182. SynBioBeta 2026 Recap, It's Biologist Approved

About this episode

Karl and Erum recap the highlights from SynBio Beta 2026, discussing key innovations and trends in biotechnology.

Karl and Erum are back from SynBio Beta 2026 in San Jose, and they brought home an Impact Award. In this special recap episode, they break down the biggest moments from the conference: Neon's audacious plan to engineer chicken eggs as bioreactors, P&G's push into bio ceramides with their Native brand, Twist Bioscience's expansion from DNA synthesis into proteins, and Anthropic's deepening footprint in pharma through its acquisition of Coefficient Bio and partnership with Eli Lilly. They cover panels on the dark proteome, engineered longevity, bio-based colors replacing synthetic dyes, programmable nutrition, and the future of alternative meat, plus a standing-room-only session on bio-literacy featuring Drew Endy. Along the way, they share stories from the hallways, highlight emerging founders in DNA data storage and space biotech, recap Chef Pierre Thiam's fonio-fueled dinner, and reflect on why strengthening relationships across the bioeconomy matters more than ever. 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…

People in this episode

Hosts: Karl Schmieder, Erum Azeez Khan

Topics covered

• SynBio Beta 2026
• bioeconomy
• biotechnology advancements
• alternative meat
• bio-based colors
• engineered longevity
• bio-literacy

Keywords

• biotechnology
• bioeconomy
• SynBio Beta
• alternative meat
• bio-based colors
• engineered longevity
• bio-literacy
• Drew Endy
• Chef Pierre Thiam

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: SynBio Beta, Neon, P&G, Native, Twist Bioscience, Anthropic, Coefficient Bio, Eli Lilly

Places: San Jose

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