Silicon Valley’s wealthy are using genetic testing to create a ‘smarter’ generation

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), tech leaders in Silicon Valley are actively investing in creating a “smarter” generation using advanced genetic testing and embryo selection methods.

Some tech company executives are reportedly paying up to $50,000 for services that predict the IQ levels of their future children.

IQ testing services for embryos

Startups like Nucleus Genomics and Herasight offer genetic testing services for embryos, with costs ranging from $6,000 to $50,000.

These tests predict not only disease risks but also potential intelligence levels. The report emphasizes that the demand for such services is rapidly increasing.

“IQ is loved in Silicon Valley,” said Kian Sadeghi, the founder of Nucleus Genomics.

The report cites the example of an engineer couple in San Francisco who created a complex scoring system that considers disease risks and estimated IQ to select the “optimal” embryo.

Their daughter was reportedly born from the embryo that ranked third highest in estimated intelligence but was at the top in the overall score.

“The wealthy are creating a genetic super-caste”

Henk Greely, Director of the Center for Law and the Biosciences at Stanford University, commented on the issue, saying, “This is a great science fiction scenario: The wealthy are creating a genetic super-caste that will take over.”

However, The Wall Street Journal notes that in an environment where even kindergartens demand IQ tests and openness to new technologies is extremely high, such ethical dilemmas are often overlooked.

Genetic precaution against the AI threat

According to the newspaper, the most radical motivation is exhibited by a group known as “rationalists.”

This community, composed of a group of scientists from Berkeley, views genetic enhancement as a defense against the threat of artificial intelligence.

According to Benson-Tilsen, co-founder of the Berkeley Genomics Project, people with more advanced intelligence could find ways to ensure artificial intelligence operates in alignment with human values or convince others not to create it at all.