Noor Siddiqui

Noor Siddiqui is the founder of Orchid, a company that sequences embryos’ whole genomes for genetic screening. She spoke at TED2026 about embryo screening and answered audience questions during the closing Q&A.

Whole-Genome Embryo Screening Can Reveal Risks Standard IVF Tests Miss

Noor Siddiqui argues that whole-genome sequencing can give parents using IVF information about embryo health risks that standard tests leave unread. Her company, Orchid, uses the technology to help parents choose among embryos; Siddiqui says this could reduce the risk of serious inherited disease. In her talk, she also discusses traits such as endurance and bone density, while leaving open where society should draw the line between disease screening and selecting for other characteristics.

TEDOct 29, 20265 min read