HE – EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2022

HORIZON-EIC-2022-PATHFINDERCHALLLENGES-01-05: DNA-based digital data storage

This EIC Pathfinder Challenge is to explore scalable and reliable high-throughput approaches for using DNA as a general data-storage medium. Solutions would thus need to address the read/write/edit operations of digital data in synthetic DNA, capturing the expected advantages of high density and stability/longevity of this form of data storage. The use of DNA sequences as chassis for non-standard forms of information coding, or of other polymeric substrates and related coding/decoding techniques are also in scope, provided they entail at least similar benefits than state-of-the-art DNA approaches. Proposed techniques should deliver qualitative advances in key parameters such as throughput, DNA-length (well above a few hundred mers), reliability (coupling efficiency), speed and cost. Beyond the usual storage applications, there is also scope for radically different scenarios for such a technology, for instance for data-processing, in-vivo sensing or fingerprinting.

Applications submitted to this Challenge, must pay particular attention to the relevant bio-safety and ethical issues.

The following specific objectives for this Challenge have been defined:

• new approaches for coding, decoding, modification or computational use of digital data in synthetic DNA or other sequence-controllable polymers with quantitative targets (theoretical and technological);
• Proof-of-Concept of technical feasibility with indications of at least state of the art benefits and major operational characteristics (e.g., extreme densities, longevity, stability) and going well beyond for some of them (e.g., speed, cost, accuracy);
• end-to-end scenarios of use, be it for data storage (archival, but also shorter term storage) or other purposes (like sensing, cryptography or computation) that exploit the benefits of the technology.

Proposals should contribute to achieving one or several of the following:

• a range of new techniques with clear benefits and steps towards widening scope of applicability of DNA-based data storage;
• broader range of scenarios and uses for DNA-based data technologies;
• emergence and anchoring of a European innovation eco-system on DNA-based data technologies and applications, including through involvement of relevant partners and end-users;
• contribution to standardisation in the field and benchmarks to gauche progress.

Proposals for this Challenge can be submitted by single applicants or by consortia, as dictated by the activities to be performed.

Deadline: 19/10/2022.