DNAstack, a Canadian software company specialising in cloud-based platforms for genomics, bioinformatics and AI-powered health research, has partnered with American biotechnology company PacBio to power a global federated dataset of HiFi whole genome sequencing data.
“HiFi whole genome sequencing delivers the accuracy and completeness required to confidently detect even the most challenging variants,” said PacBio president and CEO Christian Henry.
“By partnering with DNAstack, we are extending the power of HiFi sequencing beyond individual institutions — enabling secure, federated analysis at global scale while maintaining local data control. This combination of technological precision and international collaboration strengthens variant interpretation and accelerates discoveries for patients with rare disease,” he said.
HiFi sequencing’s high accuracy and ability to resolve complex genomic regions support researchers in detecting disease-causing variants. When combined with federated data sharing, HiFi sequencing enables interpretation of rare variants within a broader global context.
The collaboration enables secure international research and the protection of sensitive information as genomic insights cross borders. Using the platform, researchers can query harmonised datasets across institutions without centralising protected data.
“Genome sequencing can help deliver answers to patients who need it most — but only if we can learn from global datasets while protecting participants’ privacy,” said DNAstack CEO Marc Fiume. “This partnership is proving the value of securely connecting leading hospitals and research centres around the world without moving sensitive data.
Nearly 30 clinical and research institutions are participating across 15 countries within North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and East and Southeast Asia. Collectively, members have connected or committed to connect over 10,000 HiFi whole genome sequences.
“For rare disease genomic analysis, accuracy and completeness are essential,” said HiFi Solves Global Consortium member Dr Eric Vilain, UC Irvine School of Medicine. “Taking advantage of the consortium’s federated model, we can securely filter variants and interpret findings in the context of a diverse global dataset while maintaining full control of patient data — ultimately delivering clearer answers to families faster and with greater confidence.”
