The Novan genetic program consists of multigenerational projects to enhance specific aspects of the Novan genome. These projects occur in the following phases:

• Target acquisition--where the beneficial aspect is identified, either in another species or through embryonic modification.
• Lab and simulation analysis--To isolate the geneset responsible
• Human trials--Introduce gene change to clanless class (including prior clones).
• Limited Novan trials--Introduce to the appropriate clans, based on appropriate caste for the identified aspect. This typically includes germ-line modification to make dna changes in all offspring.

Some genetic changes are introduced to the entire Novan population, but these are rare. Most genetic programs are financed by the leading clans of a Novan caste, for the benefit of that caste only.

Each caste controls the quality of their genetic program, and can decide whether to cull unacceptable stock. There is no Novan-wide program to determine this. Most of these are culled in-vitro. Those who are not, my become part of the clanless - those without family ties. Clanless are the lowest caste, used for military frontlines, grunt work, and genetic experimentation.