Huge Announcement: Archon X Prize for Genomics
Methuselah Mouse Prize co-founder Dave Gobel e-mails:
Peter Diamandis announces Archon X Prize for Genomics
$10,000,000 prize to sequence 100 human genomes in 10 days.
A global competition to develop breakthrough technology that dramatically reduces the time and cost of sequencing human genomes and accelerates a new era of personalized, predictive and preventive medicine.
Three teams have already signed up for the competition: VisiGen Biotechnologies Inc, 454 Life Sciences and Westheimer Biomolecular Sciences LLC.
www.xprize.org
NHGRI Director Francis Collins participated in the press confernence whereThe National Human Genome Research Institute of the NIH announced grants awards totalling more than $13 million to speed the development of innovative equencing technologies that reduce the cost of DNA sequencing and expand the use of genomics in medical research and heathcare. The new funds will be focused on supporting nine investigators to help bring about sequencing of a genome for $1,000.In addtion to the Archon X Prize, after the prize is won, a group of 100 individuals will have their genomes sequenced, "The Genome 100" for $1,000,000...current announced members are...
Dr. Stephen Hawking
Larry King
Paul Allen
Michael Milken
Larry Page
Burt Rutan
Anoush Ansari
Anousha Ansari sees a sea change in philanthropy - venture philanthopy focused on prizes - as donors are looking for significantly improved leveraged returns on thier donations.
Exciting stuff. Randall Parker has more information, and some musings on the implications. More details here.