Biomemory DNA Cards to store data as synthetic DNA with 150 year lifespan

Biomemory, a biotechnology startup, has unveiled its first product since its foundation in 2021. Dubbed the Biomemory DNA Card, the device is said to be the first commercially available product that can store data encoded as DNA. As with any first-generation product, Biomemory's DNA Card has various drawbacks and shortcomings, including its price. 

Theoretically, storing data on synthetic DNA molecules requires a fraction of the energy that conventional storage solutions use, such as NAND flash. Also, synthetic memory promises to be extremely durable, with a rated 150-year lifespan in Biomemory's case. Supposedly, the company's DNA Cards could last even longer, but only if they are consistently stored in a cool and dry environment. However, they currently can store 1 KB of data or a mere 1,024 characters.

Allegedly, it takes Biomemory up to eight hours to encode 1,204 characters in synthetic DNA, an example of which we have embedded below and can be found at the bottom of its product page under 'DNA Translate'. It is worth noting that the data cannot be subsequently changed, and it must be sent to the Eurofins Genomics laboratory for sequencing. Biomemory hopes to begin delivering DNA cards in January 2024 for a US$1,000 retail price that consists of two cards. Please see Biomemory's website for more information and join its DNA Card waitlist.

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