Masters of Scale Rapid Response: The promise and peril of engineering biology, w/Ginkgo Bioworks Reshma Shetty
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Oct 20, 2022 
Reshma Shetty, Co-founder and COO of Ginkgo Bioworks, discusses the pivotal role of synthetic biology in global health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shines a light on how Ginkgo's innovations have driven advancements in mRNA vaccine production. The conversation explores the ethical landscape of biotechnology, emphasizing the necessity for care and responsibility in innovation. Shetty also touches on overcoming biases in hiring, advocating for a more thoughtful approach to talent acquisition amid a high-stakes industry.
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Biotech's Impact
- The pandemic highlighted the power and importance of biotechnology in addressing global challenges.
- It also emphasized the need for careful consideration of its implications and responsible development.
Ginkgo's Pandemic Response
- Ginkgo Bioworks collaborated with Moderna to scale up mRNA vaccine manufacturing during the pandemic.
- This helped address the challenge of producing vaccines at a global scale for the first time.
Biotech's Careful Approach
- Ginkgo Bioworks' approach to biotech in Boston differs from Silicon Valley's "move fast and break things" mentality.
- Engineering biology demands more care and consideration due to its potential impact on life, community, and the environment.