Columbia University BioWorks
By Columbia University Systems Biology Initiative
If you're interested in other ways in which biology is impacting the world, check out our sister podcast "Bio Bytes" (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biobytes) for great discussions with prominent scientists working at the intersection of biology, engineering, medicine, computer science, and mathematics.
For any inquiries, please contact ao2764@columbia.edu
Columbia University BioWorksMay 07, 2024
BioWorks 18: Storing Your Photos in DNA with James Banal
In which Dr. James Banal, co-founder of Cache DNA, shares how his startup is building efficient storage solutions for nucleic acids. Dr. Banal shares how the bit density and longevity of DNA compare to those of hard drives, how strategic encoding schemes can recover lost data, and how transport vesicles inspired Cache’s barcoding system for search and access. We also discuss the first commercial use cases for Cache’s technology and what the future may hold for DNA computing using Cache’s technology (e.g. more efficient matrix multiplications for machine learning). Dr. Banal also shares his philosophy on biologically-inspired innovation. Hosted by Emma Chen.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:05) - Density and longevity
(04:52) - Converting to and writing DNA
(08:54) - Cost of DNA synthesis
(13:10) - Strategic encoding schemes
(17:19) - DNA storage conditions
(21:29) - Accessing data
(27:03) - Inspiration from histones and vesicles
(28:20) - James' philosophy on biomimicry
(31:19) - Molecular computers
(36:13) - Cache's business strategy
(43:40) - Cache's origin story
(46:06) - Postdoc-to-founder transition
(47:46) - Advice for biotech
BioWorks 17: From Pharma to Startup - Life Sciences Executive Insights with Cristina Larkin
In this episode, Cristina Larkin, former COO of Spero Therapeutics and Executive-in-Residence at Columbia Technology Ventures, shares her journey from pharmaceutical sales at J&J to life sciences executive at Spero. She shares what her day-to-day work is like, and also offers advice on translational research for scientists. Hosted by James Pan.
BioWorks 16: CRISPR for Kidney Disease and Startup-Founding in College with Demetri Maxim
In which Nephrogen founder Demetri Maxim discusses his work developing curative gene therapy for kidney diseases. He shares the company’s origin as a diagnostic device startup and shift to gene therapy, how he balanced science with competitive alpine skiing, and insights into navigating investor advice. Demetri also shared that Nephrogen is hiring! For more information, please reach out to info@nephrogenbiotech.com.
Timestamps:
(0:00) - Intro
(1:11) - Company origin story
(4:12) - Recognizing the need to pivot
(6:21) - Shift to gene therapy
(10:08) - Research in academia VS startup
(11:50) - Intellectual property strategy
(14:15) - Interaction between payload and delivery vehicle
(16:09) - Competitive alpine skiing
(20:18) - Committing to Nephrogen
(22:27) - Nephrogen milestones
(24:56) - Balancing energy as CEO
(26:18) - First CRISPR therapy approval
(27:28) - Treatment affordability
(29:43) - Most difficult challenge
(32:14) - Staying resilient
(33:57) - Navigating investor advice
(36:00) - Advice for aspiring founders
BioWorks 15: Business Strategy for Biopharma with Chirag Sachar
In which Chirag Sachar (PhD), Director of Portfolio Innovation at Novartis, discusses his experience in business development, from building partnerships at Immunai to now devising strategy for global clinical trials at Novartis. He also shares insights on combining scientific knowledge and business insight throughout one's career. Hosted by Emma Chen.
BioWorks 14: Whole Genome Sequencing and Genetic Privacy with Kamal Obbad
In which Kamal Obbad, co-founder and CEO of Nebula Genomics, shares his journey founding one of the largest consumer whole genome sequencing services. He also discusses trends in the consumer genomics landscape, the future of genomics research, and the implications of social and technological innovations on genetic privacy. Hosted by Kevin Xu.
BioWorks 13: The Business of Biotech with Craig Shimasaki
In which Craig Shimasaki (PhD), CEO of Moleculera Labs, discusses his experience as a founder of startups, professor, student, and thinker. He gives advice to those looking to get involved in the industry and explains how he has learned and grown through his career. Hosted by Rinn Kersh.
BioWorks 12: Carbon-Negative Microalgae Production with Vasilis Stenos
In which Vasilis Stenos, Columbia alumni and Founder and CEO of Solmeyea, discusses his company’s innovations in producing carbon-negative biological products (such as pigments and proteins) through fermentation and hybrid vertical microalgae photosynthetic processing. He shares his experience integrating various technologies into a unique product pipeline and collaborating with government agencies, carbon emitters, and food manufacturers along the way. Hosted by Kevin Xu.
