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Revolutionizing Technology: The Dramatic Cost Decline that Ignites a New Era

1 June 2023

The cost curves for DNA sequencing, DNA synthesis, and computing have witnessed a dramatic decline.

Revolutionizing Technology: The Dramatic Cost Decline that Ignites a New Era

In the last decade, a remarkable transformation has taken place in the realm of technology. The cost curves for DNA sequencing, DNA synthesis, and computing have witnessed a dramatic decline. This unprecedented trend, fueled by advancements in scientific research and technological innovation, has set the stage for a rapid S-curve shaped adoption of new technologies. Today, we delve into the details of this cost decline and explore its profound implications for the year 2030.


DNA Sequencing: The cost of DNA sequencing has plummeted at an astounding rate over the past decade. In 2010, it cost approximately $10,000 to sequence a single human genome. Fast forward to 2020, and the cost has dropped to a mere fraction of that amount, around $200. This exponential decline in sequencing costs has paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in genomics research, personalized medicine, and disease diagnosis. Looking ahead to 2030, industry experts predict that the cost of sequencing a genome could reach a mere $100, making it accessible on an unprecedented scale.



DNA Synthesis: Similar to DNA sequencing, the cost of DNA synthesis has experienced a remarkable decline. In the past, synthesizing even a short DNA sequence was a costly and labor-intensive process. However, with the advent of innovative technologies and improved techniques, the cost has dropped significantly. Today, scientists can synthesize DNA sequences at a fraction of the previous cost, accelerating advancements in synthetic biology, gene editing, and bioengineering. As we approach 2030, the cost of DNA synthesis is projected to decline further, unlocking immense potential for revolutionary applications in various industries.



Computing: The cost of computing power has followed a similar trajectory of decline. Over the past decade, we have witnessed an exponential increase in computational capabilities at a fraction of the previous cost. This remarkable progress has been fueled by advancements in hardware, software, and cloud computing infrastructure. As we look towards 2030, the rapid decline in computing costs opens up a world of possibilities. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and complex simulations are set to become more accessible, empowering industries across the board to harness the power of data-driven insights.



Implications for 2030: The substantial decline in cost curves for DNA sequencing, DNA synthesis, and computing signifies a monumental shift in technological landscape. By 2030, these advancements will catalyze the widespread adoption of new technologies, propelling us into an era of unprecedented innovation. Industries such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing will witness remarkable transformations driven by genomics, synthetic biology, and data-driven decision-making. This convergence of technologies will revolutionize our approach to personalized medicine, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and efficient manufacturing processes. The possibilities are limitless, and the impact on society and the economy will be profound.


As we reflect on the past decade, we marvel at the remarkable decline in cost curves for DNA sequencing, DNA synthesis, and computing. These advancements have set the stage for an extraordinary technological revolution, with the year 2030 poised to witness the rapid adoption of transformative technologies. The world as we know it is on the cusp of a remarkable transformation, fueled by the convergence of genomics, synthetic biology, and data-driven insights.

© 2023 by Tara Shirvani, PhD. All Rights Reserved.

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