Accuracy – Twice the accuracy

The data from our first iteration of this technology, the Ion 314 chip, is already very accurate, but we want to make it better and we want to do it fast. To do that, we need to find the best possible algorithm. This challenge is simple: double our internal accuracy record at the time of submission. For example, if we are producing 53 million bases at a given accuracy, the challenge would be to produce 53 million bases at twice that accuracy at the same or better analysis time and using the same server configuration as the Ion product uses.


The unique thing about this challenge is that it’s purely a software challenge. To win, it’s not really necessary for the programmer to know anything about biology or to have access to an Ion PGM sequencer. Any programmer, anywhere in the world can compete and win.


Resources available uniquely for the Accuracy Challenge.

  • Developer Starter Pack - Downloadable Small Training Set representing small slices of chip data including raw, summarized, and “Truth" base call data.
  • Downloadable VM-ware image of the Ubuntu computing environment, including PostgreDB, Apache web server, Sun Grid Engine, and the R statistical package. Also included is a tool to measure the accuracy performance of an output FASTQ file and generate a Torrent Server Report for submission to InnoCentive .
  • Cloud-based Ubuntu computing environment (with identical technical specs listed above for the VM-ware) that contains Large Training Set including raw, summarized and “Truth” base call data (exact data defined quarterly).

 

Submission Details

A successful entry to the Accuracy Challenge will include:

  • TSR from solver modified Torrent Suite from Large Training Set
  • Solver must submit a written, human readable document describing their algorithmic approach.
  • Access to run the method – Either 1) upload executables & documentation representing differences in Torrent Suite or 2) grant Life Tech access to a cloud image running the method.  As part of the submission process, the solver must provide instructions on how to access their method.
  • Solvers need to be prepared to submit the source code of their method to InnoCentive prior to GCE so it can be independently compiled & tested.


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All submitted protocols will be evaluated by InnoCentive to determine if the solution is valid and reasonable. Solvers will viable solutions that exceed the 2X performance threshold will be invited to a Life Grand Challenge Event, which will be scheduled at a date/time and neutral location determined by Life Technologies. Attendance at the in-person event is mandatory in order to win the $1M prize. Solvers will be asked to demonstrate their solution before a panel of world-renowned scientists.