Framingham, MA – May 6, 2025 – RootPath, a pioneer in next-generation gene synthesis and synthetic biology solutions, today announced the launch of Megabase Spark, a quarterly initiative aimed at providing impactful but underfunded research projects with free synthetic DNA. Each quarter, RootPath will award up to 500,000 base pairs of its rBlocks™ synthetic DNA to selected researchers. RootPath is committed to giving away a total of 3 million base pairs by the end of 2026, helping to accelerate breakthrough discoveries in biotechnology, medicine, and life sciences. 

With the persistently high cost of gene synthesis often serving as a bottleneck for early-stage research, Megabase Spark is designed to remove barriers and empower scientists to generate the preliminary data needed for larger funding opportunities. Researchers will be invited to submit concise proposals outlining their projects and DNA requirements. A panel of experts will review submissions, prioritizing projects with high scientific potential but limited financial resources. 

“Lack of funding shouldn’t stop great ideas from moving forward,” said Dr. Xi Chen, Founder and CEO of RootPath. “With Megabase Spark, we aim to ignite innovation by giving researchers the DNA they need to bring their ideas to life. By supporting the most promising yet underfunded projects, we hope to fuel discoveries that might otherwise go unexplored.” 

The submission deadline for the inaugural cycle of Megabase Spark is June 30, 2025. All entries will be evaluated based on scientific potential, novelty, and the value of DNA synthesis in achieving the stated goals. Shortly after the deadline, a total of five winning proposals will be selected: three based on public engagement through reposts and likes on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and Bluesky, and two based on expert panel review. The inaugural panel of reviewers includes Dr. Tom Ellis from Imperial College London, Dr. Timothy Lu from Senti Biosciences, Dr. Le 

Cong from Stanford University and Sebastian Cocioba from Binomica Labs and New York Botanics. Each winner will receive up to 100,000 base pairs of free DNA synthesis in the form of RootPath’s rBlocks™—complexity-agnostic, high-fidelity (error rate less than 1 in 6,500 bp) dsDNA fragments ideal for various downstream applications such as in vitro transcription and translation, Golden Gate Assembly, and Gibson Assembly. For projects that require cloning or additional DNA to complete, steep discounts may be offered on a case-by-case basis. 

The program will run quarterly, providing recurring opportunities for creative, high-impact science to move forward regardless of funding status. Winners who publicly share data obtained with the awarded DNA constructs and generate public excitement are eligible to receive additional support from RootPath to further advance their projects. Megabase Spark is one more way RootPath is committed to advancing synthetic biology and democratizing access to the most powerful gene synthesis technologies available.  

For more information on Megabase Spark and submission guidelines, visit www.rootpath.com/spark .