A French genetic data startup aims to store all of humanity's information in a space as small as a data center rack.
Biomemory is developing solutions "for the next century and beyond."
Biomemory, a French startup founded in 2021, focuses on developing DNA-based data storage technology. It has been a pioneer in making DNA storage devices available to the public, taking a significant step toward commercializing this innovation. Its method involves encoding digital data within synthesized DNA strands, translating the DNA bases - A, C, G, and T - into binary code. Data retrieval is achieved by sequencing the DNA and converting it back to its binary form.
DNA storage is considered a viable solution to the growing global demand for storage, driven by the constant generation of data. It is projected that by 2025, the volume of information produced by humanity will reach 175 zettabytes, posing a challenge to the capacity and sustainability of current storage methods. The compact and durable nature of DNA could offer an alternative that reduces both spatial and environmental footprints while ensuring long-term stability.
In recent years, several startups have ventured into the field of DNA storage, such as Catalog, Ansa Biotechnologies, and Iridia in the United States, as well as Helixworks, DNA Script, and BioSistemika in Europe. Biomemory aims to create end-to-end solutions for data centers, using biologically sourced DNA fragments designed to last thousands of years without requiring energy for maintenance.
Recently, Biomemory secured a Series A funding round of $18 million. Erfane Arwani, CEO and co-founder of the company, remarked that this investment represents a crucial moment for Biomemory and the future of data storage. “With our DNA storage technology, we are not only addressing current data challenges but also building solutions that sustain the ecosystem for the next century and beyond,” noted Arwani. The company plans to use these funds to develop its first-generation data storage device, optimize biotechnological processes, accelerate commercialization, establish collaborations with industry players and cloud providers, and recruit experts in molecular biology and engineering.
Biomemory's technology has the potential to store all of humanity's information in a single data rack, and the company aims to scale its molecular storage solutions to achieve exabyte capacities by 2030, prioritizing sustainability and durability.