AI Unlocks the Hidden 98% of the Human Genome

Sheba Medical Center, Mount Sinai, and NVIDIA partner to decode the unexplored regions of DNA through advanced AI

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:06pm

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A highly abstract, geometric painting in soft, muted tones depicting the intricate, interconnected structures and forces that make up the human genome, conceptually representing the potential of AI-driven genomic research to reveal new insights and therapeutic possibilities.Cutting-edge AI models are poised to unravel the hidden complexities of the human genome, unlocking new frontiers in personalized medicine.NYC Today

Sheba Medical Center in Israel, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, and NVIDIA have launched a landmark three-year collaboration to harness artificial intelligence and large language models to decode the 98% of the human genome that remains poorly understood. The goal is to unlock new pathways for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment by identifying patterns and regulatory mechanisms that link genetic variation to health.

Why it matters

While only 2% of the human genome has been thoroughly characterized, the remaining 98% contains critical regulatory and functional elements. Decoding this 'dark matter' of the genome could lead to major breakthroughs in personalized medicine and our fundamental understanding of human biology.

The details

The collaboration will create an AI-driven genomic research engine capable of identifying patterns and regulatory mechanisms that link genetic variation to disease risk and therapeutic response. Researchers from Sheba and Mount Sinai will contribute extensive genomic datasets, AI research capabilities, and clinical insights, while NVIDIA will provide advanced computational architecture, AI development platforms, and scientific expertise.

  • The three-year partnership was announced on November 18, 2025.
  • Initial research has already begun, with joint teams from the three institutions laying the foundations for a shared platform.

The players

Sheba Medical Center

The largest and most comprehensive medical center in the Middle East, generating global impact through medical care, research, and healthcare transformation.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

A leading academic medical institution known for its outstanding research, educational, and clinical care programs, and the sole academic partner for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.

NVIDIA

A technology company that provides advanced computational architecture, AI development platforms, and scientific expertise to power the collaboration.

Prof. Gidi Rechavi

Head of the Sheba Cancer Research Center and the Wohl Institute of Translational Medicine, and the initiator of the project.

Dr. Alexander Charney

Director of the Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Vice Chair of the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, and Associate Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

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What they’re saying

“While approximately two percent of the human genome has been thoroughly characterized, the remaining 98 percent, which was once labeled junk DNA, is increasingly recognized as containing critical regulatory and functional elements.”

— Prof. Gidi Rechavi, Head of the Sheba Cancer Research Center and the Wohl Institute of Translational Medicine

“This collaboration is an important step toward a future where every person can benefit from the power of whole genome sequencing. By bringing advanced AI into genomic research, we're moving closer to making personalized, precision medicine a reality for all.”

— Dr. Alexander Charney, Director of the Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Vice Chair of the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, and Associate Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

“AI has the power to unlock the secrets of the human genome and transform health care for billions of people worldwide. The development of a state-of-the-art Genomic Foundation Model (gFM) brings together clinicians, geneticists, bioinformaticians, and AI researchers to tackle one of science's greatest challenges with NVIDIA's full-stack AI platform.”

— Dr. Nati Daniel and Dr. Yoli Shavit, Applied AI Architecture at NVIDIA

What’s next

The initial focus of the collaboration will be on areas of medicine where genetic complexity has long hindered scientific progress. The platform will analyze the interplay of thousands of genomic regions to help researchers identify underlying mechanisms that contribute to disease and uncover potential therapeutic targets.

The takeaway

This landmark partnership between global leaders in healthcare, technology, and research has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the human genome and pave the way for transformative advancements in personalized medicine and disease prevention.