Futurist predicts China to achieve first nationwide gene database by 2049

Within the next 25 years, China may become the first country in the world to build a nationwide genomic database covering its entire population, as futurist and Wired founding executive editor Kevin Kelly predicts. The Human Genome Project (HGP) mapped the first complete human DNA sequence to advance medicine and health.

As one of the main participants in the HGP, China has accelerated the integration of genomics into national proactive health management in the last two decades. This success was driven by advanced genetic technologies, supportive policies, and pressing public health needs.

The Genomics Global Race

Sequencing every individual at birth and linking the data to medical records enables large-scale research and accelerates breakthroughs across the life sciences, according to Kelly.

The HGP took more than a decade and $3 billion to complete. With advancements in sequencing technology, the cost has now significantly dropped below $800, making population-scale genomic studies a practical reality.

Nations around the world have launched biobank projects to collect genomic data from their populations to support scientific progress and improve public health. Some well-known examples include the UK Biobank, the U.S. All of Us Research Program, China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB), Singapore's PRECISE, Biobank Japan, and Korea's National Project of Bio Big Data.

Scientific collaboration extends beyond national boundaries. The H3Africa initiative, launched in 2010. Supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the Wellcome Trust, and the African Society of Human Genetics, H3Africa empowers African researchers to lead genomic research focused on diseases affecting African populations. It also addresses the global underrepresentation of African genomes in research.

Genomics from Birth: The UK Case

In the UK, the Newborn Genomes Programme—backed by £650 million in government funding—will offer full-genome sequencing to every newborn, creating a digital twin for lifelong health management.

"If every person could undergo genome sequencing at birth and have that data linked to their digital medical records, the country would possess an enormous genetic repository," Kelly noted.

Countries investing in such programs are not only advancing science but also laying the groundwork for a more predictive and personalized healthcare system.

China First

With strong technological capabilities, a centralized health system, and strategic investments, China is advancing rapidly in integrating genomics into everyday medical practice.

Building on its early role in the HGP, China has lowered sequencing costs and built extensive expertise. A milestone achievement is MGI Tech's T20 gene sequencer, which has successfully reduced the cost of genome sequencing to under $100. These genomic technology advancements supporting China's understanding of the human genome and its emergence as a global leader in genetics.

This technology has already brought benefits to Chinese residents. Hebei Province has implemented a public health program offering free noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and deafness gene screening to pregnant women since 2019. By enabling early detection and intervention, the program has significantly reduced birth defects such as intellectual disabilities and hearing impairments.

Meanwhile, cardiovascular disease (CVD), China's leading cause of death, has long been understudied in the local population. Before the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) launched in 2004, most research relied on Western datasets. Today, the CKB tracks over 500,000 participants, making it one of the world's largest chronic disease cohorts.

Genomes for All

"As we age, a range of chronic diseases can emerge. Having a personal genetic profile early on is essential for preventing illness, improving health—and significantly lowering healthcare costs," Kelly emphasized.

Proactive health models are emerging. BGI Genomics 133111i model integrates genomic, epigenetic, microbiome, imaging, and lifestyle data, analyzed using AI. It produces a real-time Life Index that simulates biological processes, assesses disease risk, and offers tailored health interventions.

Globally, similar models are being implemented. In the U.S., Blackstone Inc. has partnered with Twin Health to roll out an employee health management program. Using AI and wearable devices, the system delivers personalized guidance on diet, exercise, and daily habits—reducing the need for costly medications.

With declining sequencing costs and the rise of AI-powered tools, China has made genetic technology widely accessible. With the right infrastructure, scale, and policy support, China is on track to become the first nation to embed genomics into everyday healthcare—for all. This will lead to a future where every individual has a continuously updated personal dataset for real-time health monitoring, and Kevin Kelly's vision of "Everyone's Genome" will be realized.

About BGI Genomics

BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine. Our services cover more than 100 countries and regions, involving more than 2,300 medical institutions. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.