Episode Description: Karl and Erum discuss the state of health and technology with Laura Minquini of AthenaDAO, focusing on advancements in women's health research and quantum computing. Be sure to tune in to this conversation to hear about the importance of reproductive longevity, the challenges faced in women's health research, and the role of decentralized science. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the...

Episode Description: Karl and Erum welcome Tony Kulesa, an engineer, investor, and entrepreneur in biotech. He’s sharing his insights on the future of biotechnology, discussing how advancements in reading and writing biology are driving significant changes in the field. Tony recounts his journey from academia to founding Petri, an incubator for biotech startups, and later integrating it into Pillar VC to support a global community of scientist-entrepreneurs. Tony emphasizes the importance...

Episode Description: Karl and Erum bring you the latest innovations highlighted at SynbioBeta 2024, focusing on the exciting intersection of AI and biotechnology. Hear about the groundbreaking work from the ARC Institute in whole genome sequencing and the newest advancements in AI-driven protein synthesis that are set to change the landscape of synthetic biology. They also touch on the potential of bioluminescent plants and the latest progress in space biomanufacturing. With expert insights...

Episode Description: Elliot Hershberg, a computational biologist, writer, and investor, joins Karl and Erum to explore the fascinating intersection of technology, biology, and philosophy. ​They explore the power of technology-based newsletters, the economics of fermentation, the role of AI in biology, and the future of biotech. The conversation raises thought-provoking questions about data reliability in AI-driven platforms and the need for cautious optimism in embracing new technologies....

Episode Description: Karl and Erum welcome Orr Yarkoni, CEO and co-founder of Colorifix. He gives us a deep look into the innovative realm of biotech and sustainable dyeing practices happening at Colorifix and the impact of conventional dyeing processes on the environment. Orr introduces a groundbreaking approach that utilizes genetically modified microorganisms to produce and fix dyes directly onto fabrics, highlighting significant reductions in water, chemical use, and energy consumption...

Episode Description: Erum and Karl welcome renowned environmentalist, Murali Muthuswamy. He is the founder and chairman of Jananom Private Limited, founder of Elive Biotherapeutics USA, and advisor to Natural Nutrition. Murali explains the urgent and complex challenges of sustainable development. He also talks about the intricate balance required to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future. Exploring innovative solutions, Murali shines a light on groundbreaking...

Episode Description: Today’s interview is with Joe Landolina, the CEO and Co-founder of Cresilon, Inc. Karl, Erum, and Joe discuss the untapped potential of animal health markets and innovative cancer treatments. Joe shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding Cresilon, Inc. in his NYU dorm to developing Vetigel, a revolutionary product designed to rapidly halt bleeding in both animals and potentially humans. Their conversation not only highlights the critical role of biotech...

Episode Description: Elizabeth Reynolds, Managing Director of Starburst Aerospace’s US business, takes us into the fascinating intersection of space exploration and biotechnology, discussing how advancements in space can propel innovations on Earth. Elizabeth explains the challenges of sustaining human life during long-duration space missions and the crucial role of biotech in creating self-sustaining environments for astronauts. From manufacturing pharmaceuticals in microgravity to...

Episode Description: Karl and Erum are diving into the world of Squitex, an innovative fabric born from the unique properties of squid teeth, with Melik Demirel, co-founder of Tandem Repeat and Huck endowed chair professor at Penn State. Melik shares his journey from exploring the depths of protein science to pioneering a sustainable solution that stands to revolutionize the textile industry. As they unpack the creation and potential of Squitex, Melik's insights illuminate the intersections...

Episode Description: Karl and Erum take us into the nuanced world of networking within the biotech industry. They provide a fascinating look at the dos and don'ts of networking, illustrated through Erum's candid sharing of a cringeworthy recent networking event experience. Beyond just the mechanics, Karl and Erum explain the importance of offering value and the art of making meaningful connections. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this masterclass will equip...

Episode Description: Jackie Amable, CEO and co-founder of Matereal, shares her groundbreaking journey in revolutionizing the materials industry through sustainable innovation. She takes us right into the heart of environmental justice and technological advancements by laying out the story behind her venture into developing eco-friendly alternatives to harmful plastics. From her collaborative efforts to the profound impact on global supply chains, Jackie’s experiences and knowledge not only...

Episode Description: Today we are discussing the innovative intersection of synthetic biology and blockchain technology with Albert Anis, the visionary behind ValleyDAO. Anis shares his ambitious dream of creating a bioeconomy that is not owned by any single entity but is collectively governed by a community. Through the lens of ValleyDAO, we explore how decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) can fund, support, and propel scientific research in biotechnology, bringing it closer to...

