What if a simple blood test could detect any cancer early, when it was still easy to treat? It sounds like science fiction. But Illumina, the $24 billion (market cap) biotechnology company that has pioneered cheap, efficient sequencing of DNA, says it could be a reality in a few years. It is launching a new startup, GRAIL (because such a test would be a holy grail for cancer doctors), with $100 million in funding. Illumina will hold a majority share. Other backers include Sutter Hill Ventures, ARCH Ventures, Jeff Bezos’ Bezos Expeditions, and Bill Gates. The startup could have vast medical, economic, and societal implications – if the technology really works.

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