Sequencing the Human Genome
Proving that biology is an information technology.
The Human Genome Project successfully mapped the entire human genetic code. When the project was 1% complete after seven years, critics claimed it would take centuries to finish. Kurzweil famously argued that because 1% is only 7 doublings away from 100%, it was actually almost done.
Open in interactive timeline →Key Numbers
- Cost of First Genome (2003)
- $2.7 Billion
- Cost per Genome (2025)
- < $200
Verified Facts
- Kurzweil was exactly right: the exponential growth of computing power applied to gene sequencing caused the project to finish years ahead of schedule.
- It cost $2.7 billion to sequence the first human genome. Today, thanks to the Law of Accelerating Returns, you can sequence a genome for under $200 in a few hours.
- This proved Kurzweil's core thesis: any technology that becomes an "information technology" immediately jumps onto an exponential growth curve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sequencing the Human Genome?
The Human Genome Project successfully mapped the entire human genetic code. When the project was 1% complete after seven years, critics claimed it would take centuries to finish. Kurzweil famously argued that because 1% is only 7 doublings away from 100%, it was actually almost done.
When did Sequencing the Human Genome happen?
Sequencing the Human Genome: 2003 CE.
Why does Sequencing the Human Genome matter?
Proving that biology is an information technology.
Sources & Further Reading
Cite This Page
AskHistoryAI. “Sequencing the Human Genome.” AskHistoryAI — Interactive Timeline of Everything. Updated 2026-09-11. https://askhistoryai.com/event/tech-genome/
Every fact on this page is checked against the published fact ledger and methodology; sources are listed above.