This Week in Startups
Next Unicorns: Manufacturing pharma drugs in space with Varda’s Delian Asparouhov | E1793
Aug 16, 2023
Delian Asparouhov, co-founder and president of Varda, dives into the thrilling concept of manufacturing pharmaceuticals in space, emphasizing its potential and the technological advancements driving this frontier. He discusses the shifting culture in Silicon Valley towards defense collaborations and venture capital dynamics. Maret Thatcher, CEO of Argyle, shares insights on leveraging augmented reality to revolutionize construction project management, highlighting its impact on efficiency and team communication. The conversation is a fascinating blend of innovation, challenges, and the future of tech in manufacturing.
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Quick takeaways
- Varda aims to manufacture pharmaceutical drugs in space to create new forms of drugs and generate significant revenue.
- Varda has formed partnerships with the Department of Defense (DOD) for testing missile systems and is exploring government interest in pharmaceutical manufacturing in space.
Deep dives
Focus on pharmaceuticals as the initial commodity
Varda is starting with pharmaceuticals as the main focus for its in-space manufacturing trading post. By manufacturing drugs in space, Varda aims to take advantage of the unique conditions in microgravity to create new forms of drugs that can improve patient experiences and generate significant revenue. The company has already conducted successful experiments and has received interest from top pharmaceutical companies.
