FYI - For Your Innovation

As improbable as it may seem, the metaverse is well under construction, but not in the way it’s been communicated to us in the mainstream. Joining us today to reconstruct all we know about the metaverse and its potential is Herman Narula, the co-founder and CEO of the privately owned metaverse technology company, Improbable. Improbable isn’t necessarily taking a different approach, they’re trying to solve a completely different problem. In this episode, we hear how their aim and approach differ from those of other game developers and the relationship the company has with the traditional gaming sector. Herman describes both the business and discovery model of Improbable’s M2 platform and the extent to which interoperability could be possible. We delve into blockchains and their role in the metaverse, which should fair best in the realm, and how M2 interacts with blockchains. Furthermore, Improbable has partnered with Yuga Labs: “The NFT Company Taking Over the World,” and Herman describes the intention behind it and what the partnership involves, before breaking down how he defines and views NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). Tune in to hear Herman’s thoughts on augmented and virtual reality, why he believes presence is more important than immersion, and discover how Improbable is making value transfer possible! “To me, the metaverse is a collection of related experiences that specifically augment and enhance existing communities [and] real-world culture.” — @HermanNarula Key Points Form This Episode Herman Narula gives an overview of his metaverse tech company, Improbable. How Improbable interacts with game engines but exceeds their usual capabilities. How Improbable’s aim and approach differ from that of other game developers. The convergence of technologies required to solve the gaming problem identified by Improbable. The flexibility and complexity of the platform and the resulting challenges. Why Herman has chosen to make everything as modular as possible for users. The relationship Improbable has with the traditional gaming sector. The industries that are most interested in what the company has to offer. Herman defines the metaverse and explains how the term is being mishandled in the mainstream. The benefit of the metaverse and how it differs from a video game. The benefits of blockchain technology and its role in facilitating value transfer in the metaverse. Improbable’s partnership with Yuga Labs in the NFT space. The predicted time-horizon for the full-functioning of the metaverse. How interoperability works in the M2 context and how Improbable has created a common technical basis between worlds. The biggest hurdles Improbable is currently facing. The business model of the platform and how it differs from existing online platforms. Why Herman prefers to use a link-based discovery model. How the M2 network will operate and how it interacts with blockchains. Herman predicts which blockchains will be most successful in the metaverse. How Herman defines NFTs What makes the M2 platform so appealing, without the need for a network effect. Why Herman considers Improbable and M2 to be powerful in the metaverse space. AR and VR, and the difference between presence and immersion. What Herman’s book, Virtual Reality,

E-commerce is taking the world by storm and today, we are joined by the President of Bukalapak, Teddy Oetomo, to find out how they’re revolutionizing the market in Indonesia. Bukalapak is a publicly traded Indonesian e-commerce company operating as a platform for both online and offline services for smaller retailers. The company partners with mom-and-pop kiosks to make its services easily accessible to customers in a cash-dominant society while enabling these small businesses to increase their revenue. In our conversation with Teddy, we learn more about Bukalapak and the Indonesian e-commerce market, and how the country’s unique socio-economic factors have lent to Bukalapak’s unique e-commerce strategy. We find out how the Indonesian market differs from other markets, and the various customer journeys available with Bukalapak. Teddy fills us in on Bukalapak’s acquisition strategy, financial services, and future plans. Tune in to find out about the nuances of the ever-expanding Indonesian e-commerce market and the versatile approach Bukalapak has adopted to meet the country’s needs. “You need practically a different strategy to tackle this market compared to [the] more commonly adopted global strategy.” — Teddy Oetomo Key Points From This Episode: Teddy Oetomo’s career background and his current role as President of Bukalapak. Indonesia’s recent history in terms of digitization. The socio-economic factors lending to Bukalapak’s unique e-commerce strategy in Indonesia. How the Indonesian market differs from other markets around the world. The nuanced e-commerce customer journey in Indonesia. The role of mom and pop kiosks in Bukalapak’s business model. Bukalapak’s acquisition strategy. The financial services Bukalapak offers, and is working towards. The typical financial services setup for convenience stores in Indonesia. The room for growth Teddy has identified in the financial services sector. The role of Bukalapak as the bridge to financial inclusion and digital transformation. The landscape of social media in Indonesia. Why Bukalapak is avoiding a single-channel strategy. The monetization capabilities of gaming and game items. The greatest challenges Teddy faces as he strives to reach the company’s goals.

