The 100 Million Cell Challenge: A New Frontier in Single Cell Genomics

In the ever-evolving landscape of genomics research, our new initiative is set to redefine the boundaries of what's possible. The 100 Million Cell Challenge is not just another research project – it's a bold call to action for scientists worldwide to think bigger, push harder, and dive deeper into the intricate world of cellular biology.

A Game-Changing Partnership

What started as an ambitious project has now become a powerhouse collaboration. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) has joined forces with Scale Bio, Ultima Genomics, and NVIDIA, turning this challenge into a beacon of scientific cooperation. With CZI fully subsidizing 50 million cells' worth of awarded projects, and the other partners heavily subsidizing another 50 million, the initiative has removed significant financial barriers, opening doors for groundbreaking research that might otherwise remain unexplored.

Why 100 Million Cells Matter

You might wonder, "Why 100 million cells? What makes this number so special?" The answer lies in the power of scale. By analyzing such a vast number of cells across diverse biological systems, researchers can:

1. Uncover rare cell types that might be missed in smaller studies
2. Track cellular changes over time with unprecedented resolution
3. Map complex organ systems in exquisite detail
4. Identify subtle variations in disease states that could lead to new treatments

In essence, the 100 Million Cell Challenge is about creating a resource so vast and detailed that it could fuel scientific discoveries for years to come.

The Technology Behind the Challenge

At the heart of this initiative is Scale Bio's new QuantumScale technology. This single cell RNA sequencing solution is capable of processing up to 2 million cells per run, offering unparalleled efficiency and data quality at a fraction of the traditional cost. It's this technological leap that makes the 100 Million Cell Challenge not just ambitious, but achievable.

A Call to Scientific Adventure

The response from the scientific community has been nothing short of electrifying. Within days of the initial announcement, researchers pledged to analyze over 100 million cells. Projects spanning organ system atlases, disease state investigations, and cross-species comparisons in regenerative processes have already been proposed.

But here's the exciting part – there's still time to be part of this scientific revolution. The challenge is accepting proposals until October 15, 2024. Whether you're working on human tissue, animal models, or other organisms, if your project proposes to analyze 1 million cells or more, you're eligible to apply.

Update as of 10/16/24: Please note that submissions are closed, but you can still let us know if you are interested in early access to QuantumScale. Thanks to all who submitted!

Join the Challenge

As we stand on the brink of this new frontier in genomics, the question isn't just "What will we discover?" but "What part will you play in these discoveries?"

The 100 Million Cell Challenge is more than an initiative – it's an invitation to be part of something truly transformative. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or an up-and-coming scientist, this is your chance to contribute to a project that could reshape our understanding of biology.

So, are you ready to challenge the limits of science? Are you prepared to be part of the next big leap in genomics research? The 100 Million Cell Challenge awaits your contribution. Submit your proposal today and let's unlock the secrets hidden within our cells, one million at a time.

Remember, in the world of science, big questions often lead to even bigger answers. What questions will you ask with 100 million cells at your fingertips?