Proof of DeSci

ValleyDAO
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Oct 23, 2025 • 53min

Episode 11 | Building Tattva: Carbon-Negative Materials & DeSci

In this episode of Proof of DeSci, we dive deep into one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries, construction, and explore how biotechnology can help rebuild it sustainably. Our guest, Prantar Tamuli, founder of Tattva, joins us to discuss Stromate, a living, carbon-negative biomaterial that uses cyanobacteria to sequester CO₂ while offering fire safety, translucency, and strength comparable to conventional materials.Prantar shares his two-decade journey from architecture to biotech, the breakthrough that led to StrowMate’s creation, and how Tattva’s innovative process could help decarbonize global infrastructure. He’s joined by Albert Annis, co-founder of ValleyDAO, who explains why ValleyDAO decided to fund Tattva and how the project embodies the mission of using biology to tackle climate change.Together, they unpack the challenges of scaling living materials, navigating regulation, and building industry partnerships, while teasing the upcoming Tattva IP token, which will bring this revolutionary technology directly into the homes (and portfolios) of DeSci supporters.A must-listen episode for anyone curious about the intersection of climate, construction, and synthetic biology, and how DeSci is turning science into scalable climate solutions.
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Sep 26, 2025 • 45min

Episode 10 | Student Biological Data Competition 2025

In this episode of Proof of DeSci, we’re joined by Daniel (Head of Competition) and Tim (Co-founder of First Approval) to talk about the Student Biological Data Competition 2025, a global initiative empowering students to publish and share biological datasets, practice reproducible science, and gain visibility early in their careers.We explore the big picture of open science: why reproducibility, transparency, and data sharing are crucial for scientific progress, and how changing the mindset of the next generation of scientists can help create a more collaborative and open culture in research.You’ll also hear how First Approval is building tools and infrastructure for data publication, why negative results matter, and how decentralized technologies like IPFS could play a role in the future of open data.If you’re a student, researcher, or simply curious about how science can evolve beyond the limitations of traditional publishing, this is a must-listen.
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Sep 8, 2025 • 54min

Episode 9 | Building the Future of DeSci: Lab Automation, Climate & Culture

In this episode of Proof of DeSci, we sit down with Jake Wintermute, synthetic biologist, science communicator, and former developer evangelist at Ginkgo Bioworks, to explore the future of decentralized science. Together with Albert and Morgan from ValleyDAO, we dive into the big themes shaping DeSci today: how lab automation and cloud labs could transform decentralized research, the role of DIY bio and iGEM as models for distributed science, and why culture, cost, and education are just as important as technology. We also discuss the narrative challenges facing climate science, the opportunities DeSci creates as an alternative career path for young researchers, and even how memes and humor can become powerful tools for building community and communicating science. Equal parts serious and fun, this episode captures the spirit of DeSci as a movement reimagining how science gets funded, executed, and shared.
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Aug 22, 2025 • 49min

Episode 8 | BIO V2, DeSci Summer & Market Insights

In this episode of Proof of DeSci, we’re joined by Erik from Bio.xyz to unpack one of the most anticipated updates in the DeSci space, BIO V2. We dive into how V2 changes access, participation, and opportunities for builders and backers, and what this means for the future of decentralized biotech funding.Alongside Erik, we explore the pulse of DeSci Summer, the signals showing real market traction, and how community-driven models are shifting the balance away from purely speculative funding. From accessibility and equity to staking dynamics and new experimental launches, this conversation captures where DeSci is heading next, and why it matters.If you want a clear, insider’s view on the next chapter of DeSci, this episode is for you.
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Jul 31, 2025 • 51min

Episode 7 | Winning with Phlo: How AI Tools Empower Biotech Builders

In this episode of Proof of DeSci, we sit down with Caroline and Eshwar, winners of the Phlo Hackathon, to talk about their project Pearlfect Millet, a synthetic biology idea aiming to optimize millet for better taste and resilience. We dive into their scientific backgrounds, what drew them into DeSci, and how they leveraged Phlo’s research agents to go from idea to execution in just a few days.They share their experience using Phlo for literature review, business strategy, and validating core assumptions. We also explore how new tools like Phlo can reduce friction for early-stage biotech innovation and what kind of support next-gen researchers are looking for.If you’re into DeSci, AI for science, or early-stage biotech, you don’t want to miss this one.
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Jun 6, 2025 • 59min

Episode 6 | The Power of DeSci Communities & Creators

In this episode of Proof of DeSci, we explore the power of community and creators in shaping the future of decentralized science. Joined by That Investor,  Andrew Hemingway, Morgan and Albert from ValleyDAO, we dive into how DeSci communities are flipping the script on traditional science funding, why content creators and influencers are becoming vital to the movement, and how crypto-native culture is accelerating interest in climate biotech. From the speed of funding to the value of storytelling, this conversation unpacks the cultural shift happening at the intersection of crypto and science, and why embracing memes, media, and unconventional voices might be the key to scaling impact.
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May 22, 2025 • 57min

Episode 5 | Funding the Future: Why JuniperVC Believes in DeSci

Michael Luciani is the co-founder of Juniper VC, a venture firm focused on climate biotech and sustainable innovations. In this discussion, he reveals how Juniper sees opportunities in biotech beyond pharmaceuticals, investing in agriculture and materials. Luciani highlights the role of AI in transforming biotech, and the shifting funding landscape through community-driven initiatives like ValleyDAO. Topics such as microbial fertilizers and consumer biotech innovations are also covered, showcasing their potential to engage the public in climate solutions.
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May 5, 2025 • 45min

Episode 4 | Cocoa Zero - The Future of Sustainable Chocolate

Join Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro, an academic expert in sustainable production from Imperial College London, and Oliver Konzock, a genetic engineering postdoc, as they unveil the groundbreaking Cocoa Zero project. They discuss engineering yeast strains to produce cocoa fats that rival traditional cocoa butter, tackling the challenges of climate change and rising cocoa prices. Albert Anis from ValleyDAO shares insights on funding these innovative solutions. Together, they explore how decentralized science is reshaping the chocolate industry for a sustainable future.
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Apr 22, 2025 • 56min

Episode 3 | Exploring HTGAA, New Initiatives & Cocoa Zero Update

In this episode, we’re joined by David Sun Kong, Director of the Community Biotechnology Initiative at MIT Media Labs, to dive deep into the world of decentralized science (DeSci). David shares insights into the innovative “How to Grow Almost Anything” program, a course that empowers students to explore synthetic biology and biotech at scale. We also explore the exciting intersection of DeSci and AI, with a special focus on the potential of Bio Protocol’s AI agents. Additionally, Albert and Dan from ValleyDAO update us on the latest progress from the “Cocoa Zero” project, a DeSci-powered sustainable cocoa butter replacement, and the impact of this work on the future of sustainable food production.Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of biotech, decentralized science, and how DeSci is shaping the future of innovation.
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Apr 11, 2025 • 52min

Episode 2 | Quantum Biology, Bio Hackathon & AI Agents

In this episode, we ask the big question: Is DeSci dead, or just getting started?We’re joined by Geoff Anders from Quantum Biology DAO and Erik Van Winkle from Bio Protocol for a deep dive into the cutting edge of decentralized science. From building quantum microscopes to launching autonomous AI research agents, our guests explore what it means to do science in Web3, and what’s next for the DeSci movement. Hosted by Tom Fraczak (ValleyDAO), with Morgan Richards joining from the ValleyDAO team.🎧 Topics covered:The future of quantum biologyBio Protocol’s BioHackathon + AI AgentsWhy DeSci is evolving, not dyingBuilding science tools that actually work in Web3Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

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