Please note: as of 3/31/22, ARK’s clients own greater than 1% of the shares outstanding of Roku Inc. We believe there’s a major shift taking place in the TV ecosystem in terms of people moving from linear (cable) TV to connected (streaming) platforms and it’s only going one direction. The advertising world hasn’t quite caught up; In Roku’s first quarter earnings call, CEO Anthony Wood reiterated that US audiences spend 46% of their TV time on streaming while advertisers spend only 18% of their TV ad budgets on streaming.[1] We believe there is an enormous investment opportunity here, and in today’s episode we are going to be talking about why we believe Roku, the only purpose-built operating system for TVs today, is positioned to be a prime beneficiary of the shift from linear to connected TV. Tune in today to hear our predictions for the next five years, the factors required for our thesis to crystalize, exciting developments taking place at Roku, and more! You can read the full Roku valuation blog here. “The way that we think about Roku in this new digital TV ecosystem is as the new cable box.” — @GrousARK Key Points From This Episode: An overview of what Roku is. How the TV ecosystem has shifted. The drop that we expect to see in the number of households using cable/broadcast (linear TV) in the US in the next five years. The number of households that we expect to be using connected TV (streaming) in the coming years. The mismatch between advertising dollars spent and engagement in the streaming space. A comparison between the amount of advertising dollars spent on connected TV and linear TV. How we predict global and US advertising spending will change in the next few years. Three key variables that our assumptions about Roku’s future depend on. How we expect Roku’s daily hour stream per account metrics to change by 2026. Roku’s approaches to driving revenue dollars. Live sports; what we believe to be the linchpin holding the linear TV advertising space together. The growth that we expect to see in global digital advertising spending by 2026. Why we think connected TV targeting can improve but linear TV targeting cannot. Our calculations of Roku’s gross platform monetization rate. Benefits of the Roku Pay offering (that we are monitoring very closely). DISCLOSURE The forecasted performance and price estimates herein are subject to revision by ARK and provided solely as a guide to current expectations. There can be no expectation that the specific security will achieve such performance or that there will be a return of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results. FORECASTED PERFORMANCE RESULTS ARE HYPOTHETICAL AND HIGHLY SPECULATIVE, AND PRESENT MANY RISKS AND LIMITATIONS. The recipient should not consider these estimated prices alone in making an investment decision. While ARK believes that there is a sound basis for the forecasts presented, no representations are made as to their accuracy, and there can be no assurance that such forecasts or returns will be achieved by the specific security. The recipient is urged to use extreme caution when considering the forecasted performance, as it is inherently subjective and reflects ARK’s inherent bias toward higher expected returns. Any higher returns should be viewed as a measure of the relative risk of such investments, with higher forecasted performance generally reflecting greater risk. There is no guarantee that any results will align with the forecasted performance, and they might not be predictive. Some or all results may be substantially lower than projected results and, as with any investment, it is possible that you could lose money. FORECASTED performance results (single security model simulation forecasts) have many inherent limitations. A recipient account might or might not hold this single security, and the account performance will be affected in proportion to its holding size and the amount of price fluctuation over time. No representation is being made that any client account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses tied to a security in the security model forecasts. In fact, there could be significant differences between these forecasted performance results and the actual results realized. Forecasted performance has not been achieved by the security, and like all modeled, projected or hypothetical performance, it is important to note that there are multiple versions of a model, and ARK has a conflict of interest in that we have an incentive to show you the best performing results. These forecasts rely on models, which calculate hypothetical performance. Several of the limitations of hypothetical performance models include: 1) reliance on a variety of data obtained from sources that are believed to be reliable, but might be incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete and ARK does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information obtained from any third party, 2) potential inclusion of inherent model creation biases, data discrepancies and/or calculation errors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, 3) NO reflection of the impact that material economic and market factors might have had on investment decisions that would have been in actual portfolios being managed at the time and do not involve market risk, and 4) NO guarantee of future investment results. The forecasted results rely on assumptions, forecasts, estimates, modeling, algorithms and other data input by ARK, some of which relies on third-parties, that could be or prove over time to be incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete. The forecasted returns are based on a variety of criteria and assumptions, which might vary substantially, and involve significant elements of subjective judgment and analysis that reflect our own expectations and biases, which might prove invalid or change without notice. It is possible that other foreseeable events that were not taken into account could occur. The forecasted performance results contained herein represent the application of the simulation models as currently in effect on the date first written above, and there can be no assurance that the models will remain the same in the future or that an application of the current models in the future will produce similar results because the relevant market and economic conditions that prevailed during the performance period will not necessarily occur. The results will not be updated as the models change, or any information upon which they rely changes. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the public equity security specifically that cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of forecasted performance results, all of which can adversely affect actual results. For these reasons, forecasted performance results will differ, and could differ significantly from actual results. FORECASTED PERFORMANCE RESULTS ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION AND PRESENTED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. While ARK’s current assessment of the subject company may be positive, please note that it might be necessary for ARK to liquidate or reduce position sizes prior to the company attaining any forecasted valuation pricing due to a variety of conditions including, but not limited to, client specific guidelines, changing market conditions, investor activity, fundamental changes in the company’s business model and competitive landscape, headline risk, and government/regulatory activity. Additionally, ARK does not have investment banking, consulting, or any type of fee-paying relationship with the subject company.

