No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Technology | Startups How AI Will Accelerate Breakthroughs in Biotechnology with Benchling CEO Sajith Wickramasekara
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Nov 13, 2025 
Sajith Wickramasekara, co-founder and CEO of Benchling, dives deep into the intersection of AI and biotechnology. He discusses how AI agents can drastically reduce the time and cost of drug development. Sajith addresses the current state of biotech, likening it to a dot-com bust, and highlights China's rapid advancement in the pharma sector. He also shares insights on interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists and technologists, the importance of AI in improving molecule quality, and the necessity for trust in AI systems.
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System Of Record For Biotech R&D
- Benchling centralizes scientific R&D data to make experiments, molecules, and results searchable and reusable.
- Sajith says structured data across labs powers faster decisions and collaboration for biotech teams.
Biotech Entered A Trough Of Disillusionment
- Biotech recently experienced a dot-com–like bust after a COVID-era funding peak and hype around new modalities.
- Sajith notes scientific promise remains but commercialization has been slower and costlier than expected.
China Competes On Speed And Cost
- China is rising as a major biotech player by delivering early clinical candidates faster and cheaper.
- Sajith describes top pharma increasingly acquiring Chinese molecules for global programs.