NatSec Tech Episode 75: Dr. Eric Schmidt on AI, Biotech, and Global Competition
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Apr 16, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google and chair of the Special Competitive Studies Project, dives into the fascinating convergence of AI and biotechnology. He highlights how AI is revolutionizing drug discovery, making processes faster and more efficient. The conversation also tackles the fierce competition between U.S. and Chinese tech industries, emphasizing the need for better funding in science. Additionally, Schmidt discusses the ethical implications of AI in healthcare and the importance of data integrity in preserving national security.
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Scaling Challenges in AI-Biotech
- AI and biotechnology face a "valley of death" in scaling innovations from startups to large-scale useful applications.
- The core challenge is building both scientific and infrastructure scale to advance biotech effectively with AI support.
AI-Robotic Labs in Drug Discovery
- Eric Schmidt funds a group using AI to generate hypotheses for drug candidates tested overnight by robotic labs.
- This approach marks the future of AI-wet lab fusion to accelerate drug discovery and biology research.
AI Is Underhyped Despite Media
- AI integration in research is widespread, with nearly all graduate projects using AI tools now.
- Eric Schmidt sees AI as underhyped despite vast media coverage and proliferation in academia and science.
