Loading organizations...
Loading organizations...
Using DNA to store data.
Key people at Kern Systems.
Kern Systems was founded in 2019 by Henry Lee (Founder).
DNA has emerged as a compelling data storage medium due to its density, longevity, and eternal relevance compared to current memory technologies. However, the high price of synthesizing DNA remains a major bottleneck for adoption of this promising storage solution. We are pioneering new approaches to synthesizing DNA for data storage with enzymes and custom digital codecs. We are building an interdisciplinary team to build the world's most scalable information infrastructure in DNA.
We seek technical experts in enzyme engineering, chemistry, hardware engineering, and information theory. We also seek business development to identify emerging markets for early use cases of our technology.
Kern Systems is a deep-tech startup pioneering the use of synthetic DNA molecules to create a *cold data storage platform* that offers superior density, durability, and cost-efficiency compared to traditional archival storage technologies[1][2]. Their platform leverages enzymatic DNA synthesis combined with advanced software and custom digital codecs to store vast amounts of rarely accessed ("cold") data more compactly and with longer lifespan, addressing the growing global challenge of data storage scalability and sustainability[2][3]. Kern Systems primarily serves enterprises and data centers needing long-term, cost-effective archival solutions, positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation data infrastructure.
Founded in 2019 by Henry Lee, a bioengineering and genetics expert with a background from the University of Washington, Boston University, and Harvard, Kern Systems emerged from the recognition that traditional storage media cannot keep pace with the exponential growth of unstructured data[3]. The idea to use DNA as a storage medium builds on its natural advantages—extreme data density and longevity—and the company’s early traction includes publishing foundational research and joining key industry alliances such as the DNA Data Storage Alliance and the Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab[2][3]. Their participation in Y Combinator’s Summer 2019 batch helped accelerate their development and visibility in the deep-tech ecosystem[3].
Kern Systems rides the wave of *exponential data growth* and the urgent need for sustainable, high-density archival storage solutions. As data generation outpaces the capabilities of magnetic and solid-state storage, DNA offers a fundamentally new medium with unmatched longevity and density[2][4]. The timing is critical as costs of DNA synthesis and sequencing are rapidly declining, making commercial DNA data storage increasingly viable[4]. Kern’s work contributes to the broader ecosystem by advancing enzymatic synthesis techniques and participating in industry alliances that aim to standardize and accelerate DNA storage adoption[2][5]. Their technology could reshape data center architectures and reduce the environmental footprint of data storage.
Looking ahead, Kern Systems is poised to scale its enzymatic DNA synthesis platform and expand its market presence as DNA storage moves from research labs to commercial deployment. Key trends shaping their journey include continued cost reductions in DNA synthesis and sequencing, growing enterprise demand for sustainable archival solutions, and increasing industry collaboration to build DNA storage infrastructure[4][5]. As they mature, Kern could become a foundational player in the emerging DNA data storage market, influencing standards and driving adoption across sectors reliant on massive, long-term data retention. Their success will hinge on demonstrating scalable, reliable, and cost-competitive solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing data center workflows.
In sum, Kern Systems exemplifies the cutting edge of *molecular data storage*, transforming DNA from a biological molecule into a revolutionary medium for the digital age.
Key people at Kern Systems.
Kern Systems was founded in 2019 by Henry Lee (Founder).