Note: Solmeyea and Vasilis’ team are actively recruiting students and researchers who are interested in working with Solmeyea for 2024 Spring/Summer either as interns or permanent employees. For anyone interested, reach out to Vasilis at vasilis@solmeyea.com or info@solmeyea.com!
BioWorks 11: Biotech and Healthcare Venture Capital with Kou Qin
In which Kou Qin (PhD), Investment Director at Eisai Innovation, discusses his experiences as a life science researcher, product manager, entrepreneur, and investor. He also shares his insights on how corporate VC fosters collaborations between pharma and biotech startups, as well as his perspectives on emerging trends within the life science sector. Hosted by Emma Chen.
BioWorks 10: Biotech Entrepreneurship for Scientists with Elena Itskovich
In which Elena Itskovich, PhD, co-founder and president of Nest Catalyst, discusses her experiences helping Israeli science founders translate their research into biotech startups and explains the unique challenges of entrepreneurship in the life sciences. She also shares her takeaways speaking with scientists outside of academia in her podcast: mAcademia. Hosted by Kevin Xu.
BioWorks 9: Synthetic Biology and Metagenomics Startups with Jeffrey Kim
In which Jeffrey Kim, co-founder and CEO of Slingshot Biosciences, discusses how synthetic cell mimics are revolutionizing the way cell-based assays and therapies are performed. He also explains the metagenomics data platform he built at Radiant Genomics and shares his insights on the industry as a scientist, investor, and entrepreneur. Hosted by Kevin Xu.
BioWorks 8: AI-Driven Drug Discovery with Alex Zhavoronkov
In which Alex Zhavoronkov, founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine, discusses how AI can accelerate drug R&D, from target identification to clinical trials. He also shares his own path from computer science to biotech, explains how Insilico’s business model has evolved, and gives advice on leading interdisciplinary teams.
BioWorks 7: Biotech Journalism with Adam Feuerstein
In which Adam Feuerstein, national biotech columnist at the healthcare and life science digital media company STATNews, discusses his experience covering the biotech sector from a business-focused perspective. He also shares his views on past and future trends of the industry from technological, financial, and regulatory lenses.
BioWorks 6: Road to Computational Neuroscience, AI, and Startups with Sean Escola
In which Sean Escola (MD, PhD), a theoretical neuroscientist and psychiatrist at Columbia University, discusses his research background and gives insights into neuro-inspired AI. He also shares his experiences with founding a drug discovery company: Herophilus, Inc. and a non-profit: Neuromatch Academy.
BioWorks 5: Life Science Patent Prosecution with Caleb Bates
In which Caleb Bates discusses his work in life sciences patent prosecution and strategic patent portfolio management at Fish & Richardson. Caleb also discusses technology transfer as well as trends in life science patent portfolios.
BioWorks 4: Life Science Investing and Reproductive Medicine with David Sable
In which David Sable, a portfolio manager for the Special Situations Life Sciences Fund and a lecturer in the Biology Department at Columbia University, shares insights about life science investing. David also discusses the need for investing in reproductive medicine, specifically in vitro fertilization.
BioWorks 3: Biotech Incubators and the Fourth Purpose Task Force with Sam Sia
In which Samuel Sia, a co-founder of Harlem Biospace, shares insights about successful life sciences startups. Sam also discusses his past experience with founding his own biotech startups as well as his goals as the newly appointed Vice Provost for the Fourth Purpose and Strategic Impact at Columbia University.
BioWorks 2: Life Science Venture Capital with Kris Ramadurai
In which Kris Ramadurai, a partner at Harmonix Fund, shares insights about life sciences venture capital. Kris describes the process of investing in early stage biotech startups and the differences between tech VC and life sciences VC.
BioWorks 1: Gut Microbiome Biotechnology with Zack Abbott
In which Zack Abbott, PhD, discusses his company ZBiotics. ZBiotics is a biotechnology startup that is focused on engineering microorganisms for consumer benefit. Zack talks about the company's current product, a genetically engineered probiotic designed to breakdown acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol. Additionally, Zack offers insight on his transition from completing a PhD to the biotech start-up space.
BioWorks 0: Welcome!
Hello and welcome to Columbia University BioWorks! This is a podcast focused on life science business, entrepreneurship, policy, and investment. Listen in to hear conversations with a diverse array of guests making "bio work" in the real world.
If you’re interested in academic research, be sure to check out our sister podcast - Columbia University Bio Bytes - at this link: https://anchor.fm/biobytes
Hope to see you soon!