169. AI, Antivenom, and Antibodies: Previewing SynbioBeta with John Cumbers

Episode notes

John Cumbers returns to the Grow Everything podcast for his fourth appearance to discuss the cutting edge of synthetic biology and the upcoming SynBioBeta 2026 conference. From a man who's been bitten by snakes over 200 times to create universal anti-venom, to the race between the US and China in bio-manufacturing, John reveals why the bioeconomy is reaching an inflection point. We explore how AI is transforming organism design, the $50 million deals being struck for AI models in pharma, and why Chinese bio-manufacturing firms are achieving profitability while Western companies struggle. John also shares his vision for cellular reprogramming and longevity, discusses the controversial rollback of US environmental policy, and explains why the "ChatGPT moment" for biology is closer than we think. Plus, learn about stem cell tissue banks that could revolutionize replacement therapy and why SynBioBeta 2030 will actually happen on the moon. 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.

• 186. N.Y. Tech Week Live Demo: Engineering the Future of Manufacturing with Roebling's Brentan Alexander72 / 100
• 185. Brick Happens: Chris Maurer of Redhouse Studio Redesigns Remote Living for Earth and Mars75 / 100
• 184. The Multiverse of Microbes: Henry Lee on Building Cultivarium and Training with Titans65 / 100
• 183. The American Biotech Blueprint: Senator Todd Young on Biodiversity as National Security
• 182. SynBioBeta 2026 Recap, It's Biologist Approved