The Sei Basis, the nonprofit improvement group behind the layer-1 blockchain Sei (SEI), is exploring the acquisition of bankrupt private genomics firm 23andMe and placing the genetic information of 15 million customers on blockchain rails.
The muse introduced the initiative in an X submit on Thursday, calling the plan its “boldest DeSci wager but” — referring to the decentralized science motion. Earlier this yr, it additionally launched a $65 million enterprise capital fund devoted to DeSci startups constructing on the Sei community.
The muse mentioned that genomic information safety is a nationwide safety matter, significantly as 23andMe grapples with monetary difficulties. The corporate, recognized for its direct-to-consumer DNA testing providers, filed for Chapter 11 chapter safety earlier this week.
If the acquisition proceeds, the Sei Fundation plans to combine 23andMe’s information onto its blockchain and provides customers possession of their genetic information, guaranteeing privateness by way of encrypted transfers and permitting people to resolve how their information is monetized.
“This is not nearly saving an organization, it is about constructing a future the place your most private information stays yours to manage,” the muse mentioned.
Quite a few state attorneys common have warned 23andme clients to delete their information from the platform in current days for the reason that firm’s chapter submitting.
SEI, the native token of the community, climbed as a lot as 3% following the information earlier than giving again a few of the beneficial properties.