 26,021 Furniture, fixtures and other equipment 1,728 1,760 Computer equipment 2,834 2,777 Computer software 3,678 3,507 Leasehold improvements 4,669 3,772 Construction in progress 4,697 5,991 54,944 43,828 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (29,478 ) (22,993 ) $ 25,466 $ 20,835

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill and intangible assets	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and intangible assets	5. Goodwill and intangible assets There were no changes to the carrying value of goodwill during the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Total amortization expense related to intangible assets were $0.2 million for each of the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018. The intangible assets balances are presented below: September 30, 2020 (in thousands, except for years) Useful lives Gross Accumulated Net book Developed Technology 6 $ 1,220 $ (913 ) $ 307 Tradenames & Trademarks 2 20 (20 ) — Total indefinite-lived intangible assets $ 1,240 $ (933 ) $ 307 September 30, 2019 (in thousands, except for years) Useful lives Gross Accumulated Net book Developed Technology 6 $ 1,220 $ (712 ) $ 508 Tradenames & Trademarks 2 20 (20 ) — Total indefinite-lived intangible assets $ 1,240 $ (732 ) $ 508 Future annual amortization expense is as follows (in thousands): Years ending September 30, 2021 $ 204 2022 103 $ 307

Long-term debt

Long-term debt	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	6. Long-term debt In September 2017, the Company entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the Fourth Loan) with SVB for loan amounts aggregating up to $20.0 million in a series of three advances. The first advance provides a principal amount of $10.0 million, the second advance provides a principal amount of $5.0 million and the third advance provides a principal amount of $5.0 million during their respective draw down periods. The draw down periods for the second and third advances under this agreement have expired as of January 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively and were not utilized. In connection with the first advance the Company issued a warrant to purchase 64,127 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.24 per share. The Fourth Loan contains a subjective acceleration clause under which the Fourth Loan could become due and payable to SVB in the event of a material adverse change in the Company’s business. The term of the loan was 51 months with an interest rate of prime plus 3.0% and a final payment fee of $0.7 million. The first advance, totaling $10.0 million, was drawn in September 2017 and comprised $7.8 million to refinance a prior loan and a new advance of $2.2 million. The debt provides for interest only payments through December 31, 2018 at which time monthly principal payments become due. In addition, the Company obtained a revolving loan facility for a principal amount of up to $10.0 million for which the principal amount outstanding under the revolving line would accrue interest at a floating per annum rate equal to one percentage point (1.00%) above the prime rate, which interest shall be payable monthly. The Company accounted for this transaction as a debt modification and did not incur any gain or loss relating to the modification. The Company had no amounts outstanding under this revolving loan facility at September 30, 2020 and 2019. The fees related to maintaining the revolving loan facility is $0.1 million, payable in annual installments. The Company’s credit facilities contain customary representations and warranties and customary affirmative and negative covenants applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries, including, among other things, restrictions on changes in business, management, ownership or business locations, indebtedness, encumbrances, investments, mergers or acquisitions, dispositions, maintenance of collateral accounts, prepayment of other indebtedness, distributions and transactions with affiliates. The credit facilities contain customary events of default subject in certain cases to grace periods and notice requirements, including (a) failure to pay principal, interest and other obligations when due, (b) material misrepresentations, (c) breach of covenants, conditions or agreements in the credit facilities, (d) default under material indebtedness, (e) certain bankruptcy events, (f) a material adverse change; (g) attachment, levy or restraint on business, (h) default with respect to subordinated debt, (i) cross default under the Company’s credit facilities, and (j) government approvals being revoked. As of September 30, 2017, all rights, title and interest to the Company’s personal property with the exception of the Company’s intellectual property, have been pledged as collateral, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, contractual rights to payment, license agreements, general intangibles, inventory and equipment. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the loan and security agreement with SVB as of September 30, 2020 and 2019. Future maturities of the Fourth Loan as of September 30, 2020 are as follows: (in thousands) Principal Interest Total Years ending September 30, 2021 $ 3,333 $ 167 $ 3,500 2022 833 9 842 $ 4,166 $ 176 4,342 Less: Interest (176 ) Total amount of loan principal 4,166 Less unamortized debt discount (85 ) Add: accretion of final payment fee 655 $ 4,736 The effective interest rate of the Company’s outstanding Fourth Loan was 11.6% at September 30, 2020.

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	7. Commitments and contingencies Litigation On February 3, 2016, Agilent filed a lawsuit against the Company and its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Emily Leproust (the Complaint), in the Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County, or the Court. The Complaint also named Does 1 through 20, which are fictitious placeholder defendants. Agilent’s complaint alleged three claims against Twist and Dr. Leproust: (1) alleged breach of contract, related to the use of confidential information and alleged breach of non-solicitation On December 7, 2018, the Court granted Agilent’s motion to amend its complaint, permitting Agilent to file its Second Amended Complaint. This new complaint added amended allegations against the Company and Dr. Leproust, and also new claims for breach of contract and trade secret misappropriation against two individuals: Dr. Siyuan Chen, a current Company employee and Solange Glaize, a former Company employee. The Court also set trial to begin on February 24, 2020. On February 6, 2020, the Company, Dr. Leproust, Dr. Chen, Ms. Glaize (together, the Twist Group) and Agilent agreed to the terms of a settlement agreement (the Settlement Agreement) pursuant to which the Twist Group and Agilent each agreed to request dismissal of all claims against each other. The Settlement Agreement resolves the litigation initially commenced by the Complaint and contains no admission of liability or wrongdoing. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Agilent $22.5 million in cash within 14 days of the Settlement Agreement. This amount has been accrued in the consolidated financial statements in the three months ended December 31, 2019. In addition, the Twist Group and Agilent each agreed to release the other party from all known and unknown claims related to the claims and counterclaims alleged or that could have been alleged in such litigation or that arise from the facts and events that gave rise to such litigation. Further, Agilent agreed to grant the Company a limited non-exclusive The Court dismissed the case on February 14, 2020. Indemnifications In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into agreements that may include indemnification provisions. Pursuant to such agreements, the Company may indemnify, hold harmless and defend the indemnified parties for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party. Some of the provisions will limit losses to those arising from third-party actions. In some cases, the indemnification will continue after the termination of the agreement. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these provisions is not determinable. To date, the Company has not incurred material costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification provisions. The Company has also entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and officers that may require it to indemnify its directors and officers against liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers to the fullest extent permitted by corporate law. The Company also has directors’ and officers’ insurance. Leases The Company leases certain of its facilities under non-cancellable Certain leases include options to renew or terminate at the Company’s discretion. The lease terms include periods covered by these options if it is reasonably certain the Company will renew or not terminate. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. Supplemental balance sheet information related to the Company’s operating lease as of September 30, 2020, was the following: (in thousands) September 30, 2020 Assets: Operating lease right-of-use-asset $ 33,699 Current liabilities: Current portion of operating lease liabilities $ 6,409 Noncurrent liabilities: Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion $ 24,837 Future minimum lease payments under all non-cancelable (in thousands) Operating Years ending September 30: 2021 $ 6,568 2022 7,111 2023 6,753 2024 6,389 2025 6,433 Thereafter 4,907 Total minimum lease payments $ 38,161 Less: imputed interest (6,915 ) Total operating lease liabilities $ 31,246 Less: current portion (6,409 ) Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion $ 24,837 Operating lease expense was $7.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2020. Cash payments for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities for the year ended September 30, 2020 were $9.0 million. As of September 30, 2020, the weighted-average remaining lease term was 5.5 years and the weighted-average discount rate was 7.0%. Rent expense was $4.9 million and $2.5 million for the years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Rent expense is measured based upon amortizing minimum lease payments, including rent escalations under the lease term, using the straight-line method over the term of the lease. Prepaid rent was $1.6 million as of September 30, 2019. There was no deferred rent liability as of September 30, 2019.

Related party transactions

Related party transactions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related party transactions	8. Related party transactions During the year s million, $3.2 million, and $2.3 million, respectively. Payable balances and cash receipts and receivable balances with the related party were immaterial as of September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018.