Please note: as of 3/31/22, ARK’s clients own greater than 1% of the shares outstanding of Mynaric. Mynaric CEO Bulent Atlan began his career as one of the first employees at the then newly-established SpaceX in 2004, having graduated from Stanford University and following completion of his studies at the Technical University of Munich. At SpaceX, he was essential in growing the company’s avionics department from seven people to over 200 and was as Vice-President responsible for the avionics of the Falcon rockets as well as the Dragon capsule. Bulent is now the CEO of Mynaric and Investment Partner at Alpine Space Ventures. Publicly owned, Mynaric produces the optical fiber for the skies and enables as a pioneer of laser communication extremely fast and secure wireless data transmission between aircraft, drones and satellites. On today’s episode, ARK Associate Portfolio Manager Sam Korus and Director of Research Brett Winton talk to Bulent about space laser communication, drone to drone communication, Mynaric’s partnership with the military and much more! Key Points From This Episode: Bulent Atlan’s introduction to the space industry and working at SpaceX Bulent’s road to becoming the CEO of Mynaric How a satellite system works without optical communication The opportunity to operate in countries with significant firewalls The precision of laser communication Drone to drone communication The role software plays in the performance of Mynaric’s systems The potential cost decline trajectory of orbital communications How much power is required to communicate with space laser technology Mynaric’s partnerships with Northrup Grumman and L3Harris

On this episode of FYI, we showcase our latest episode of In The Know, a monthly video series on which our CEO and CIO Cathie Wood discusses fiscal policy, monetary policy, market signals, economic indicators, and innovation. You can find the full In The Know video series at our video center: https://ark-invest.com/videos/ Today, Cathie highlights our latest initiative: The Bitcoin Monthly, an “earnings report” that details relevant on-chain activity and showcases the openness, transparency, and accessibility of blockchain data. Please subscribe here to download The Bitcoin Monthly Report: https://ark-invest.com/lp-bitcoin-monthly/ Cathie also weighs in on the Fed, inflation, deflation, yield curves, interest rates, gold and copper prices, the crypto markets, and more. Key Points From This Episode: An overview on our latest content initiative, the Bitcoin Monthly. Cathie’s views on the Fed, inflation and deflation. A closer look at yield curves and interest rates. Cathie’s view on commodity prices like gold and copper. What the current monetary and fiscal policy might mean for markets. What Cathie believes is happening in the cryptocurrency market.

