Synthetic DNA startup Catalog partners with Seagate for its DNA-based data storage platform

There needs to be a place where the data can be kept. Data storage costs keep growing and people can't keep up with the amount of storage they have. According to the Internet Data Center, global data is expected to increase to 175 Zettabyte in 25 years.

A Boston-based startup has come up with a novel solution to the problem. The startup is building a platform using synthetic DNA to store digital data, and has collaborated with a storage vendor on a research project.

The partnership focuses on using technology to automate the platform.

A chemical reaction can be produced from liquid from one of the small reservoirs on the chip.

It is a large machine that requires a significant amount of chemistry that has shown the potential of DNA computation and storage as a proof of concept. Shannon is similar to an average family kitchen.

Catalog is trying to increase the amount of automation needed for DNA storage and computation in order to develop a commercially viable platform.

The next generation of storage and computation platforms will be up to 1000 times smaller and require less energy. The first combined test of chemistry and electronics is expected to begin in September.

The next generation of Seagate's "lab on a chip" technology is able to fit on a desktop or be used as an internet of things device.

The founder and chief executive officer said that they would work with an industry leader to speed up the advancement of their product. Catalog has found a way to incorporate DNA into applications with potential widespread cases including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics and secure computing. It is essential that this work is done with Seagate.

When it secured $35 million in Series B funding, it brought its total raised to $60 million. Financial fraud detection is one of the potential applications of Catalog's technology.

The potential to accelerate the development and deployment of DNA-based solutions to address the challenges of the rapidly expanding data sphere is a result of their leadership in the field.