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	9. Income taxes The Company recorded provisions for income taxes of $0.4 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: September 30, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Net operating loss carryforwards $ 112,434 $ 73,341 Research and development credit carryforwards 9,407 6,831 Operating lease liability 7,506 — Other 5,639 4,553 Gross deferred tax assets 134,986 84,725 Less: Valuation allowance (127,336 ) (84,598 ) Net deferred tax assets 7,650 127 Fixed assets (105 ) (1 ) Operating lease right-of-use asset (7,498 ) — Intangible assets (47 ) (126 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (7,650 ) (127 ) Total net deferred tax asset $ — $ — The following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate: Year ended 2020 2019 2018 Tax expense computed at the federal statutory rat e 21 % 21 % 24 % Change in valuation allowance (25 )% (22 )% 4 % Research and development credit benefit 1 % 1 % 1 % Change in federal tax rate — — (28 )% Stock-based compensation 3 % — — Other expenses — — (1 )% Total income tax expense — % — % — % Based on the available objective evidence, management believes it i s As of September 30, 2020, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $448.8 million and $278.4 million available to reduce future taxable income, if any, for federal and state income tax purposes, respectively. The net operating losses will begin to expire in fiscal 2032. The Company also had federal and state research and development credit carryforwards of approximately $8.0 million and $6.9 million, respectively, at September 30, 2020. The federal credits will expire starting in 2033 if not utilized. The California research and development credits have no expiration date. Utilization of the net operating losses and tax credits is subject to annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. Such annual limitations may result in the expiration of the net operating losses and tax credits before utilization. The provisions of ASC 740-10, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, The aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits are as follows: (in thousands) Federal Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ 1,625 Increases related to tax positions taken during 2018 624 Balance as of September 30, 2018 2,249 Increases related to tax positions taken during 2019 1,042 Balance as of September 30, 2019 3,291 Increases related to tax positions taken during 2020 1,409 Balance as of September 30, 2020 $ 4,700 The Company does not expect a material change in unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months. As of September 30, 2020, approximately $0.2 million of unrecognized tax benefit would, if recognized, impact the Company’s effective income tax rate. It is the Company’s policy to include penalties and interest expense related to income taxes as a component of other expense and interest expense, respectively, as necessary. The Company’s management determined that no accrual for interest and penalties was required as of September 30, 2020 and 2019. The Company’s tax years from 2014 through 2019 will remain open for examination by the federal and state authorities for three and four years, respectively, from the date of utilization of any net operating loss or tax credits. The Company currently has no federal or state tax examinations in progress. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, or the Tax Act, was enacted into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a federal corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. For net operating losses generated in the years beginning after December 31, 2017, utilization is limited to 80% of taxable income with an unlimited carryforward period. The Company recognized the effect of the tax law changes in the period of enactment, which required a remeasurement of its U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company has completed its analysis and accounting with respect to the Tax Act. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or the CARES Act, was signed into law. The CARES Act changes certain provisions of the Tax Act. The Tax Act and CARES Act did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements due to its historical losses and valuation allowance.

Warrants

Warrants	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Text Block [Abstract]
Warrants	10. Warrants In connection with its long-term debt agreements, the Company issued warrants for its redeemable convertible preferred stock and common stock as follows for the year s Number of Issuance date Expiration date Exercise Warrant class/series: Common stock warrants 18,854 December 22, 2015 December 22, 2025 $ 14.85 Common stock warrants 7,531 March 28, 2016 March 28, 2026 $ 21.24 Total common stock warrants 26,385 In October 2018, each warrant to purchase redeemable convertible preferred stock was converted to a warrant to purchase common stock immediately prior to the completion of the IPO. In November 2018, a total of 68,901 warrants were net exercised; 36,838 warrants with an exercise price of $3.26 per common share and 32,063 warrants with an exercise price of $6.24 per common share. The transactions were a cashless exercise for a net 57,122 common shares issued by the Company. In July 2019, a total of 32,064 warrants with an exercise price of $6.24 per common share were net exercised for a net 25,422 common shares issued by the Company. In September 2019, a total of 16,221 warrants with an exercise price of $7.84 per common share were net exercised for a net 12,019 common shares issued by the Company. The remaining 26,385 warrants were exercised after September 20, 2020. The transactions were a cashless exercises with a total of 18,854 warrants issued for a net of 16,051 issued by the Company in October 2020 and a total of 7,531 warrants issued for a net of 6,041 shares issued by the Company in November 2020.

Redeemable convertible preferre

Redeemable convertible preferred stock	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Text Block [Abstract]
Redeemable convertible preferred stock	11. Redeemable convertible preferred stock In October 2018, each share of Series A, Series B, Series C, and Series D redeemable convertible preferred stock was converted into common stock immediately prior to the completion of the IPO.

Common stock

Common stock	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Common stock	12. Common stock The fair value of the shares of common stock underlying the Company’s stock options has historically been determined by management and approved by the board of directors. Prior to the Company’s IPO, management and the board of directors determined the fair value of the common stock at the time of grant of any options by considering a number of objective and subjective factors, including valuations performed by an independent third-party specialists, valuations of comparable companies, operating and financial performance, the lack of liquidity of the common stock, recent private stock sale transactions and general and industry-specific economic outlooks. Valuations performed by third-party valuation specialists were completed and used the methodologies, approaches, and assumptions consistent with the AICPA, Accounting and Valuation Guide: Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation and Company specific factors. As of September 30, 2020, the Company reserved sufficient shares of common stock for issuance upon conversion of preferred stock and exercise of stock options and warrants. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote. The holders of shares of common stock are also entitled to receive dividends whenever funds are legally available and when declared by the board of directors, subject to prior rights of the holders of preferred stock.

Stock option plan

Stock option plan	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock option plan	13. Stock option plan 2018 Equity Incentive Plan On September 26, 2018, the board of directors adopted the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2018 Plan) as a successor to the 2013 Stock Plan. The maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the 2018 Plan is 5,856,505 shares of the Company’s common stock. The number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2018 Plan will be increased automatically on the first day of each fiscal year, following the fiscal year in which the 2018 Plan became effective, by a number equal to the least of 999,900 shares, 4% of the shares of common stock outstanding at that time, or such number of shares determined by the Company’s board of directors. The common shares issuable under the 2018 Plan were registered pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8 On September 1, 2020, the board of directors approved the implementation of a revised annual equity award program for executive officers and senior level employees to be granted as performance-based stock units (PSUs) under the 2018 Plan. The number of PSUs ultimately earned under these awards is calculated based on the achievement of not Black-Scholes Any shares subject to outstanding awards under the 2013 Stock Plan that are canceled or repurchased subsequent to the 2018 Plan’s effective date are returned to the pool of shares reserved for issuance under the 2018 Plan. Awards granted under the 2018 Plan may be nonstatutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, and performance units. 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan On September 26, 2018, the board of directors adopted the 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the 2018 ESPP). A total of 275,225 shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance under the 2018 ESPP. The number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2018 ESPP will be increased automatically on the first day of each fiscal year, following the fiscal year in which the 2018 ESPP becomes effective, by a number equal to the least of 249,470 shares, 1% of the shares of common stock outstanding at that time, or such number of shares determined by the Company’s board of directors. The number of shares reserved for issuance as at September 30, 2020 is as follows: (In thousands) Shares Outstanding at September 30, 2019 56 Additional shares authorized 249 Shares issued during the period (126 ) Outstanding at September 30, 2020 179 Subject to any plan limitations, the 2018 ESPP allows eligible service providers (through qualified and non-qualified S-8 Unless otherwise determined by the board of directors, the Company’s common stock will be purchased for the accounts of employees participating in the 2018 ESPP at a price per share that is the lesser of 85% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the first trading day of the offering period, which for the initial offering period is the price at which shares of the Company’s common stock were first sold to the public, or 85% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the last trading day of the offering period. During the year s Activity under the equity incentive plans during the year ended September 30, 2020 is as follows: (In thousands, except per share data) Shares Options Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at September 30, 2019 1,521 3,550 $ 15.99 8.3 $ 31,998 Additional shares authorize d 1,000 — — Stock options granted (1,481 ) 1,481 35.49 Stock options exercised — (915 ) 11.50 Stock options forfeited 203 (203 ) 23.39 Restricted stock units granted (312 ) — — Early exercised options repurchased 2 — — Forfeiture of restricted stock units 30 — — Shares withheld for payment of taxes 71 — — Outstanding at September 30, 2020 1,034 3,913 $ 24.35 8.1 $ 204,365 Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2020 3,913 $ 24.35 8.1 $ 204,365 Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2020 1,312 $ 14.26 7.0 $ 80,995 As of September 30, 2020, there was $42.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested Restricted Stock Units Restricted stock primarily consists of restricted stock unit awards (RSUs) which have been granted to employees. The value of an RSU award is based on the Company’s stock price on the date of grant. The shares underlying the RSU awards are not issued until the RSUs vest. Upon vesting, each RSU converts into one share of the Company’s common stock. Activity with respect to the Company’s restricted stock units during the year ended September 30, 2020 is as follows: (in thousands, except per share data) Number Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at September 30, 2019 462 $ 26.16 3.9 $ 8,959 Restricted stock units granted 312 38.66 — — Restricted stock units vested (175 ) 26.36 — — Restricted stock units forfeited (30 ) 26.12 — — Outstanding at September 30, 2020 569 $ 32.96 3.2 $ 43,260 Expected to vest at September 30, 2020 569 $ 32.96 3.2 $ 43,260 As of September 30, 2020, there was $17.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to these issuances that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.8 years. Stock-based compensation Total stock-based compensation expense recognized were as follows: Year ended (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Cost of revenues $ 1,290 $ 1,345 $ 376 Research and development 3,346 2,378 705 Selling, general and administrative 12,460 7,447 1,880 Total stock-based compensation $ 17,096 $ 11,170 $ 2,961 The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the grant date fair value of a stock option. The Black-Scholes model requires various assumptions, including the fair value of the Company’s common stock, expected term, expected dividend yield and expected volatility. The expected volatility of the Company’s stock options is estimated from the historical volatility of selected public companies with comparable characteristics to it, including similarity in size and lines of business. The expected term of stock options represents the period that the Company’s stock-options are expected to be outstanding before being exercised. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield currently available on U.S. treasury notes with terms approximately equal to the expected life of the option. The expected dividend rate is zero as the Company currently has no history or expectation of declaring cash dividends on the Company’s common stock. The fair value of options granted during the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, were calculated using the weighted average assumptions set forth below: Year ended 2020 2019 2018 Expected term (years) 6.2 6.4 6.3 Expected volatility 62.1 % 60.2 % 66.3 % Risk-free interest rate 1.3 % 2.7 % 2.7 % Dividend yield 0 % 0 % 0 % Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $20.76, $15.06 and $7.08, respectively. Shares subject to repurchase The Company has a right of repurchase with respect to unvested shares issued upon early exercise of options at an amount equal to the original exercise price of each unvested share being repurchased. The Company’s right to repurchase these shares lapses pursuant to the vesting schedule of the original grant, which is generally 25% on the first anniversary of the original grant and ratably on a monthly basis over the remaining 36 months. As of September 30, 2020, 16,815 shares remain subject to the Company’s right of repurchase.