Please note: as of 3/31/22, ARK’s clients own greater than 1% of the shares outstanding of Zoom Video Communications. Read our full valuation article here. According to ARK’s open-source research and model, Zoom’s share price could approach $1,500, compounding at a 76 percent annual growth rate in 2026. In today’s episode, Will Summerlin and Andrew Kim talk through their thesis for Zoom, as well as their open-source Zoom model that’s available on GitHub. They cover the type of top-down research that we do at ARK, as well as some of the research that they have done for Zoom. Tuning in, you’ll hear their bottoms-up analysis of Zoom as Will and Andrew dig into the modes that they believe Zoom has, as well as the competitive dynamics they think are going to play out in the communication software space. They also talk through their model and key drivers and, finally, close out with the overall AI opportunity that ARK sees playing out over the next decade and how they believe Zoom can capture some of that opportunity. For all this and more, make sure not to miss today’s conversation! “We think Zoom is in a really unique position to benefit from this trend towards AI productivity. Generally speaking, meetings have a lot of room to improve when it comes to productivity. We think AI can be part of the solution.” Key Points on this Episode: The type of top-down research we do at ARK. Understanding the opportunity for communication software in the context of hybrid work. Why we believe Zoom is in a unique position to benefit from the trend towards AI productivity. Our bottoms-up analysis of Zoom’s people, management, and culture; product leadership; execution; and barriers to entry. Zoom’s infrastructure, enterprise readiness, AI data advantages, and third-party ecosystem. The four drivers that we attribute the most important to in our Zoom model. Unpacking the manual and Monte Carlo models of our Zoom Valuation Model on GitHub. Our bull and base forecasts for Zoom’s top-line growth. How we see Zoom capturing AI opportunity thanks to declining deep learning training costs, among other factors. The interesting role AI could play in making Zoom meetings more productive. We encourage you to download the model, put in your own assumptions, play around with it, and provide us with your feedback on Twitter! DISCLOSURE The forecasted performance and price estimates herein are subject to revision by ARK and provided solely as a guide to current expectations. There can be no expectation that the specific security will achieve such performance or that there will be a return of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results. FORECASTED PERFORMANCE RESULTS ARE HYPOTHETICAL AND HIGHLY SPECULATIVE, AND PRESENT MANY RISKS AND LIMITATIONS. The recipient should not consider these estimated prices alone in making an investment decision. While ARK believes that there is a sound basis for the forecasts presented, no representations are made as to their accuracy, and there can be no assurance that such forecasts or returns will be achieved by the specific security. The recipient is urged to use extreme caution when considering the forecasted performance, as it is inherently subjective and reflects ARK’s inherent bias toward higher expected returns. Any higher returns should be viewed as a measure of the relative risk of such investments, with higher forecasted performance generally reflecting greater risk. There is no guarantee that any results will align with the forecasted performance, and they might not be predictive. Some or all results may be substantially lower than projected results and, as with any investment, it is possible that you could lose money. FORECASTED performance results (single security model simulation forecasts) have many inherent limitations. A recipient account might or might not hold this single security, and the account performance will be affected in proportion to its holding size and the amount of price fluctuation over time. No representation is being made that any client account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses tied to a security in the security model forecasts. In fact, there could be significant differences between these forecasted performance results and the actual results realized. Forecasted performance has not been achieved by the security, and like all modeled, projected or hypothetical performance, it is important to note that there are multiple versions of a model, and ARK has a conflict of interest in that we have an incentive to show you the best performing results. These forecasts rely on models, which calculate hypothetical performance. Several of the limitations of hypothetical performance models include: 1) reliance on a variety of data obtained from sources that are believed to be reliable, but might be incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete and ARK does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information obtained from any third party, 2) potential inclusion of inherent model creation biases, data discrepancies and/or calculation errors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, 3) NO reflection of the impact that material economic and market factors might have had on investment decisions that would have been in actual portfolios being managed at the time and do not involve market risk, and 4) NO guarantee of future investment results. The forecasted results rely on assumptions, forecasts, estimates, modeling, algorithms and other data input by ARK, some of which relies on third-parties, that could be or prove over time to be incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete. The forecasted returns are based on a variety of criteria and assumptions, which might vary substantially, and involve significant elements of subjective judgment and analysis that reflect our own expectations and biases, which might prove invalid or change without notice. It is possible that other foreseeable events that were not taken into account could occur. The forecasted performance results contained herein represent the application of the simulation models as currently in effect on the date first written above, and there can be no assurance that the models will remain the same in the future or that an application of the current models in the future will produce similar results because the relevant market and economic conditions that prevailed during the performance period will not necessarily occur. The results will not be updated as the models change, or any information upon which they rely changes. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the public equity security specifically that cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of forecasted performance results, all of which can adversely affect actual results. For these reasons, forecasted performance results will differ, and could differ significantly from actual results. FORECASTED PERFORMANCE RESULTS ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION AND PRESENTED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. While ARK’s current assessment of the subject company may be positive, please note that it might be necessary for ARK to liquidate or reduce position sizes prior to the company attaining any forecasted valuation pricing due to a variety of conditions including, but not limited to, client specific guidelines, changing market conditions, investor activity, fundamental changes in the company’s business model and competitive landscape, headline risk, and government/regulatory activity. Additionally, ARK does not have investment banking, consulting, or any type of fee-paying relationship with the subject company.

