Biotech Pioneer Colossal Biosciences Unveils 'Modern Noah's Ark' in Partnership with UAE
The innovative biotech company that achieved the groundbreaking de-extinction of the dire wolf has now revealed plans for a revolutionary 'modern-day Noah's Ark' initiative. This ambitious project is designed to protect the world's most endangered and vulnerable species from the brink of disappearance. Colossal Biosciences, based in Dallas, made a significant announcement on Tuesday regarding a strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Dubai to Host World Preservation Lab with Advanced BioVault
This collaboration will establish a state-of-the-art World Preservation Lab in Dubai, which will house a specialised BioVault. The facility aims to securely store tissue samples from an initial selection of 100 species, with plans to expand dramatically in the future. The selection process for these species will be meticulously guided by key conservation criteria and expert advice from partners and global authorities, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The core function of the BioVault will be to preserve cryogenically frozen genetic material from a diverse range of species. This approach is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity, which is essential for the health and resilience of ecosystems. Colossal has detailed that the entire facility will be managed utilising cutting-edge advanced robotics and artificial intelligence systems. These technologies will enable precise, continuous monitoring and management of the invaluable genetic samples.
Ambitious Scale and Urgent Mission Against Extinction
The company's long-term vision is extraordinarily ambitious. Colossal Biosciences aims to eventually safeguard over one million individual samples representing more than 10,000 different species within the BioVault network. This initiative comes as a direct response to the alarming scientific projections suggesting that nearly half of all species could face extinction by the year 2050. The BioVault is conceived as a critical genetic repository that could provide the necessary tools not only to preserve currently endangered animals but also to potentially resurrect species that have already been lost.
Ben Lamm, Co-founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, emphasised the urgency of the situation. 'We are losing species at an alarming rate, and the world urgently needs a distributed network of global BioVaults – a true backup plan for life on Earth,' Lamm stated. He further elaborated on the project's symbolism, noting, 'Colossal is now creating the world's first Colossal BioVault: an unprecedented global resource, a modern-day Noah's Ark for protecting and restoring life on our planet.'
Building on a Legacy of De-Extinction Breakthroughs
Colossal Biosciences first captured global headlines in April 2025 with its historic announcement of the first successful de-extinction of an animal species: the dire wolf. The company successfully birthed three dire wolf pups, named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi. This achievement paid homage to the legendary creature popularised by the HBO series Game of Thrones, while reviving a species that once roamed the Americas before vanishing approximately 12,000 years ago.
The scientific process was a marvel of modern genetics. Researchers extracted DNA from ancient fossilised remains, including a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull. This genetic material was then combined with the code of the gray wolf, the dire wolf's closest living relative. Using somatic cell nuclear transfer techniques, high-quality cell lines were cloned and developed into embryos, which were subsequently transferred to a surrogate. The result was the birth of three healthy dire wolf pups in October 2024.
Substantial Funding and a Commitment to the Future
Matt James, Colossal's Chief Animal Officer, framed the new BioVault project within this context of innovation. 'The BioVault is our commitment to safeguard the present diversity of life and our promise to secure a resilient future,' he said. The conservation biotechnology partnership with the UAE is supported by a substantial nine-figure funding effort. In a significant financial commitment, the UAE has also directed $60 billion to Colossal through an investment spearheaded by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This injection of capital brings Colossal's total funding to an impressive $615 million, underscoring the serious financial and institutional backing behind this visionary endeavour to preserve Earth's biodiversity for generations to come.