Net loss per share attributable

Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders	14. Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders The following table sets forth the computation of the Company’s basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders: Year ended September 30, (in thousands, except per share data) 2020 2019 2018 Numerator: Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (139,931 ) $ (107,669 ) $ (71,236 ) Denominator: Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted 39,190 27,462 2,793 Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (3.57 ) $ (3.92 ) $ (25.51 ) The potentially dilutive common shares that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because their effect would have been antidilutive for the periods presented are as follows: Year ended September 30, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Shares subject to options to purchase common stock 3,948 3,551 2,521 Unvested restricted shares of common stock — 24 97 Unvested restricted stock units 569 462 — Unvested shares of common stock issued upon early exercise of stock options 17 38 74 Shares subject to employee stock purchase plan 33 76 — Shares subject to warrants to purchase common stock 26 26 64 Shares subject to warrants to purchase redeemable convertible preferred stock — — 79 Shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock — — 18,951 Total 4,593 4,177 21,786

Geographic, product and industr

Geographic, product and industry information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Geographic, product and industry information	15. Geographic, product and industry information The table below sets forth revenues by geographic region, based on ship-to Year ended (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 United States $ 58,080 $ 35,936 $ 17,662 EMEA 25,821 14,692 6,557 APAC 5,115 2,761 1,001 Americas 1,084 996 207 Total $ 90,100 $ 54,385 $ 25,427 The table below sets forth revenues by products. Year ended (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Synthetic genes $ 35,192 $ 26,712 $ 17,986 Oligo pools 4,545 4,594 3,002 DNA and Biopharma libraries 6,348 2,036 1,771 NGS tools 44,015 21,043 2,668 Total $ 90,100 $ 54,385 $ 25,427 The table below sets forth revenues by industry. Year ended September 30, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Industrial chemicals $ 29,054 $ 21,927 $ 14,912 Academic research 19,642 13,835 5,813 Healthcare 40,036 17,424 4,212 Food/agriculture 1,368 1,199 490 Total revenues $ 90,100 $ 54,385 $ 25,427 Long-lived assets located in the United States are $22.5 million and $19.8 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019. Long-lived assets located outside of the United States were $3.0 million and $1.0 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019 .

