Columbia University BioWorks Columbia University Systems Biology Initiative

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.