Episode Description: Dr. Tara Shirvani shares her rich knowledge about the transformative power of synthetic biology across various sectors, far beyond its roots in pharmaceuticals. With a passionate discussion ranging from the potential of algae biofuels to the innovative approaches towards addressing the climate crisis, Tara paints a vivid picture of a future where synthetic biology plays a crucial role in creating sustainable solutions for some of our planet's most pressing challenges....

Episode Description: Ross McBee, co-founder and CSO of TomTex, takes us into the innovative world of biomaterials, showcasing his commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly solutions. By turning waste shrimp shells into versatile, biodegradable materials, McBee is not just proposing an alternative to traditional textiles but is pioneering a future where fashion and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. This discussion zeros in on the potential of biomaterials to reshape industries,...

Episode Description: Edward Shenderovich, a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary in the biomanufacturing space, takes us through his journey into the heart of biotechnology and its potential to reshape industries. Edward discusses the inception of Synonym and its mission to revolutionize biomanufacturing by creating a cloud infrastructure that accelerates the path towards sustainable and profitable production. Through a conversation that spans entrepreneurship, the complexities of biology,...

Episode Description: Julia Marsh of Sway discusses the revolutionary potential of seaweed in addressing the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. With a focus on sustainable packaging solutions, Marsh highlights how Sway leverages the natural properties of seaweed to create compostable, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic. Through a blend of innovation, environmental stewardship, and a deep understanding of the ocean's resources, Marsh shares her vision for a future where...

Episode Description: Imagine a world where you could store all the data ever created in a drop of water. Sounds impossible, right? But that's exactly what Kyle Tomek, the visionary behind DNA data storage, is working on. In this episode, we have the privilege of talking to Tomek about his groundbreaking technology that could revolutionize how we preserve and access information. Tomek tells us how he and his team at DNALi are able to encode digital data into the building blocks of life,...

Episode Description: How can biotechnology transform the world and beyond? That's the question that John Cumbers, a biotech visionary and entrepreneur, explores in this episode of the podcast. He reveals how biotechnology is merging with other sectors, such as space exploration, and how synthetic biology is reshaping the future. He also discusses how biotech can help solve global problems, from environmental to health issues. He shares his insights on the latest trends and innovations in...

Episode Description: Karl and Erum explore the pioneering world of biomaterials through the lens of the Biofabricate 2024 conference. Karl shares his insights from a decade of witnessing the growth and evolution of this sector, emphasizing the significant environmental impact of the fashion industry and the transformative potential of biotech solutions. As the duo discusses the conference's highlights, we encounter groundbreaking innovations in sustainable fashion, personal care, and...

Episode Description: Karl and Erum join forces with Shilei Zhang from Solar Foods to explore a groundbreaking venture in the realm of sustainable food technology. Zhang introduces an inventive method of producing protein powder directly from carbon dioxide, showcasing a potential game-changer in the fight against climate change. They dive deep into the symbiotic relationship between advanced biotechnology and environmental conservation, underscoring Solar Foods' dedication to reshaping the...

Episode Description: Karl Scmieder and Erum Azeez-Khan welcome Ginger Dosier, an architect-turned-biotech innovator, and the co-founder of Biomason, to the Grow Everything podcast. With a rich background that intertwines experiences at NASA and a deep passion for sustainable building materials, Ginger shares her groundbreaking work in developing biofabricated bricks. This revolutionary approach to construction not only challenges traditional methods but also introduces a sustainable and...

Episode Description: Karl and Erum, discuss the nuances of India's biotech scene, highlighting its innovative ventures and the unique challenges they face. They uncover insights from key players in the industry and discusses the global implications of India's biotech advancements. They shed light on the fascinating concept of 'Juggad' – a creative problem-solving approach prevalent in Indian startups. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology,...

Join Karl and Erum on the latest episode of Grow Everything as they explore the intersection of climate tech and biotech with Kristin Ellis of Lowercarbon Capital. From discussing the impact of biotech in the media to the future of climate tech and its impact on the job market, this episode covers a wide range of exciting topics. Tune in to hear about the failures of overcomplicating blood-based diagnostics, the key factors in being a strong team, and what VCs look for when investing in...

Episode Description: We reflect on our first year of podcasting and share some of the things we learned, enjoyed, and appreciated about biotech. We discuss some of the themes and topics that emerged from our conversations with biotech leaders, such as the complexity and diversity of biology, the challenges and opportunities of scaling bioproduction, and the importance of radical thinking and innovation. We also highlight some of our favorite episodes and guests, and thank our listeners for...

Welcome to this weeks recap of Grow Everything, where we take a deep dive into the fascinating world of soil health and the incredible power of engineering organisms. Karl and Erum are joined by the amazing Nicole Richards, a 28-year veteran in the chemical space and CEO of Allonnia. Nicole shares her valuable insights on how biology can be harnessed to solve some of our biggest challenges and transform waste into valuable resources. We discuss the exciting new lab in Brooklyn, which has been...