Sequencing the genomes of the 100 Over 100 presented an unprecedented opportunity to identify those "rare genes" that protect against diseases, while giving researchers valuable clues to health and longevity.

Although the contest is cancelled, the X PRIZE foundation collected blood samples and created cell-lines to preserve the DNA from more than 100 centenarians.

The only two pre-registered teams were Ion Torrent in Guilford, CT and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering in Boston, MA.

This global competition was expected to inspire breakthrough genome sequencing innovations and technologies that would usher in a new era of personalized medicine.

The evaluation phase of the competition was officially set to begin on September 5, 2013, and conclude 30 days later on October 5, but was canceled August 22, 2013 because it was "outpaced by innovation".