On 26 May 2026, members of the European Innovation Council (EIC) DigNA Portfolio gathered in Rome, Italy, for an in-person meeting held ahead of the Storage and Computing with DNA Conference (SCDNA26). The event brought together representatives from several pioneering projects, including PEARL-DNA, to exchange updates, discuss progress, and strengthen collaboration across the rapidly evolving fields of DNA data storage and molecular computing.
The meeting opened with a welcome address and portfolio overview from Isabel Obieta Vilallonga, EIC Programme Manager and a key driving force behind the DigNA Portfolio. During her introduction, she highlighted the significant advances achieved across the portfolio and emphasised the importance of connecting projects that address complementary scientific and technological challenges in DNA-based information technologies.
As part of the DigNA Portfolio, PEARL-DNA contributes to this shared European effort by advancing innovative approaches for DNA data storage, supporting the broader ambition to develop sustainable, scalable and high-performance solutions for future data challenges. Alongside other portfolio projects, PEARL-DNA benefits from a collaborative framework that encourages knowledge exchange, alignment and cross-fertilisation between different research teams and technological approaches.
Reflecting on the portfolio’s progress, Isabel Obieta Vilallonga underlined the value of fostering synergies between projects and creating opportunities for researchers, innovators and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and align future research directions. The portfolio approach enables projects such as PEARL-DNA to learn from complementary initiatives, identify common challenges and contribute to a more coherent European innovation ecosystem in DNA data storage and molecular computing.
Asked about the importance of SCDNA26 for the community, she highlighted the conference as a unique gathering point for experts working at the intersection of biotechnology, information technology, chemistry, physics and computer science. The event provides an essential platform for presenting new results, discussing emerging trends and strengthening international collaborations that will shape the future of DNA data storage and molecular computing.
She also emphasised that the field is entering an exciting phase, with growing scientific maturity, increasing industrial interest and expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Conferences such as SCDNA26 play a crucial role in connecting researchers, innovators, policymakers and funding organisations, helping to build the ecosystem needed to advance these disruptive technologies towards real-world deployment.
For PEARL-DNA, participation in the DigNA Portfolio Meeting and SCDNA26 represents an important opportunity to position its research within the wider European and international landscape, contribute to strategic discussions, and engage with the community working to transform DNA-based technologies into practical solutions for future information storage.