Summary of significant accoun_2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation and use of estimates	Basis of presentation and use of estimates The presentation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates include the valuation of deferred tax assets, stock-based compensation expense, determination of the net realizable value of inventory, and the fair value of the Company’s common stock and redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s consolidated financial statements include its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and accounts are eliminated in consolidation.
Risks and uncertainties	Risks and uncertainties The Company relies on third parties for the supply and manufacture of its products, including a single-source supplier for a critical component, as well as third-party logistics providers. In instances where these parties fail to perform their obligations, the Company may be unable to find alternative suppliers to satisfactorily deliver its products to its customers on time, if at all. The Company operates in a dynamic and highly competitive industry and believes that changes in any of the following areas could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future financial position, results of operations, or cash flows: ability to obtain future financing; advances and trends in new technologies and industry standards; market acceptance of the Company’s products; development of sales channels; certain strategic relationships; litigation or claims against the Company regarding intellectual property, patent, product, regulatory, or other factors; and the ability to attract and retain employees necessary to support its growth. The Company has expended and expects to continue to expend substantial funds to complete the research and development of its production process. The Company may require additional funds to commercialize its products and may be unable to entirely fund these efforts with its current financial resources. Additional funds may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. If adequate funds are unavailable on a timely basis from operations or additional sources of financing, the Company may have to delay the sale of the Company’s products and services which would materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and operations. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a pandemic. During the year ended September 30, 2020, financial results of the Company were not significantly affected by the COVID-19 COVID-19
Concentration of credit risk	Concentration of credit risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. Substantially all of the Company’s cash is held by one financial institution that management believes is of high credit quality. Such deposits may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Company’s investment policy addresses the level of credit exposure by establishing a minimum allowable credit rating and by limiting the concentration in any one investment. The Company’s accounts receivable is derived from customers located principally in the United States and Europe. The Company maintains credit insurance for certain of its customer balances, performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers, and maintains allowances for potential credit losses on customers’ accounts when deemed necessary. The Company does not typically require collateral from its customers. Credit losses historically have not been material. The Company continuously monitors customer payments and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on its assessment of various factors including historical experience, age of the receivable balances, and other current economic conditions or other factors that may affect customers’ ability to pay.
Customer concentration	Two customers accounted for more than 10% of total revenues as follows: Year ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Customer A 12 % 17 % 34 % Customer B 10 % — — One customer accounted for greater than 10% of net accounts receivable as follows: September 30, 2020 2019 Customer A * 13 % Customer B 36 % — * Represents less than 10%.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents Cash equivalents that are readily convertible to cash are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of investments in money market funds as of September 30, 2020 and 2019.
Short-term investments	Short-term investments The Company invests in various types of securities, including United States government, commercial paper, and corporate debt securities. It classifies its investments as available-for-sale and records them at fair value based upon market prices at period end. Unrealized gains and losses that are deemed temporary in nature are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of investments sold. The Company may sell these securities at any time for use in current operations.
Accounts receivable	Accounts receivable Trade receivables include amounts billed and currently due from customers, recorded at the net invoice value and are not interest bearing. The amounts due are stated at their net estimated realizable value. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide for the estimated amounts of receivables that will not be collected. The allowance is based upon an assessment of customer creditworthiness, historical payment experience, the age of outstanding receivables and collateral to the extent applicable. The Company re-evaluates such allowance on a regular basis and adjusts its allowance as needed. Once a receivable is deemed to be uncollectible, such balance is charged against the allowance. The Company has a short order-to-invoice lifecycle, as most products can be manufactured within one month. Upon delivery of the products to the customer, the Company invoices the customer. The typical timing of payment is net 30 days.
Fair value of financial instruments	Fair value of financial instruments The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments including cash equivalents, short term investments, and accounts receivable approximate fair value due to their relatively short maturities. The carrying amounts of the redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability represent their fair values. Based on the borrowings rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms, the carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates its fair value (level 2 within the fair value hierarchy).
Inventories	Inventories Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Determining net realizable value of inventory involves judgments and assumptions, including projecting selling prices and costs to sell. Provisions are made to reduce excess and obsolete inventories to their estimated net realizable value based on forecasted demand, past experience, the age and nature of inventories.
Property and equipment	Property and equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the remaining lease term of the respective leasehold improvements assets, if any. The Company recorded depreciation and amortization expense of $6.7 million, $6.1 million and $5.5 million for the years September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Estimated lives of property and equipment are as follows: Laboratory equipment 5 Years Furniture, fixtures and other equipment 5 Years Computer equipment 3 Years Computer software 3 Years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or ‎ facilities’ lease term. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Betterments are capitalized and depreciated through the life of the lease. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations in the period realized.
Capitalized software development costs	Capitalized software development costs Costs associated with internal-use software systems, including those to improve e-commerce capabilities, during the application development stage are capitalized. Capitalization of costs begins when the preliminary project stage is completed, management has committed to funding the project, and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. Capitalization ceases at the point when the project is substantially complete and is ready for its intended purpose. The capitalized amounts are included in property and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. Capitalized software development costs were $2.4 million and $2.3 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Capitalized costs are amortized from the project completion date, using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of the assets, which is three years.
Long-lived assets	Long-lived assets The Company reviews property and equipment and intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the carrying amount to the future undiscounted cash flows which the assets are expected to generate. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. There have been no such impairments of long-lived assets during the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Leases	Leases The Company has entered into lease agreements for its manufacturing, research and development and office facilities. In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new lease accounting guidance in Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2016-02, Leases, and in July 2018 issued ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, and ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements (the foregoing ASUs collectively referred to as “Topic 842”). Under the new guidance, lessees are required to recognize for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. On October 1, 2019, the Company adopted Topic 842 using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption had a material effect on the consolidated balance sheets but did not have a material effect on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous accounting under ASC 840, Leases. The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance which, among other things, allows carrying forward the historical classification of existing leases as of October 1, 2019. As a result of electing the transition guidance as described above, on October 1, 2019, the Company recorded operating lease right-of-use assets of $35.8 million, including the derecognition of deferred rent of $0.1 million and prepaid rent of $1.6 million, with the corresponding lease liabilities totaling $34.3 million. There was no material effect to the Company’s statements of operations and comprehensive loss upon adoption. Under Topic 842, the Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception primarily based on the determination of the party responsible for directing the use of an underlying asset within a contract. Operating lease right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In determining the present value of committed lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date which includes significant assumptions made including the Company’s estimated credit rating, annual percentage yields from corporate debt financings of companies of similar size and credit rating over a loan term approximating the remaining term of each lease, and government bond yields for terms approximating the remaining term of each lease in countries where the leased assets are located. Certain leases include payments of operating expenses that are dependent and may be revised based on the landlord’s estimate, and these variable payments are therefore excluded from the lease payments used to determine the operating lease right-of-use asset and lease liability. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise any such options. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. The Company elected to not apply the recognition requirements of Topic 842 to short-term leases with terms of 12 months or less which do not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. For short-term leases, lease payments are recognized as operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company elected to account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Additional information and disclosures required by Topic 842 are contained in Note 7.
Goodwill and purchased intangible assets	Goodwill and purchased intangible assets Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. If, based on a qualitative assessment, the Company determines it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a quantitative assessment is performed to determine if the fair value of the Company’s sole reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Purchased intangible assets with finite lives are generally amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The Company reviews intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Impairment assessments inherently involve judgment as to assumptions about expected future cash flows and the impact of market conditions on those assumptions.
Segment information	Segment information The Company has one business activity, which is manufacturing of synthetic DNA using its semiconductor-based silicon platform and operates as one reportable and operating segment. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), reviews the Company’s operating results on an aggregate basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition Effective October 1, 2017, the Company elected to early adopt the requirements of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers using the full retrospective method. The Company evaluated the impact on revenues, loss from operations, net loss attributable to common stockholders and basic and diluted earnings per share for all periods presented and concluded that there was no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. The Company’s revenue is generated through the sale of synthetic biology tools, such as synthetic genes, or clonal genes and fragments, oligonucleotides pools, or oligo pools, next generation sequencing, or NGS tools and DNA and Biopharma libraries. The Company accounts for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. Contracts with customers are generally in the written form of a purchase order or a quotation, which outline the promised goods and the agreed upon price. Such orders are often accompanied by a Master Supply or Distribution Agreement that establishes the terms and conditions, rights of the parties, delivery terms, and pricing. The Company assesses collectability based on a number of factors, including past transaction history and creditworthiness of the customer. For most of the Company’s contracts to date, the customer orders a specified quantity of synthetic DNA; therefore, the delivery of the ordered quantity per the purchase order is accounted for as one performance obligation. Some contracts may contain prospective discounts when certain order quantities are exceeded; however, these future discounts are either not significant, not deemed to be incremental to the pricing offered to other customers, or not enforceable options to acquire additional goods. As a result, these discounts do not constitute a material right and do not meet the definition of a separate performance obligation. The Company does not offer retrospective discounts or rebates. The transaction price is determined based on the agreed upon rates in the purchase order or master supply agreements applied to the quantity of synthetic DNA that was manufactured and shipped to the customer. The Company’s contracts include only one performance obligation – the delivery of the product to the customer. Accordingly, all of the transaction price, net of any discounts, is allocated to the one performance obligation. Therefore, upon delivery of the product, there are no remaining performance obligations. The Company’s shipping and handling activities are considered a fulfillment cost. The Company has elected to exclude all sales and value added taxes from the measurement of the transaction price. The Company has not adjusted the transaction price for significant financing since the time period between the transfer of goods and payment is less than one year. The Company recognizes revenue at a point in time when control of the products is transferred to the customer. Management applies judgment in evaluating when a customer obtains control of the promised good which is generally when the product is shipped or delivered to the customer. The Company’s customer contracts generally include a standard assurance warranty to guarantee that its products comply with agreed specifications. The Company reduces revenue by the amount of expected returns which have been insignificant. The Company has elected the practical expedient to not disclose the consideration allocated to remaining performance obligations and an explanation of when those amounts are expected to be recognized as revenue since the duration of the contracts is less than one year. Refer to Note 15 for the disaggregation of revenues by geography, by product and by industry. The Company does not have any contract assets or contract liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and 2019. For all periods presented, the Company did not recognize revenue from amounts that were included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of each period. In addition, for all periods presented, there was no revenue recognized in a reporting period from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods. Based on the nature of the Company’s contracts with customers which are recognized over a term of less than 12 months, the Company has elected to use the practical expedient whereby costs to obtain a contract are expensed as they are incurred.
Research and development	Research and development Research and development expenses consist of compensation costs, employee benefits, subcontractors, research supplies, allocated facility related expenses and allocated depreciation and amortization. All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Advertising costs	Advertising costs Costs related to advertising and promotions are expensed to sales and marketing as incurred. Advertising and promotion expenses for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, were $1.2 million, $1.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
Government contract payments	Government contract payments The Company has arrangements and is under a subcontract with the Georgia Institute of Technology funded by the United States Director of Central Intelligence (IARPA). The Company recognizes payments received from these arrangements The total expected cost for the IARPA development project is $6.5 million with IARPA funding $4.5 million and the Company responsible for providing a minimum contribution of $2.0 million, which remains outstanding as of September 30, 2020. DARPA payments of $ . In fiscal 2020, the Company received IARPA payments of
Redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability	Redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability Outstanding warrants that were related to the Company’s redeemable convertible preferred stock were classified as liabilities on the balance sheet. As the warrants to purchase redeemable convertible preferred stock were exercisable into shares of convertible preferred stock, the Company had recognized a liability for the fair value of its warrants on the consolidated balance sheets upon issuance and subsequently remeasured the liability to fair value at the end of each reporting period. In connection with the closing of our IPO, all of the outstanding warrants to purchase redeemable convertible preferred stock automatically converted to warrants to purchase common stock, which qualified for equity classification and no further measurement had been required thereafter.
Common stock warrants	Common stock warrants Warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock issued in conjunction with debt are recorded as additional paid-in-capital and classified as equity on the consolidated balance sheets. There were no common stock warrants issued during the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based compensation The Company maintains performance incentive plans under which incentive and nonqualified stock options and restricted stock units are granted primarily to employees and may be granted to members of the board of directors and certain non-employee consultants, and employees may participate in an employee stock purchase plan. The Company recognizes stock compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation . ASC 718 requires the recognition of compensation expense, using a fair value-based method, for costs related to all stock-based payments including stock options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchase plan. The Company recognizes fair value of stock options granted to non-employees as a stock-based compensation expense over the period in which the related services are received. The Company recognizes forfeitures as they occur. The Company believes that the estimated fair value of stock options is more readily measurable than the fair value of the services rendered. Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders The Company calculates its basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders in conformity with the two-class method required for companies with participating securities. In computing diluted net loss attributable to common stockholders, undistributed earnings are re-allocated to reflect the potential impact of dilutive securities. The Company’s basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. For purposes of the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, redeemable convertible preferred stock, unvested shares of common stock issued upon the early exercise of stock options, shares issuable for employee stock purchase plan contributions received, warrants to purchase redeemable convertible preferred stock, warrants to purchase common stock, unvested restricted common stock, unvested restricted stock units and stock options to purchase common stock are considered potentially dilutive securities but have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders as their effect is antidilutive. Basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, less shares subject to repurchase, and excludes any dilutive effects of employee stock-based awards and warrants. Because the Company has reported a net loss for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, diluted net loss per common share is the same as the basic net loss per share for those years. The Company considered all series of its convertible preferred stock to be participating securities as they were entitled to receive noncumulative dividends prior and in preference to any dividends on shares of common stock. Due to the Company’s net losses, there was no impact on the loss per share calculation in applying the two-class method since the participating securities had no legal obligation to share in any losses.
Reverse stock split	Reverse stock split In October 2018, the Company’s stockholders approved a one-for-0.101 reverse stock split of its common and redeemable convertible preferred stock which was effected on October 16, 2018. The par value of the common stock and redeemable convertible preferred stock were not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split. Accordingly, all share and per share amounts for all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been adjusted retrospectively to reflect this reverse stock split.
Income taxes	Income taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax asset and liability accounts are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are currently in effect. Valuation allowances are established where necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.
Deferred offering costs	Deferred offering costs Deferred offering costs, which consist of direct incremental legal, consulting, banking and accounting fees relating to the Company’s IPO, were initially capitalized and subsequently offset against proceeds from the IPO within stockholders’ equity. As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, there were no capitalized deferred offering costs on the consolidated balance sheets.
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which provides accounting guidance for all revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of the new standard is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented and the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the earliest period shown, or the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. The Company adopted the new revenue standard, on October 1, 2017, using the full retrospective method. In February 2016, the FASB issued new lease accounting guidance in ASU 2016-02, Leases, 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements right-of-use In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . The new standard requires entities to use the new “expected credit loss” impairment model for most financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade and other receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities, and modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , which was intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The standard provides guidance in a number of situations including, among others, settlement of zero-coupon bonds, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, and distributions received from equity method investees. The ASU also provides guidance for classifying cash receipts and payments that have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The Company adopted this standard effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for either period presented. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash September 30, (In thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 93,667 $ 46,735 $ 80,757 Restricted cash, non-current 579 579 579 Restricted cash, current (within prepaid expenses and other current assets) — 84 201 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 94,246 $ 47,398 $ 81,537 Amounts included in restricted cash primarily related to security deposits and a letter of credit with a financial institution, both in connection with office space lease agreements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) : Clarifying the Definition of a Business , clarifying the definition of a business. The ASU affects all companies and other reporting organizations that must determine whether they have acquired or sold a business. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The Company adopted this standard effective October 1, 2018. The Company applied the provisions of this ASU in evaluating the definition of a business for any prospective transaction from October 1, 2018. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This ASU simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The ASU eliminates step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, including for reporting units with a zero or negative carrying amount that fail a qualitative test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. This ASU should be applied on a prospective basis. This ASU is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adoption on its disclosures. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting , which clarifies when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a stock-based payment award as a modification. Under ASU 2017-09, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. This standard is effective for all entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company adopted this standard effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for either period presented. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Subtopic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement , which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. ASU 2018-13 will be effective for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adoption on its disclosures. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction Between Topic 808 and Topic 606, which, among other things, provides guidance on how to assess whether certain collaborative arrangement transactions should be accounted for under Topic 606. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact the standard will have on its financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes . The ASU simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions to the guidance in ASC 740, Income Taxes , related to the approach for allocating income tax expense or benefit for the year to continuing operations, discontinued operations, other comprehensive income, and other charges or credits recorded directly to shareholders’ equity; the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period; and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adoption on its disclosures.

