Ben Lamm Represents The Potential Of Biotech, And Why We Should Keep Supporting Innovators

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in genetic engineering, health care, and medical research could lead to significant improvements in human health and our ecological environment in the decades ahead. But biotech innovators and entrepreneurs worldwide will have to overcome a global political environment that has suddenly become skeptical of science, expertise and public health in general.

Last week, 20,000 scientists, executives, investors and startups descended upon Boston for the BIO 2025 Convention – the largest medical research and biotech convening in the world. The convening took place amidst significant opportunity – and turmoil, in health care worldwide. The rapidly expanding capabilities of artificial intelligence are unlocking new opportunities to develop new drugs, therapeutics, wearables and devices. But BIO also comes at a time of significant declines in government funding for basic science and R&D, as well as a drop in global leadership around public health challenges like pandemic preparedness.

In 2025, the United States is expected to announce cuts of 40-60% to the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation. Yet American states are offering biotech’s R&D credits, seed funding, lab space and commitments to improve their workforce and academic institutions. Nations around the world, sensing opportunity, are also rolling out the red carpet to attract the top scientists in the world. BIO itself highlighted the importance of building public trust in biotechnology and working with regulatory bodies to streamline approvals for innovative products.

Colossal Biosciences is a great example of a biotech startup at the intersection of these trends and challenges. Founded by legendary geneticist Dr. George Church of Harvard and MIT, and serial AI entrepreneur Ben Lamm, Colossal is pioneering the use of CRISPR technology in the de-extinction of previously lost species, including the Dire wolf. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, nearly 50% of all animal species could be endangered of becoming extinct by 2050. According to Lamm, “We are the back-up plan. It’s like, when we jump out of a plane, we all hope the parachute is going to open, but just in case, we want to have a back-up emergency ‘chute. Colossal is that back-up.”

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