Today’s guest believes strongly that healthcare needs blockchain and blockchain needs healthcare. In this episode, Dr. Alex Cahana returns to the show to discuss how blockchain can be the impetus for societal change in the healthcare industry. Dr. Cahana is a medical doctor, an ambassador to the UN for blockchain, and a theme developer for ARK Invest. He is on a mission to “block change healthcare and healthify the crypto space”. In our discussion, Dr. Cahana explains how he has seen the world change over the past two years in terms of healthcare and blockchain technology. He talks about why healthcare needs blockchain, the benefits and vast potential of tokenizing health data, and his three steps to addressing the current problems in healthcare with decentralization. Dr. Cahana also sheds light on his work in Sub-Saharan Africa and why the general adoption of crypto across Africa is much higher than of the rest of the world, as well as what it means for El Salvador to be the first country that has adopted Bitcoin as legal tender, before discussing the difference between “lean and obese” economies and the adoption of blockchain. To find out where Dr. Cahana sees healthcare, blockchain, and the world at large going in the next two to five years, as well as the three things that he’s most excited about in the near future, don’t miss this episode! “This financial freedom, which I think a lot of people here in the United States don’t have, is going to unleash something that perhaps central governments are not interested in it be[ing] unleashed.” — Alex Cahana Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to today’s guest Dr. Alex Cahana and his career in healthcare and blockchain. How Dr. Cahana has seen the world change over the past two years in terms of healthcare and blockchain technology. Why healthcare needs blockchain and why just rebuilding the existing technology system on centralized infrastructure isn’t enough. Why Dr. Cahana believes that the real benefits of blockchain to healthcare can be found in the idea of tokenization. Thoughts on how we can tokenize health data in a privacy preserving manner. The problem of data ownership. The three steps to addressing the current problems in healthcare with decentralization starting with: educating people and making them aware that their data is their own. Step two: addressing the problems that each stakeholder is experiencing in healthcare now. Step three: deriving sustainable business models from this and how this will look very different in each market. How the Global Blockchain Business Council is ‘healthifying’ the crypto space. Insight into Dr. Cahana’s work in Sub-Saharan Africa and what he learned from the way Africa dealt with COVID. Why general crypto adoption across Africa is much higher than that of the rest of the world, according to Dr. Cahana. The difference between “lean and obese” economies and how this relates to a nation’s willingness to adopt blockchain. What it means for El Salvador to be the first country that has adopted Bitcoin as legal tender. How Latin America’s adoption of blockchain differs from that of Africa. Dr. Cahana’s thoughts on how leaders need to transition from being omnipresent leaders to facilitators and educators as the world transitions from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0. Predictions on whether or not global bodies like the IMF and the UN will continue to be resistant to the adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender. Where Dr. Cahana sees healthcare, blockchain, and the world at large going in the next two to five years, and the three things that he’s most excited about.

Please note: as of 3/31/22, ARK’s clients own greater than 1% of the shares outstanding of Velo3D. ARK expects 3D printing to revolutionize manufacturing by collapsing the time between design and production, reducing costs, and providing greater design complexity, accuracy and customization. We believe 3D printing can enable digital inventory and distributed manufacturing, adding flexibility to supply chains. On today’s episode, ARK Research Analyst Tasha Keeney and Research Associate Pierce Jamieson interview Benny Buller, founder and CEO of Velo3D, a leader in end-to-end 3D printing space. Benny observed the additive manufacturing (AM) industry with fresh eyes and no prior manufacturing experience. In doing so, he observed a fundamental flaw limiting the speed of AM adoption: Engineers not only had to learn a new manufacturing process (AM), but they also had to learn a new design process (DfAM). He built Velo3D from the ground up, solving for this root challenge, enabling design to inform manufacturing not the other way around. Key Points in this Episode: The origin story of 3D Printing and why Benny started Velo3D. What determines a part’s usability with internal supports. What software Velo3D uses in the manufacturing process. The current repeatability of 3D printing and the overall importance of repeatability. The design process for additive manufacturing. Design freedom that 3D printing allows when manufacturing parts. What is driving growth in the additive manufacturing industry today. The future of material science and 3D printing. How machine learning and advanced optimization is affecting 3D printing. How 3D printing is driving the future of innovation.