Summary of significant accoun_3

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Schedule Of Estimated Lives of Property And Equipment	Estimated lives of property and equipment are as follows: Laboratory equipment 5 Years Furniture, fixtures and other equipment 5 Years Computer equipment 3 Years Computer software 3 Years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or ‎ facilities’ lease term.
Summary of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	September 30, (In thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 93,667 $ 46,735 $ 80,757 Restricted cash, non-current 579 579 579 Restricted cash, current (within prepaid expenses and other current assets) — 84 201 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 94,246 $ 47,398 $ 81,537
Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Schedule of concentration of risk	Two customers accounted for more than 10% of total revenues as follows: Year ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Customer A 12 % 17 % 34 % Customer B 10 % — —
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Schedule of concentration of risk	One customer accounted for greater than 10% of net accounts receivable as follows: September 30, 2020 2019 Customer A * 13 % Customer B 36 % — * Represents less than 10%.

Fair value measurement (Tables)

Fair value measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash And Cash Equivalents And Available For Sale Securities At Fair Value	The following table sets forth the cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments as of September 30, 2020: (in thousands) Amortized Gross Gross Fair value Cash and cash equivalents $ 93,667 $ — $ — $ 93,667 Short-term investments 196,320 15 — 196,335 Total $ 289,987 $ 15 $ — $ 290,002 The following table sets forth the cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments as of September 30, 2019: (in thousands) Amortized Gross Gross Fair value Cash and cash equivalents $ 46,735 $ — $ — $ 46,735 Short-term investments 91,323 49 — 91,372 Total $ 138,058 $ 49 $ — $ 138,107
Summary of Company's Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	As of September 30, 2020, financial assets and liabilities measured and recognized at fair value are as follows: (in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair value Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,254 $ — $ — $ 20,254 Money market funds 73,413 — — 73,413 Commercial paper — 94,840 — 94,840 U.S. government treasury bills 101,495 — — 101,495 Total $ 195,162 $ 94,840 $ — $ 290,002 As of September 30, 2019, financial assets and liabilities measured and recognized at fair value are as follows: (in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair value Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,344 $ — $ — $ 19,344 Money market funds 27,390 — — 27,390 Corporate bonds — 8,530 — 8,530 Commercial paper — 28,361 — 28,361 U.S. government treasury bills 54,482 — — 54,482 Total $ 101,216 $ 36,891 $ — $ 138,107
Summary of Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of the Level 3 Instruments	The following table provides a reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the Level 3 instruments during the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018: (in thousands) Series A Series B Series C Series D Total Redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability: Fair value as of September 30, 2017 $ 331 $ 110 $ 152 $ 51 $ 644 Change in fair value recorded in other income (expense), net 34 (16 ) (22 ) (9 ) (13 ) Fair value as of September 30, 2018 $ 365 $ 94 $ 130 $ 42 $ 631 Change in fair value recorded in other income (expense), net (365 ) (94 ) (130 ) (42 ) (631 ) Fair value as of September 30, 2019 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Change in fair value recorded in other income (expense), net — — — — — Fair value as of September 30, 2020 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —

Balance sheet components (Table

Balance sheet components (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accounts Notes Loans And Financing Receivable	September 30, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Trade Receivables $ 25,790 $ 11,085 Other Receivables 951 1,313 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (365 ) (294 ) Accounts Receivable, net $ 26,376 $ 12,104
Summary of Inventory	Inventories consist of the following: September 30, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Raw Materials $ 9,237 $ 4,900 Work-in-process 2,021 1,157 Finished Goods 1,031 1,273 $ 12,289 $ 7,330
Schedule Of Property Plant And Equipment	Property and Equipment, net consists of the following: September 30, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Laboratory equipment $ 37,338 $ 26,021 Furniture, fixtures and other equipment 1,728 1,760 Computer equipment 2,834 2,777 Computer software 3,678 3,507 Leasehold improvements 4,669 3,772 Construction in progress 4,697 5,991 54,944 43,828 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (29,478 ) (22,993 ) $ 25,466 $ 20,835

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill and intangible assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Intangible Assets Balances	The intangible assets balances are presented below: September 30, 2020 (in thousands, except for years) Useful lives Gross Accumulated Net book Developed Technology 6 $ 1,220 $ (913 ) $ 307 Tradenames & Trademarks 2 20 (20 ) — Total indefinite-lived intangible assets $ 1,240 $ (933 ) $ 307 September 30, 2019 (in thousands, except for years) Useful lives Gross Accumulated Net book Developed Technology 6 $ 1,220 $ (712 ) $ 508 Tradenames & Trademarks 2 20 (20 ) — Total indefinite-lived intangible assets $ 1,240 $ (732 ) $ 508
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Future annual amortization expense is as follows (in thousands): Years ending September 30, 2021 $ 204 2022 103 $ 307

Long-term debt (Tables)

Long-term debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long Term Debt	Future maturities of the Fourth Loan as of September 30, 2020 are as follows: (in thousands) Principal Interest Total Years ending September 30, 2021 $ 3,333 $ 167 $ 3,500 2022 833 9 842 $ 4,166 $ 176 4,342 Less: Interest (176 ) Total amount of loan principal 4,166 Less unamortized debt discount (85 ) Add: accretion of final payment fee 655 $ 4,736

Commitments and contingencies (

Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Relating to Companies Operating Lease	Supplemental balance sheet information related to the Company’s operating lease as of September 30, 2020, was the following: (in thousands) September 30, 2020 Assets: Operating lease right-of-use-asset $ 33,699 Current liabilities: Current portion of operating lease liabilities $ 6,409 Noncurrent liabilities: Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion $ 24,837
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments under all non-cancelable (in thousands) Operating Years ending September 30: 2021 $ 6,568 2022 7,111 2023 6,753 2024 6,389 2025 6,433 Thereafter 4,907 Total minimum lease payments $ 38,161 Less: imputed interest (6,915 ) Total operating lease liabilities $ 31,246 Less: current portion (6,409 ) Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion $ 24,837

