Design and assemble DNA
Build plasmids and larger constructs with sequence editing, annotations, primers, overlaps, restriction analysis, Gibson assembly, and Golden Gate assembly in the same workspace.
Molecular biology software for work that does not stop at a plasmid map.
DNAForge is a desktop molecular biology workbench that helps scientists design, assemble, analyze, and manage biological systems, from plasmids to genomes, in one workspace.
- Started
- April 2026
- Based in
- San Francisco
- Platforms
- macOS + Windows
- Stage
- Public beta
01Biological files
02Scientific context
03Human + agent actions
04Exportable records
What DNAForge does
Analyze sequences, proteins, and NGS data
Move from nucleotide sequence to translated proteins, structures, alignments, read coverage, and variants without separating the design from the evidence used to check it.
Manage inventory and protocols
Connect physical samples, biological objects, notebooks, and protocols so a design keeps the context needed to find it, repeat it, and hand it to another scientist.
Work with AI agents
Use hosted agents or connect Claude and Codex. Agents work through the same biological tools and editable files as the scientist, so their actions stay visible and reviewable.
What makes DNAForge different
Difference 1
Local-first on two desktop platforms
DNAForge runs on macOS and Windows, and its core workspace files stay local and easy to export. That is a different starting point from Benchling, which describes its product as a cloud-based R&D platform, and LatchBio, which centers cloud data and compute.
Difference 2
Six connected layers of biology work
The product covers genomes, proteins, assemblies, -omics, inventory, and protocols. SnapGene focuses on cloning and sequence work, while LatchBio focuses on cloud bioinformatics workflows; DNAForge keeps design, evidence, and lab context in one workspace.
Difference 3
One tool surface for people and agents
Scientists and agents use the same underlying actions instead of handing work between a chat window and a separate scientific system. DNAForge currently supports two external agent routes—Claude and Codex—alongside hosted agents.
Difference 4
Files remain inspectable and portable
The desktop app works with ordinary scientific files and keeps agent actions visible while they happen. Researchers can inspect the underlying artifact, correct the work, and export it instead of accepting an answer that only exists in a chat transcript.
Difference 5
A public beta without a sales cycle
DNAForge is free to use during the public beta; a free account is required to download it. For comparison, SnapGene lists annual subscriptions starting at $350 for one academic user and $1,845 for one corporate user, while Benchling asks commercial teams to configure a custom solution.
Who uses DNAForge
- Wet-lab scientists designing plasmids, constructs, and genome edits.
- Synthetic biology and genome-engineering teams that need design history and biological context together.
- Molecular biology R&D teams connecting sequences, inventory, protocols, and experimental records.
- Bioinformatics scientists reviewing sequencing evidence beside the biological objects it describes.
- Labs testing AI agents inside an editable scientific workspace instead of a standalone chatbot.
The team behind DNAForge
Hassaan and Peter started DNAForge in April 2026. They combined experience building AI agents with hands-on genome engineering to create a workspace where scientists and agents can work on the same biological artifacts.
Co-founder
Hassaan Qadir
Hassaan leads product and users. He studied computer science at Yale and was a founding engineer at Composite, where he worked on browser agents and evaluation systems.
@hassaanqadir123 on X
Co-founder
Peter Ciaccia
Peter builds the scientific and technical core. He earned his PhD in the Isaacs Lab at Yale after genome-engineering work at the National Institutes of Health.
@peterciaccia on XHow DNAForge works
Step 1
Download and open
Create or sign in to a free account, then install the public beta on macOS or Windows.
Step 2
Bring in real work
Create a project or import existing scientific files, including supported Benchling exports.
Step 3
Work directly or with an agent
Use the visual tools yourself, or connect an agent and review each action in the same workspace.
Step 4
Keep the result
Save and export the resulting files and records. Hosted or collaborative features are opt-in where offered.
Key facts
- Company name
- DNAForge (operated by Humic Labs Incorporated)
- Type
- Desktop-first molecular biology software company
- Founded
- April 2026
- Founders
- Hassaan Qadir and Peter Ciaccia
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, California, United States
- Website
- https://www.dnaforge.com
- Core offering
- A molecular biology workbench for design, assembly, analysis, inventory, protocols, and agent workflows
- Pricing
- Free to use during the public beta
- Contract terms
- No subscription contract is required for the public beta download; the published Terms of Service apply
- Services
- Desktop software, hosted agent workflows where available, product documentation, migration help, onboarding, and beta support
- Communication
- Website and in-app feedback, plus hassaan@dnaforge.com
- Social
- LinkedIn: DNAForge; GitHub: humic-labs; X: @hassaanqadir123 and @peterciaccia
Frequently asked questions
What is DNAForge?
DNAForge is a desktop molecular biology workbench for genome-scale design, assembly, analysis, inventory, protocols, and scientific records. It brings those workflows and AI agents into one editable workspace.
Who is DNAForge for?
DNAForge is for scientists and R&D teams working with DNA, proteins, sequencing data, biological inventory, and protocols. It is especially useful when design work and the evidence around it need to stay connected.
Is DNAForge free?
DNAForge is free to use during the public beta. A free account is required to download it. Future paid, team, enterprise, or hosted offerings may have separate terms and pricing.
Does DNAForge store research data in the cloud?
Core desktop files can stay local. Data leaves the device only when a researcher chooses a workflow that sends it elsewhere under the applicable controls and terms.
How is DNAForge different from Benchling or SnapGene?
DNAForge starts as a local-first desktop workspace, spans six connected areas of biology work, and gives people and AI agents the same scientific tools. Benchling is centered on a cloud R&D platform, while SnapGene is centered on sequence visualization and cloning.
How do I get support or give feedback?
Use the feedback control on the website or in the desktop app, or email hassaan@dnaforge.com. During the beta, users work directly with the founding team.
Work with DNA, not around the software.
Download the public beta for macOS or Windows, or read the product documentation before you start.