Data must be stored somewhere. However, data storage costs continue to rise, and the data people produce and consume cannot keep pace with available storage. According to the Internet Data Center (IDC), data is expected to grow from 33 zettabytes to 175 zettabytes by 2025.
Boston-based startup Catalog has come up with a new way to solve the problem. The startup is building a platform using synthetic DNA to store digital data, and has partnered with storage provider Seagate Technology to advance an automated DNA storage and computing platform for research collaboration.
The partnership will focus on using Seagate’s DNA-based storage platform with specially designed electronic chips.
While a traditional microprocessor runs binary code, the Seagate chip has tiny reservoirs that process small amounts of synthetic DNA in liquid form. A chemical reaction occurs when a liquid from one reservoir on the chip is mixed with a liquid from another reservoir.
Catalog says an existing DNA computing and storage platform, or DNA writer Shannon, has demonstrated DNA computing and storage capabilities as a proof-of-concept, but it’s a large machine that requires large amounts of chemistry. According to the catalog, the Shannon is about the size of an average family kitchen.
To develop a commercially viable DNA storage platform, Catalog reduces the amount of chemistry and increases the amount of automation required for DNA storage and computation.
The two companies aim to develop next-generation DNA-based storage and computing platforms that require less power, cost less and are up to 1,000 times smaller. Catalog is expected to launch the first combined chemistry and electronics experiment in mid-September.
In addition, Seagate’s next-generation “lab on a chip” technology can fit into desktops or be used as IoT devices.
“Partnering with an industry leader like Seagate will help us accelerate DNA storage,” said Hyunjoon Park, founder and CEO. “In addition to DNA storage, Catalog has already pioneered ways to incorporate DNA into algorithms and applications such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analysis and secure computing. This work with Seagate is essential to reduce costs and reduce the complexity of storage systems.”
TechCrunch last covered when Catalog received $35 million in Series B funding from Hanwha Impact and Horizons Ventures, bringing the total raised to $60 million. Potential applications of cataloging technology include financial fraud detection, image processing for defect detection, and seismic processing in the power sector.
“Their leadership in DNA-based storage and computing, combined with Seagate’s long history of bringing innovative storage solutions to market, has the potential to accelerate and deploy DNA-based solutions to address the challenges of the rapidly expanding datasphere,” he said. Seagate Research Vice President Ed Gage.
