Grow Everything Biotech Podcast

62. Microbes, Memes and Missions to Mars: John Cumbers' Wild Synbio World

Feb 2, 2024

58:19

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 biotech, such as AI and decentralized science, and how they are creating new possibilities and challenges. He also tells his story, from working at NASA to founding SynBioBeta, and how he envisions a future where biology and technology create amazing solutions for humanity.

Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?

Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything

Topics Covered:

00:00:00 - Exploring Global Biotech Innovations: Focus on Saudi Arabia
00:01:57 - Overcoming Hurdles in Global Biotech Projects
00:03:35 - Visioning the Future: Sustainable Biotech Solutions Worldwide
00:04:17 - Spotlight on Africa: Biotech's Role in Sustainable Development
00:05:24 - Strategic Moves: Shaping the Future of Biotech Startups
00:07:38 - Exclusive: John Cumbers on Pioneering Biotech Advancements
00:18:52 - Decentralizing Science: The Rise of DAOs in Biotech
00:22:44 - Beyond Earth: The Nexus of Space Exploration and Biology
00:29:44 - A Glimpse into the Future: AI Meets Synthetic Biology
00:34:03 - Rethinking Synthetic Biology: A Lively Debate
00:37:26 - Safeguarding the Future: Biotech in National Security
00:40:05 - Competing on a Global Stage: Insights into Biotech Ecosystems
00:47:25 - Launching New Ventures: The Evolution of Biological Enlightenment Studios
00:50:15 - Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways from Our Discussion with John Cumbers

Episode Links:

Get $300 off Synbiobeta tickets (May 6-9 in San Jose, CA) using promo code: Grow Everything
Saudi Arabia National Biotech Strategy (news)
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi (website)
The Line by NEOM in Saudia Arabia (website)
Synbiobeta Investor Report 2024 (website)
BetaSpace on the Moon 2030 (website)
Neoplants (website)
Biofabricate (website)
Light Bio (website)
Molecule DAO (website)
Valley DAO (website)
Athena DAO (website)
Hair DAO (website)
Vita DAO (website)
Paul Stamets (wikipedia)
Martine Rothblatt (wikipedia)
Craig Venter (wikipedia)
Sang Yup Lee (website)
Drew Barry Central Dogma (video)
National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (website)
Ailurus (website)
Lantern Bio oral microbiome company (website)
Synthetic Biology by Vantage Films (video)
Polybion x Ganni (story)