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: September 30, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Net operating loss carryforwards $ 112,434 $ 73,341 Research and development credit carryforwards 9,407 6,831 Operating lease liability 7,506 — Other 5,639 4,553 Gross deferred tax assets 134,986 84,725 Less: Valuation allowance (127,336 ) (84,598 ) Net deferred tax assets 7,650 127 Fixed assets (105 ) (1 ) Operating lease right-of-use asset (7,498 ) — Intangible assets (47 ) (126 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (7,650 ) (127 ) Total net deferred tax asset $ — $ —
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate: Year ended 2020 2019 2018 Tax expense computed at the federal statutory rat e 21 % 21 % 24 % Change in valuation allowance (25 )% (22 )% 4 % Research and development credit benefit 1 % 1 % 1 % Change in federal tax rate — — (28 )% Stock-based compensation 3 % — — Other expenses — — (1 )% Total income tax expense — % — % — %
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	The aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits are as follows: (in thousands) Federal Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ 1,625 Increases related to tax positions taken during 2018 624 Balance as of September 30, 2018 2,249 Increases related to tax positions taken during 2019 1,042 Balance as of September 30, 2019 3,291 Increases related to tax positions taken during 2020 1,409 Balance as of September 30, 2020 $ 4,700

Warrants (Tables)

Warrants (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Text Block [Abstract]
Summary of Issued Warrants for Its Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Common Stock	In connection with its long-term debt agreements, the Company issued warrants for its redeemable convertible preferred stock and common stock as follows for the year s Number of Issuance date Expiration date Exercise Warrant class/series: Common stock warrants 18,854 December 22, 2015 December 22, 2025 $ 14.85 Common stock warrants 7,531 March 28, 2016 March 28, 2026 $ 21.24 Total common stock warrants 26,385

Stock option plan (Tables)

Stock option plan (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Activity	The number of shares reserved for issuance as at September 30, 2020 is as follows: (In thousands) Shares Outstanding at September 30, 2019 56 Additional shares authorized 249 Shares issued during the period (126 ) Outstanding at September 30, 2020 179
Activity Under The Equity Incentive Plans	Activity under the equity incentive plans during the year ended September 30, 2020 is as follows: (In thousands, except per share data) Shares Options Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at September 30, 2019 1,521 3,550 $ 15.99 8.3 $ 31,998 Additional shares authorize d 1,000 — — Stock options granted (1,481 ) 1,481 35.49 Stock options exercised — (915 ) 11.50 Stock options forfeited 203 (203 ) 23.39 Restricted stock units granted (312 ) — — Early exercised options repurchased 2 — — Forfeiture of restricted stock units 30 — — Shares withheld for payment of taxes 71 — — Outstanding at September 30, 2020 1,034 3,913 $ 24.35 8.1 $ 204,365 Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2020 3,913 $ 24.35 8.1 $ 204,365 Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2020 1,312 $ 14.26 7.0 $ 80,995
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity	Activity with respect to the Company’s restricted stock units during the year ended September 30, 2020 is as follows: (in thousands, except per share data) Number Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at September 30, 2019 462 $ 26.16 3.9 $ 8,959 Restricted stock units granted 312 38.66 — — Restricted stock units vested (175 ) 26.36 — — Restricted stock units forfeited (30 ) 26.12 — — Outstanding at September 30, 2020 569 $ 32.96 3.2 $ 43,260 Expected to vest at September 30, 2020 569 $ 32.96 3.2 $ 43,260
Total Stock-based Compensation Expense	Total stock-based compensation expense recognized were as follows: Year ended (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Cost of revenues $ 1,290 $ 1,345 $ 376 Research and development 3,346 2,378 705 Selling, general and administrative 12,460 7,447 1,880 Total stock-based compensation $ 17,096 $ 11,170 $ 2,961
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The fair value of options granted during the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, were calculated using the weighted average assumptions set forth below: Year ended 2020 2019 2018 Expected term (years) 6.2 6.4 6.3 Expected volatility 62.1 % 60.2 % 66.3 % Risk-free interest rate 1.3 % 2.7 % 2.7 % Dividend yield 0 % 0 % 0 %

Net loss per share attributab_2

Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of the Company's Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders	The following table sets forth the computation of the Company’s basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders: Year ended September 30, (in thousands, except per share data) 2020 2019 2018 Numerator: Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (139,931 ) $ (107,669 ) $ (71,236 ) Denominator: Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted 39,190 27,462 2,793 Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (3.57 ) $ (3.92 ) $ (25.51 )
Summary of Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share	The potentially dilutive common shares that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because their effect would have been antidilutive for the periods presented are as follows: Year ended September 30, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Shares subject to options to purchase common stock 3,948 3,551 2,521 Unvested restricted shares of common stock — 24 97 Unvested restricted stock units 569 462 — Unvested shares of common stock issued upon early exercise of stock options 17 38 74 Shares subject to employee stock purchase plan 33 76 — Shares subject to warrants to purchase common stock 26 26 64 Shares subject to warrants to purchase redeemable convertible preferred stock — — 79 Shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock — — 18,951 Total 4,593 4,177 21,786

Geographic, product and indus_2

Geographic, product and industry information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Revenue by Geographic Region	The table below sets forth revenues by geographic region, based on ship-to Year ended (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 United States $ 58,080 $ 35,936 $ 17,662 EMEA 25,821 14,692 6,557 APAC 5,115 2,761 1,001 Americas 1,084 996 207 Total $ 90,100 $ 54,385 $ 25,427
Summary of Revenue by Product	The table below sets forth revenues by products. Year ended (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Synthetic genes $ 35,192 $ 26,712 $ 17,986 Oligo pools 4,545 4,594 3,002 DNA and Biopharma libraries 6,348 2,036 1,771 NGS tools 44,015 21,043 2,668 Total $ 90,100 $ 54,385 $ 25,427
Summary of Revenue by Industry	The table below sets forth revenues by industry. Year ended September 30, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Industrial chemicals $ 29,054 $ 21,927 $ 14,912 Academic research 19,642 13,835 5,813 Healthcare 40,036 17,424 4,212 Food/agriculture 1,368 1,199 490 Total revenues $ 90,100 $ 54,385 $ 25,427

The company - Additional Inform

The company - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Feb. 29, 2020	May 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Accumulated deficit						$ (458,455)	$ (318,524)
IPO [Member]
Proceeds of underwritten public offering common stock			$ 84,300	$ 69,600
At The Market Offering [Member]
Proceeds of underwritten public offering common stock					$ 48,000
Subsequent Public Offering [Member]
Proceeds of underwritten public offering common stock	$ 107,400	$ 140,200

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2019
Credit period granted to customers	30 days
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 6,677,000	$ 6,111,000	$ 5,727,000
Capitalised software development costs	2,400	2,300
Impairment of long lived assets	0	0	0
Contract assets	0	0
Contract liabilities	0	0
Advertising and promotion expenses	1,200	1,300	900
Contract payments research and development received				$ 0
Operating lease right of use assets	33,699,000
Operating lease deferred rent		0
Operating lease prepaid rent		$ 1,600,000
Operating lease liabilities	$ 31,246,000
Common stock warrants issued	0	0
Accounting Standards Update 2018-11 [Member]
Operating lease right of use assets					$ 35,800,000
Operating lease deferred rent					100,000
Operating lease prepaid rent					1,600,000
Operating lease liabilities					$ 34,300,000
Defense Advanced Research Project Agency [Member]
Contract payments research and development received	$ 200	$ 500	300
Georgia Institute of Technology [Member] | Development of DNA Synthesis Portion of the Molecular Information Storage [Member]
Total expected cost of project	6,500,000
Commitement to contribute towards project cost	2,000,000
Georgia Institute of Technology [Member] | Development of DNA Synthesis Portion of the Molecular Information Storage [Member] | United States Director General of Intelligence [Member]
Grant receivable for the project	4,500,000
Research and development portion of the grant received and recognized	$ 2,500,000	$ 0	$ 0
Software and Software Development Costs [Member]
Capitalised sofware developed useful life	3 years

Summary of significant accoun_5

Summary of significant accounting policies - Schedule Of Estimated Lives of Property And Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Laboratory equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Computer equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Computer software
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	Lesser of useful life or facilities’ lease term.