In the world of aerospace, our wildest imaginings are steadily becoming a reality. Joining us today to discuss the future of air traffic, autonomous flight, and the phenomenon of Hamburger Helper being delivered to your door via drone, is aviator, entrepreneur, and investor, Cyrus Sigari. Cyrus has an impressive track record in the field of aviation and is currently the Co-founder and Managing Partner of UP Partners, a privately-owned company that builds and invest in technologies that help move people and goods. In this episode, we discuss the undeniable crossover between military and civilian applications of aviation technology, the challenges the FAA faces when it comes to certifying revolutionary technologies, and what exciting drone-related developments we could see in the next five years! Cyrus fills us in on China’s interesting aviation model, speculates on which areas the US could improve, and explains why focusing on transporting things, rather than humans, could free up the innovation process. Tune in to find out what’s going on in the aviation world, what might be some future possibilities, and what to consider as an early-stage investor in aerospace technologies! “As you democratize access to mobility, quality of life goes up and economies just do better.” — Cyrus Sigari Key Points from this Episode Cyrus Sigari’s background and involvement in the field of aviation. How Eclipse Aviation started the Very Light Jet (VLJ) Revolution. The historical risk of investing in disruptive innovation in aerospace, and why that risk is steadily decreasing. The challenge of the FAA to certify multiple new systems and technologies. Which countries Cyrus believes are leading progress in aerospace. China’s interesting aviation model. What makes aerospace one of the most important industries in the world. Why ARK is interested in autonomous flying vehicles. The undeniable crossover between military and civilian applications of technology. Examples of geopolitical conflict creating technologies with civilian applications. How civilian technologies are now bleeding into the military. How the development of adaptable commercial applications of technology could improve a country’s ability to be militarily competitive. Impressive autonomous flight technologies and their social and regulatory obstacles. Walmart’s revolutionary drone delivery service. Three noteworthy drone delivery companies: DroneUp, Zipline, and Wing. How focusing on moving things via air, rather than people, lessens the barrier to innovation. What to consider as an early-stage investor in aerospace technologies. Cyrus predicts that the US will be operating drones beyond the line of sight within five years. The shocking statistic of people who have flown in an aircraft. What Cyrus is most excited about in aerospace today!

When you’re in the middle of a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, getting timely test results is imperative. Unfortunately, laboratory testing does not scale well due to its centralized testing infrastructure. It also requires sample transportation, complicated equipment, and technical expertise, all of which lead to high costs and time delays that are incompatible with problems that require immediate answers. Today on the show, we talk with Khalid Alam, Founder and CEO of Stemloop, a privately-held company that is currently focused on developing cell-free biosensors to solve challenges in biomanufacturing, environmental monitoring, and human health. Tuning in, you’ll learn more about Khalid’s career, how he became interested in biochemistry and biotech, and how Stemloop’s cell-free biosensors will monitor and fortify water supplies around the world. We discuss how the biotech space has evolved over the past few decades, why doing projects at scale is so beneficial, and how the cost of DNA sequencing has plummeted in recent years. Khalid also delves into the crisis that the US is currently experiencing with lead in their water supply, the challenges of solving this problem, and the rapid tests that Stemloop is building for household taps. Today’s episode offers an exciting look into the world of testing and is full of important insights on advancements in biotech. Tune in to hear it all! “Two and a half years ago, when I was pitching Stemloop, I would tell people that laboratory testing doesn’t scale. I think they understood that superficially, but they didn’t necessarily empathize with it deeply.” — @BioChemPHD Key Points from this Episode An overview of Khalid’s career journey in biotech and biochemistry. How Khalid defines synthetic biology. Advancements in the biotech space over the past few decades. The value of doing biotech projects at a massive scale. How high-scale parallelization caused DNA sequencing to become more affordable. Aptamers: what they are, how they work, and why they’re useful. A breakdown of the FASTAptameR 2.0 toolkit. Exciting developments related to fluorescence activating RNAs. Global issues around water quality and how synthetic biology can address it. The benefits and challenges of analytical testing. Why getting a test result quickly is imperative. How the COVID-19 pandemic introduced testing issues to a broader audience. An overview of a lateral flow test and why it’s so valuable. Advantages of a cell-free approach and the cell-free biosensors that Stemloop is developing. How these will monitor and fortify water supplies around the world. How Khalid has transformed computational ideas and adapted them to the physical space. The methods they used to winnow down the application space. How the US is dealing with lead in their drinking water; challenges and possible solutions. How to get involved with Stemloop.