In 1996, Iceland's deCode genomics provided the first push for programs wishing to employ large-scale population genetic studies for precision medicine and public health.

It also significantly influenced the standards by which researchers handle large-scale genomic data and initiated conferences on bioethical issues surrounding genomics.

The success of deCODE, combined with the increased availability of sequencing technologies, brought about a slew of population-scale genome initiatives around the world, one such being the UK's '100k Genome project' whose results were nearly 20% actionable resulting in direct healthcare benefits for participants. 

In India, the IndiGen initiative provided insights into the context of many treatable genetic illnesses and also the effectiveness and toxicity profile of medications. 

The GenomeIndia effort is working on a broader endeavour to sequence 10,000 complete genomes from various demographic groupings.