Summary of significant accoun_6

Summary of significant accounting policies - Schedule of concentration of risk (Detail) - Customer Concentration Risk [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Customer A [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	12.00%	17.00%	34.00%
Customer A [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		13.00%
Customer B [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%
Customer B [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	36.00%

Summary of significant accoun_7

Summary of significant accounting policies - Schedule of concentration of risk (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Customer B [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Concentration risk percentage	10.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun_8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 93,667	$ 46,735	$ 80,757
Restricted cash, non-current	579	579	579
Restricted cash, current (within prepaid expenses and other current assets)		84	201
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 94,246	$ 47,398	$ 81,537	$ 31,573

Fair value measurement - Cash A

Fair value measurement - Cash And Cash Equivalents And Available For Sale Securities At Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash And Cash Equivalents At Amortized Cost	$ 93,667	$ 46,735
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	196,320	91,323
Cash And Cash Equivalents And Short Term Investments Amortized Cost	289,987	138,058
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	15	49
Available for sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Loss	15	49
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	93,667	46,735	$ 80,757
Short-term Investments	196,335	91,372
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	$ 290,002	$ 138,107

Fair Value Measurement - Summar

Fair Value Measurement - Summary of Company's Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Assets
Assets, Totals	$ 290,002	$ 138,107
Corporate bonds [Member]
Assets
Assets, Totals		8,530
Commercial Paper [Member]
Assets
Assets, Totals	94,840	28,361
US Government Treasury Bills [Member]
Assets
Assets, Totals	101,495	54,482
Cash [Member]
Assets
Assets, Totals	20,254	19,344
Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets
Assets, Totals	73,413	27,390
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Assets, Totals	195,162	101,216
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US Government Treasury Bills [Member]
Assets
Assets, Totals	101,495	54,482
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Cash [Member]
Assets
Assets, Totals	20,254	19,344
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets
Assets, Totals	73,413	27,390
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Assets, Totals	94,840	36,891
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Assets
Assets, Totals		8,530
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Assets
Assets, Totals	$ 94,840	$ 28,361

Fair Value Measurement - Summ_2

Fair Value Measurement - Summary of Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of the Level 3 Instruments (Detail) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value, beginning balance		$ 631	$ 644
Change in fair value recorded in other income (expense), net		(631)	(13)
Fair value, ending balance			631
Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Fair Value, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value, beginning balance		365	331
Change in fair value recorded in other income (expense), net		(365)	34
Fair value, ending balance			365
Series B Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Fair Value, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value, beginning balance		94	110
Change in fair value recorded in other income (expense), net		(94)	(16)
Fair value, ending balance			94
Series C Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Fair Value, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value, beginning balance		130	152
Change in fair value recorded in other income (expense), net		(130)	(22)
Fair value, ending balance			130
Series D Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Fair Value, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value, beginning balance		42	51
Change in fair value recorded in other income (expense), net		(42)	(9)
Fair value, ending balance			$ 42

Balance sheet components - Sche

Balance sheet components - Schedule Of Accounts Notes Loans And Financing Receivable (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Trade Receivables	$ 25,790	$ 11,085
Other Receivables	951	1,313
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	(365)	(294)
Accounts receivable, net	$ 26,376	$ 12,104

Balance sheet components - Summ

Balance sheet components - Summary of Inventory (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Raw Materials	$ 9,237	$ 4,900
Work-in-process	2,021	1,157
Finished Goods	1,031	1,273
Total inventories	$ 12,289	$ 7,330

Balance sheet components - Sc_2

Balance sheet components - Schedule Of Property Plant And Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 54,944	$ 43,828
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(29,478)	(22,993)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	25,466	20,835
Laboratory equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	37,338	26,021
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,728	1,760
Computer equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	2,834	2,777
Computer software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	3,678	3,507
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	4,669	3,772
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 4,697	$ 5,991

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Changes in carrying value of goodwill	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortization expense related to intangible assets	$ 0.2	$ 0.2	$ 0.2

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets Balances (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 1,240	$ 1,240
Accumulated amortization	(933)	(732)
Net book value	$ 307	$ 508
Developed Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life in years	6 years	6 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 1,220	$ 1,220
Accumulated amortization	(913)	(712)
Net book value	$ 307	$ 508
Tradenames & Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life in years	2 years	2 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 20	$ 20
Accumulated amortization	$ (20)	$ (20)

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2021	$ 204
2022	103
Net book value	$ 307	$ 508

Long-term debt - Additional Inf

Long-term debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Nov. 01, 2020	Oct. 01, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Jul. 31, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018
Warrants To Purchase Common Stock	26,385			7,531	18,854	16,221	32,064	68,901
Exercise Price Of Warrants						$ 7.84	$ 6.24
Line of credit facility maintenance fees	$ 0.1
Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement [Member]
Debt instrument fee amount			$ 0.7
SVB [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]
Debt instrument variable interest rate spread			3.00%
SVB [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Proceeds from long term line of credit			$ 10
Line of credit facility non current portion outstanding	$ 0					$ 0
SVB [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member]
Debt instrument variable interest rate spread			1.00%
SVB [Member] | Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement [Member]
Debt instrument principal amount			$ 20
Exercise Price Of Warrants			$ 6.24
Debt instrument term			51 months
Long term debt instrument effective rate of interest at a point in time	11.60%
SVB [Member] | Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]
Debt instrument description of interest rate			interest rate of prime plus 3.0%
SVB [Member] | Tranche One [Member] | Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement [Member]
Debt instrument principal amount			$ 10
Warrants To Purchase Common Stock			64,127
Proceeds from long term debt			$ 10
SVB [Member] | Tranche Two [Member] | Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement [Member]
Debt instrument principal amount			5
Debt Instrument Maturity		Jan. 31, 2018
SVB [Member] | Tranche Three [Member] | Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement [Member]
Debt instrument principal amount			5
Debt Instrument Maturity		Jun. 30, 2018
SVB [Member] | Prior Loan Refinance | Tranche One [Member] | Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement [Member]
Proceeds from long term debt			7.8
SVB [Member] | New Advance | Tranche One [Member] | Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement [Member]
Proceeds from long term debt			$ 2.2

Long-term debt - Schedule Of Ma

Long-term debt - Schedule Of Maturities Of Long Term Debt (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2021	$ 3,333
2022	833
Long-term Debt	4,166
2021	167
2022	9
Interest Payable On Long Term Debt	176
2021	3,500
2022	842
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayment Principal And Interest Total	4,342
Less: Interest	176
Long-term Debt	4,166
Less unamortized debt discount	(85)
Add: accretion of final payment fee	655
Long Term Debt Including Interest And Fee Payable	4,736
Accrued Expenses [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Payable On Long Term Debt	(176)
Less: Interest	$ (176)

Commitments and contingencies -

Commitments and contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 06, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Operating lease expense		$ 7.9
Operating lease payment		$ 9
Operating lease rental expenses			$ 4.9	$ 2.5
Operating lease prepaid rent			1.6
Operating lease deferred rent			$ 0
Lease weighted-average remaining lease term		5 years 6 months
Lease weighted average discount rate		7.00%
Agilent [Member]
Litigation settlement amount	$ 22.5
Number of days from the settlement agreement pursuant to which litigation claims are to be settled	14 days

Commitments and contingencies_2

Commitments and contingencies - Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Relating to Companies Operating Lease (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Assets:
Operating lease right-of-use-asset	$ 33,699
Current liabilities:
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	6,409
Noncurrent liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion	$ 24,837

Commitments and contingencies_3

Commitments and contingencies - Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments For Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2021	$ 6,568
2022	7,111
2023	6,753
2024	6,389
2025	6,433
Thereafter	4,907
Total minimum lease payments	38,161
Less: imputed interest	(6,915)
Total operating lease liabilities	31,246
Less: current portion	(6,409)
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion	$ 24,837

Related Party Transactions - Ad

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Raw materials purchased from related party investor	$ 3.4	$ 3.2	$ 2.3
Description of related party transactions	During the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, the Company purchased raw materials from a related party investor in the amount of $3.4 million, $3.2 million, and $2.3 million, respectively. Payable balances and cash receipts and receivable balances with the related party were immaterial as of September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018.

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Provision for income taxes	$ 382	$ 292	$ 242
Expiration year	2033
Effective Income Tax Rate	21.00%	21.00%	24.00%
Impact of unrecognised tax benenfits on income tax rate if recognized	$ 200
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Operating loss carry forwards	448,800
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Tax credit carry forwards	8,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating loss carry forwards	278,400
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Tax credit carry forwards	$ 6,900

Income taxes - Schedule Of Effe

Income taxes - Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax expense computed at the federal statutory rate	21.00%	21.00%	24.00%
Change in valuation allowance	(25.00%)	(22.00%)	4.00%
Research and development credit benefit	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Change in federal tax rate			(28.00%)
Stock-based compensation	3.00%
Other expenses			(1.00%)
Total income tax expense	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Income taxes - Schedule Of Defe

Income taxes - Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 112,434	$ 73,341
Research and development credit carryforwards	9,407	6,831
Operating lease liability	7,506
Other	5,639	4,553
Gross deferred tax assets	134,986	84,725
Less: Valuation allowance	(127,336)	(84,598)
Net deferred tax assets	7,650	127
Fixed assets	(105)	(1)
Operating lease right-of-use asset	(7,498)
Intangible assets	(47)	(126)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	(7,650)	(127)
Total net deferred tax asset

Income taxes - Schedule Of Unre

Income taxes - Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance	$ 3,291	$ 2,249	$ 1,625
Increases related to tax positions during the year	1,409	1,042	624
Balance	$ 4,700	$ 3,291	$ 2,249

