The VinTech technology development company’s Institute of Big Data announced on Thursday that it will start a US$4.5 million project to build Vietnamese genome data next year. The project, “Building the Database of Genetic Variations of the Vietnamese”, will decode the genomes of 1,000 people to generate mass data for local and foreign researchers.

It will run for five years starting in 2019, divided into two phases.

In the first phase, which will last three years, scientists will collect samples from 1,000 Vietnamese participants, and then co-operate with partners from the US, Germany, Singapore and Japan to decode and analyse the genomes to build a database of genetic variations in the Vietnamese population.

From this database, scientists will create genetic variation panels for reference and correlation research on the whole genetic system, genetic diseases and pharmacogenomics.

Vingroup will invest in modern analysis systems as well as big data storage systems to meet the needs of hundreds of Terabytes of storage due to the large amount of information generated in the decoding process.

In the second phase, the project will focus on correlation research on the whole genetic system to develop testing methods for certain genetic diseases as well as negative reactions to medicine.

Human genome analysis has an impact on a variety of areas, including medicine, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and anthropology. Gene studies will aid the early treatment of some diseases and develop treatment methods suitable for each individual. VinTech is an affiliate of Viet Nam’s leading conglomerate, Vingroup. It researches and acquires licences from Vietnamese organisations to bring initiatives and technologies to life. — VNS