- The Sei Foundation is exploring a bold plan to acquire bankrupt 23andMe and put genetic data on the blockchain.
- The move aims to give users ownership and control over their DNA data using encrypted, user-managed access.
- SEI token briefly jumped 3% after the news, while privacy concerns and legal warnings quickly followed.
Yep, you read that right. The Sei Foundation—the group behind the Sei (SEI) layer-1 blockchain—is looking to scoop up none other than 23andMe, the bankrupt DNA-testing company, and toss millions of users’ genetic data onto the blockchain.
No, this isn’t a sci-fi plot twist. This is DeSci, apparently.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Thursday, the foundation called it their “boldest DeSci bet yet.” Which is saying something—because earlier this year, they launched a $65 million venture fund aimed at decentralized science startups building on Sei. So they’ve been thinking big for a while now.
From DNA Kits to Decentralized Control
The plan (if it actually happens) is to acquire 23andMe, migrate its enormous database—about 15 million genetic profiles—onto the Sei blockchain, and give that data back to the people. Literally.
Encrypted storage, user-controlled access, and even the option to monetize your own DNA? That’s what Sei’s pitching. Sounds futuristic. Slightly dystopian. Maybe both.
“This isn’t just about saving a company,” they said. “It’s about building a future where your most personal data remains yours to control.”
It’s a bold statement. Especially considering that, just this week, 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Things are not going well over there.
Privacy Concerns? Yeah, They’re Already Happening
Privacy watchdogs are circling. Several U.S. state attorneys general have started telling consumers to go delete their data from 23andMe entirely—right now—before things go sideways. The idea of DNA profiles possibly floating around on-chain is already setting off alarms.
Whether or not blockchain is actually the safer option? That’s another debate entirely.
SEI Token Got a Little Bump (Then Cooled Off)
Following the announcement, SEI—the native token of the network—briefly climbed about 3%. But the rally didn’t last long. It gave back some of the gains shortly after, as the hype settled and folks digested the whole “DNA-on-blockchain” concept.
