The “International Solanaceae Genome Project (SOL): Systems Approach to Diversity and Adaptation” was initiated in November 2003. The goal of this grassroots project are to establish a network of information, resources and scientists to tackle two of the most significant questions in plant biology and agriculture: 1- How can a common set of genes/proteins give rise to a wide range of morphologically and ecologically distinct organisms that occupy our planet? 2- How a deeper understanding of genetic basis of plant diversity can be harnessed to better meet the needs of society in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable manner? The Solanaceae family is ideally suited to address both of these questions. It includes more than 3000 species adapted to a whole range of habitat and climate. Solanaceae crops have been intensively selected by man, allowing their use as models to study the evolutionary interface between plants and people. The unique and ancient mode of conservation of genome organization at the macro and micro levels, makes the family a unique subject to explore the basis of phenotypic diversity, evolution of gene function and adaptation to natural and agricultural environments. In this overview I will describe the start of common journey of scientists from 30 different countries into unexplored biodiversity