PALO ALTO, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Jan 8, 2009 --

 
What:  As 2009 begins, new developments and investments merging genomics
       and informatics suggest that Silicon Valley could be in position to
       drive the next technology boom.  Can Silicon Valley resources and
       investment cultivate and leverage a new economy forming around
       genome computing?  A panel of Silicon Valley players, innovators,
       and investors in new genomic-based business models will explore the
       current state of genome computing and how and why Silicon Valley
       could become the nexus of its development.

       Genome Computing is shorthand for the integration of Genomics and
       Informatics. To identify and use DNA to affect personalized medicine
       requires both specialized hardware and software. Understanding two
       key problems is recognizing the opportunity for Silicon Valley:

       --  How to "get the information" - DNA sequencing
       --  How to "use the information" - Diagnostics based on DNA
           sequencing to identify and treat disease and manage health
           issues

       Genome Computing delivers a personalized, predictive and preventive
       approach to healthcare through DNA awareness, enabling delivery of
       the right treatment to the right patient at the right time.

       The meaning and practice of personalized, genome-based medicine; the
       global competitive landscape; the right alliances in Silicon Valley;
       legal challenges; and the economic promise -- will be presented in
       an evening designed to create awareness around the possibilities for
       Silicon Valley to realize new prosperity through genome computing.


When:  Thursday, January 22, 2009 6-8:30 pm PT
       Registration: 06:00 PM
       Program: 07:00 PM


Who:   Panelists include:
       --  Linda Avey, co-founder 23andMe; former executive at Affymetrix
           and Perlegen
       --  Andras Pellionisz, founder, International HoloGenomics Society
           (IHGS); founder, HolGenTech; founder, Helixometry holding; NASA
           scientist; Research Professor, New York University
       --  Dietrich Stephan, founder, Navigenics; founder Amnestix; former
           director of neurogenomics, TGen
       --  Karoly Nikolich, US partner, dievini Hopp biotech holding; CEO
           Amnestix; consulting professor, Stanford University School of
           Medicine; former executive director of the Neuroscience
           Institute at Stanford and research director Genentech


Where: Cabana (formerly Crowne Plaza)
       4290 El Camino Real
       Palo Alto, CA

More:  To register for this program or for more information, visit
       http://www.churchillclub.org.

About The Churchill Club

The Churchill Club is Silicon Valley's premier business and technology forum. The 5,000-member, nonprofit organization has built a reputation for dynamic, in-the-news programs featuring Silicon Valley CEOs, up-and-coming executives and national business leaders. The events regularly draw more than 400 attendees and give members the opportunity to network with the best of Silicon Valley. Visit www.churchillclub.org for more information.

     Media inquiries:
      
     Suzanne Matick
     Gutenberg Communications
     Suzanne@gutenbergpr.com
     408-335-6964