Warrants - Summary of Issued Wa

Warrants - Summary of Issued Warrants for Its Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Common Stock (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Nov. 01, 2020	Oct. 01, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Jul. 31, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Number of shares underlying warrants	26,385	7,531	18,854	16,221	32,064	68,901
Exercise price per share				$ 7.84	$ 6.24
Warrants One [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Number of shares underlying warrants						36,838
Exercise price per share						$ 3.26
Warrants Two [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Number of shares underlying warrants						32,063
Exercise price per share						$ 6.24
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Number of shares underlying warrants	26,385
Common Stock [Member] | Warrants One [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Number of shares underlying warrants	18,854
Issuance date	Dec. 22, 2015
Expiration date	Dec. 22, 2025
Exercise price per share	$ 14.85
Common Stock [Member] | Warrants Two [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Number of shares underlying warrants	7,531
Issuance date	Mar. 28, 2016
Expiration date	Mar. 28, 2026
Exercise price per share	$ 21.24

Warrants - Additional Informati

Warrants - Additional Information (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Nov. 01, 2020	Oct. 01, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Jul. 31, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Net exercise of stock warrants	6,041	16,051	12,019	25,422	57,122
Number of shares underlying warrants	7,531	18,854	16,221	32,064	68,901	26,385
Exercise price per share			$ 7.84	$ 6.24
Common stock issued for cashless exercise	6,041	16,051	12,019	25,422	57,122
Warrants One [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Number of shares underlying warrants					36,838
Exercise price per share					$ 3.26
Warrants Two [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Number of shares underlying warrants					32,063
Exercise price per share					$ 6.24

Stock option plan - Additional

Stock option plan - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Sep. 26, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Rights Percentage		25.00%
Unrecognized compensation cost, stock options		$ 42.4
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period for recognition		2 years 6 months
Options Grant date fair value		$ 20.76	$ 15.06	$ 7.08
Shares subject to right of repurchase		16,815
2018 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Minimum annual increase in share reserved for issuance	999,900
Annual automatic Increase in share reserved for issuance	4.00%
2018 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock shares may be issued	5,856,505
2018 ESPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Minimum annual increase in share reserved for issuance	249,470
Annual automatic Increase in share reserved for issuance	1.00%
Aggregate number of common stock shares reserved for issuance	275,225	179,000	56,000
2018 ESPP [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of payroll deduction to purchase common stock	15.00%
2015 ESPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
ESPP eligible employee common stock purchase price ratio	85.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation by share based payment arrangement equity instruments other than options non vested outstanding grant date fair value		$ 32.96	$ 26.16
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | 2018 ESPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost, stock options		$ 17.6
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period for recognition		2 years 9 months 18 days
Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member] | Revised Annual Equity Award Programme [Member] | Executive Officers and Senior Level Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation by share based payment arrangement instruments other than options expected to vest outstanding		225,396
Share based compensation by share based payment arrangement equity instruments other than options non vested outstanding grant date fair value		$ 43.06
Share based compensation by share based payment arrangement equity instruments other than options unrecognized compensation		$ 9.3
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period for recognition		2 years
Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member] | Revised Annual Equity Award Programme [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Executive Officers and Senior Level Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Rights Percentage		0.00%
Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member] | Revised Annual Equity Award Programme [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Executive Officers and Senior Level Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Rights Percentage		150.00%

Stock option plan - Summary of

Stock option plan - Summary of Shares Reserved For Issuance (Detail) - 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020shares
Disclosure Of Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Line Items]
Outstanding at September 30, 2019	56
Additional shares authorized	249
Shares issued during the period	(126)
Outstanding at September 30, 2020	179

Stock option plan - Activity Un

Stock option plan - Activity Under The Equity Incentive Plans (Detail) - 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available, Outstanding Beginning Balance	1,521,000
Shares available, Additional shares authorized	1,000,000
Shares available, Stock options granted	(1,481,000)
Shares available, Stock options forfeited	203,000
Shares available, Restricted stock units granted	(312,000)
Shares available, Early exercised options repurchased	2,000
Shares available, Forfeiture of restricted common stock	30,000
Shares available, Shares withheld for payment of taxes	71,000
Shares available, Outstanding Ending Balance	1,034,000	1,521,000
Number of options, Outstanding beginning balance	3,550,000
Options outstanding, Stock options granted	1,481,000
Options outstanding, Stock options exercised	(915,000)
Options outstanding, Stock options forfeited	(203,000)
Number of options, Outstanding ending balance	3,913,000	3,550,000
Options outstanding, Vested or expected to vest	3,913,000
Options outstanding, Vested and exercisable	1,312,000
Weighted average exercise price per share, Outstanding Beginning Balance	$ 15.99
Weighted average exercise price per share, Stock options granted	35.49
Weighted average exercise price per share, Stock options exercised	11.50
Weighted average exercise price per share, Stock options forfeited	23.39
Weighted average exercise price per share, Outstanding Ending Balance	$ 24.35	$ 15.99
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	8 years 1 month 6 days	8 years 3 months 18 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding Vested or expected to vest and exercisable	$ 204,365	$ 31,998
Weighted average exercise price per share, Vested or expected to vest	$ 24.35
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Vested or expected to vest	8 years 1 month 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Vested or expected to vest	$ 204,365
Weighted average exercise price per share, Vested and exercisable	$ 14.26
Weighted average remaining contractual term,Vested and exercisable	7 years
Aggregate intrinsic value, Vested and exercisable	$ 80,995

Stock option plan - Schedule of

Stock option plan - Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Line Items]
Number of shares, Outstanding Beginning Balance	462,000
Number of shares, granted	312,000
Number of shares, vested	(175,000)
Number of shares, forfeited	(30,000)
Number of shares, Outstanding Ending Balance	569,000	462,000
Expected to vest, Outstanding	569,000
Weighted average grant date fair value price per share, Outstanding Beginning Balance	$ 26.16
Weighted average grant date fair value price per share, granted	38.66
Weighted average grant date fair value price per share, vested	26.36
Weighted average grant date fair value price per share, forfeited	26.12
Weighted average grant date fair value price per share, Outstanding Ending Balance	32.96	$ 26.16
Weighted average grant date fair value price per share, Expected to vest	$ 32.96
Weighted average remaining contractual term, granted	3 years 2 months 12 days	3 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Expected to vest	3 years 2 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding	$ 43,260	$ 8,959
Aggregate intrinsic value, Expected to vest	$ 43,260

Stock option plan - Total Stock

Stock option plan - Total Stock-based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense	$ 17,096	$ 11,170	$ 2,961
Cost of Revenues [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense	1,290	1,345	376
Research and Development [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense	3,346	2,378	705
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense	$ 12,460	$ 7,447	$ 1,880

Stock option plan - Schedule _2

Stock option plan - Schedule of Share Based Payment Award Stock Options Valuation Assumptions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Expected term (years)	6 years 2 months 12 days	6 years 4 months 24 days	6 years 3 months 18 days
Expected volatility	62.10%	60.20%	66.30%
Risk-free interest rate	1.30%	2.70%	2.70%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Net Loss Per Share Attributab_3

Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders - Computation of the Company's Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$ (139,931)	$ (107,669)	$ (71,236)
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted	39,190	27,462	2,793
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted	$ (3.57)	$ (3.92)	$ (25.51)

Net Loss Per Share Attributab_4

Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders - Summary of Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount	4,593	4,177	21,786
Options To Purchase Common Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount	3,948	3,551	2,521
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount		24	97
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount	569	462
Early Exercise Of Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount	17	38	74
Warrants To Purchase Common Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount	26	26	64
Warrants to Purchase Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount			79
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount			18,951
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount	33	76

Geographic, Product and Indus_3

Geographic, Product and Industry Information - Summary of Revenue by Geographic Region (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 90,100	$ 54,385	$ 25,427
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	58,080	35,936	17,662
EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	25,821	14,692	6,557
APAC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	5,115	2,761	1,001
Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,084	$ 996	$ 207

Geographic, Product and Indus_4

Geographic, Product and Industry Information - Summary of Revenue by Product (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 90,100	$ 54,385	$ 25,427
Synthetic Genes [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	35,192	26,712	17,986
Oligo Pools [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	4,545	4,594	3,002
DNA and Biopharma libraries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	6,348	2,036	1,771
NGS Tools [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 44,015	$ 21,043	$ 2,668

Geographic, Product and Indus_5

Geographic, Product and Industry Information - Summary of Revenue by Industry (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 90,100	$ 54,385	$ 25,427
Industrial Chemicals [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	29,054	21,927	14,912
Academic Research [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	19,642	13,835	5,813
Health Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	40,036	17,424	4,212
Food And Agriculture [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,368	$ 1,199	$ 490

Geographic, Product and Indus_6

Geographic, Product and Industry Information - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 22.5	$ 19.8
Non-US [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 3	$ 1