What fictional corporation controls the Animus technology in Assassin's Creed?

Abstergo Industries is the fictional corporation that controls the Animus technology in Assassin's Creed.

Within the series, Abstergo presents itself as a large modern multinational company, but it secretly serves the modern-day Templar Order. Its research allows people to access ancestral memories encoded in their DNA, using the Animus and related technologies.

The corporation is a major antagonist because it seeks Pieces of Eden and other ancient artifacts that could help impose order and control over humanity. Desmond Miles is held by Abstergo in the first game, where scientists use his memories to locate an artifact.

Abstergo is sometimes mistaken for a real technology company because the games portray it with offices, research programs, employees, and consumer products. It is entirely fictional. Later titles also show the company producing entertainment and genetic-memory experiences while concealing its Templar objectives.