InGen Headquarters

Lore & Background

InGen's identity evolved significantly across the franchise, shifting from a startup to a corporate giant. In the first novel, it is described as one of many small 1980s genetic engineering start-ups. However, the narrative reveals that InGen had discovered a unique method for cloning dinosaurs intended for an island theme park attraction. While the first film emphasized the 'Jurassic Park' brand, the InGen name remained visible on computer screens and helicopters. By the time of the Jurassic World trilogy, InGen and all its intellectual property were subsidized by the Masrani Global Corporation. Following InGen's eventual defunct status, a pharmaceutical company named ParkerGenix obtained InGen's files and dinosaur tracking systems for their own agendas.

In Their Own Story

The corporate narrative of InGen is marked by secrecy and rivalry. Described as 'resolutely secretive' like the firm in John Grisham's novel The Firm, InGen operated under a veil of confidentiality. Its primary rival was Biosyn Corporation, based in Cupertino, California, which engaged in industrial espionage to steal dinosaur DNA for hunting trophies and pharmaceutical tests. Lewis Dodgson, an employee of Biosyn, facilitated these thefts. Although Dodgson made only a minor appearance in the first film with his employer unnamed, he later became the CEO of Biosyn Genetics by the time of Jurassic World Dominion (2022). The company's downfall involved a failed attempt to relocate animals to San Diego and a subsequent declaration that Isla Sorna was a biological preserve.

Reader's Guide

Navigating InGen's history requires distinguishing between its novel origins and film adaptations. The novels place headquarters in Palo Alto, California, whereas the films focus heavily on the island facilities. Key turning points include the acquisition of rights by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment in 1990 before Crichton's novel was even published. The franchise also notes that while InGen established the park, the 'InGen' name is never spoken in the first film. Later entries reveal that after InGen went defunct, its assets were absorbed by Masrani Global Corporation and later exploited by ParkerGenix, illustrating the shift from a standalone biotech firm to a subsidiary of larger conglomerates.

Did You Know?

• According to the novels, InGen had a main headquarters in Palo Alto, California, plus one location in Europe.
• Most of InGen's actual dinosaur research took place on Isla Sorna and Isla Nublar rather than the mainland.
• The name 'InGen' appears visually on screens and helicopters in the first film but is never spoken aloud.
• After InGen went defunct, a pharmaceutical company called ParkerGenix acquired its files and tracking systems.
• Lewis Dodgson, an employee of rival firm Biosyn, stole corporate secrets to acquire dinosaur DNA.