DNA Data Storage Market

Society is generating vast amounts of digital data at an ever-increasing rate. This data has significant value when mined, assembled, or otherwise searched and analyzed. Trends in AI are accelerating the ability to perform this type of information processing, further increasing the potential value of stored data. The cost of storing all this information using traditional data storage technologies is not keeping pace with the rate of data generation, creating a so-called “Save/Discard Dilemma.” In addition to the vast amount of digitized information, there is also a desire to retain valuable digital assets (legal, cultural, governmental, etc.) for posterity, and existing storage media have a limited lifespan, requiring constant refresh. These requirements, along with scientific advances made over the past three or four decades in the field of DNA manipulation in the life sciences, have led to the consideration of using DNA as a data storage medium. This chapter provides an overview of the potential market for DNA data storage, including who wants to use it and why, and why DNA is an attractive potential solution for archival storage.