HAVING THE COURAGE TO TAKE RISKS
Outpaced by innovation, XPRIZE cancels a competition for the first time
Genomic research presents scientists with a tremendous opportunity to understand exactly how diseases develop at the molecular level, and how we can more precisely detect, prevent and treat diseases according to an individual’s unique genomic profile. Rapid, inexpensive and accurate genomic sequencing technology is required to advance medical breakthroughs and solve the underlying mysteries of diseases. The “medical-grade” genome is a critically needed clinical standard in transforming genomic research into usable medical information to improve patient diagnosis and treatment.
Demonstrate rapidly deployable, highly efficient methods for cleaning up crude oil from the ocean surface.
Back in 2006, we announced the Archon Genomics XPRIZE, which offered $10 million to the first team that could rapidly and accurately sequence 100 whole human genomes to a standard never before achieved at a cost of $10,000 or less per genome.
The 100 human genomes to be sequenced in this competition were donated by 100 centenarians (ages 100 or older) from all over the world, known as the 100 Over 100. Sequencing the genomes of the hundred centenarians presented a unique opportunity to identify those "rare genes" that protect against disease, while giving researchers valuable clues to health and longevity.
After careful consideration, XPRIZE decided that the competition was not incentivizing the technological changes that our prize chair, Dr. Craig Venter, our sponsors Stewart and Marilyn Blusson, and our board had intended. Genome sequencing technology was plummeting in cost and increasing in speed independent of our competition. Today, companies can do this for less than $5,000 per genome, in a few days or less – and are moving quickly towards the goals we set for the prize. For this reason, we decided to cancel an XPRIZE for the first time ever.
Prize Purse: $10 million
Launched October 4th, 2006. Cancelled 2013.
DR. STEWART AND MARILYN BLUSSON.
Dr. Stewart Blusson and his wife Marilyn share an enthusiasm for the wilderness and the stimulation of discovery, and together they explore broad horizons. In 1981, Dr. Blusson left the Geological Survey to explore the formation of mineral deposits from Mexico to the Arctic, piloting his own plane and helicopter over vast areas. As XPRIZE partners and prize sponsors, Dr. and Mrs. Blusson saw the $10 Archon Genomics XPRIZE presented by Express Scripts as another exciting frontier. They recognized the possibilities as well as the urgency and importance of advancing our understanding of genomic sequencing to transform the future of healthcare. We cannot thank them enough for their support and partnership.