Colossal Biosciences to Build World’s Largest Genetic Biovault in Dubai

On February 3, 2026, Colossal Biosciences announced plans to build the world’s largest genetic biovault at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, United Arab Emirates — a facility designed to collect and store biological samples from more than 10,000 species facing the threat of extinction.

The announcement comes as scientists warn that approximately 30% of known species could go extinct by 2050, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Colossal’s biovault is built around a compelling premise: even if a species vanishes from the wild, preserved DNA could allow scientists to one day bring it back.

The biovault is expected to open in 2027. It will initially focus on the world’s 100 most at-risk species, including the snow leopard, savanna elephant, great white shark, and white rhino. Colossal is partnering with 75 organizations to collect samples from wild animals across the globe. Once gathered, samples will be analyzed in an on-site laboratory, catalogued in a digital library, and stored in freezers at temperatures as low as -320°F.

“We are losing species at an alarming rate,” said Ben Lamm, CEO and cofounder of Colossal Biosciences. “The world urgently needs . . . a true backup plan.”

While other biorepositories exist — including a project at the San Diego Zoo — Colossal’s biovault will be the largest of its kind and will make its data accessible to researchers worldwide. Visitors to the Museum of the Future will also have a direct window into the science, with the ability to observe researchers at work.

Matt James, Colossal’s chief animal officer, described an ambitious pace for building the collection. “Ten thousand species is our aspirational goal,” James said. “We will chase that by adding several hundred [species] per year.”