Columbia University BioWorks

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Welcome to BioWorks - 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! For any inquiries, please contact ao2764@columbia.edu

Columbia University Systems Biology Initiative


    • Apr 22, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 25 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Columbia University BioWorks

    BioWorks 24: The Future in a Heartbeat: A Conversation with Sadeq Ali of AccurKardia

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 48:10


    Ever wondered how AI can transform the way we diagnose and predict underlying conditions? Join us for an insightful conversation with Mohamed Sadeq Ali, Co-Founder and COO of AccurKardia, a startup innovating in AI-driven ECG analytics. Sadeq shares his journey from tech consultant to healthcare innovator, the challenges of navigating complex regulatory hurdles, and why AI is essential for addressing healthcare's biggest problems. Tune in to discover how technology could shape the future of medicine! Hosted by Kavya Amrutham.

    BioWorks 23: Pioneering Cell Therapy: A Conversation with Mark Tomishima of BlueRock Therapeutics

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 36:33


    Join us for an insightful episode as we sit down with Mark Tomishima, Senior Vice President at BlueRock Therapeutics, to explore the latest advancements in regenerative medicine. Mark shares his experiences leading genome engineering and stem cell research, discusses key challenges in cell therapy development, and offers valuable career advice for aspiring scientists. Don't miss this deep dive into the cutting-edge work being done at BlueRock Therapeutics to revolutionize the future of medicine! Hosted by Sophia Deng.

    BioWorks 22: Identifying the Master Regulators of Cancer in Academia and Biotech with Dr. Andrea Califano

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 41:50


    Dr. Andrea Califano, founder of Columbia University's Systems Biology Department and President of the Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub New York, talks about his research on identifying checkpoints within cancer cells. Through algorithms and experimental verification, the Califano Lab is able to find specific proteins that are crucial for tumor progression, revealing useful therapeutic targets. As the co-founder of DarwinHealth, Dr. Califano explains how his research is translated into New York City's biotech scene. Be sure to tune into this episode's discussion on cancer therapeutics, startups, collaboration, and more. Hosted by Alex Chen.

    BioWorks 21: Automating Cell Culture Workflows and Generating Data at Scale with Jimmy Sastra

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 38:58


    In which Dr. Jimmy Sastra, co-founder and CEO of Monomer Bio, discusses how automation can drive greater scalability, standardization, and data accessibility in complex cell culture workflows. We also chat about the importance of building killer apps and not just platforms, the fickleness of growing stem cells, the software layer behind Waymos, and Jimmy's philosophy on building a mission-driven team. Hosted by Emma Chen. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:45) Monomer Bio (06:00) The challenge and opportunity of complex cell workflows (10:47) Timeline of collaborations (11:57) Onsite automation v.s. cloud labs (15:58) From initial interest in biology to PhD (24:08) Building killer apps and not just platforms (26:28) Partnership with Gingko Bioworks and Lilly Life Sciences Studio (28:25) When to keep humans in the loop (29:33) What makes automating biology different (31:19) Industry trends for the next decade (34:55) Most rewarding part of building Monomer (37:32) Advice for listeners Links: Monomer Bio: https://www.monomerbio.com/

    BioWorks 20: Building Software for Biology with Nicholas Larus-Stone

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 35:39


    In which Nicholas Larus-Stone, co-founder of Sphinx Bio, discusses the future of “software-defined biology” and how his startup is accelerating scientists' research by streamlining the process of experimental design, data processing, and data analysis. He also shares his experience working as a software engineer at early- to mid-sized biotech companies as well as the story behind Bits in Bio, a community dedicated to researchers, developers, and those interested in the intersection of software and biology. Hosted by Kevin Xu. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:04) Working at BenevolentAI and Octant Bio (08:07) Problem-driven vs. solution-driven innovation (10:50) Sphinx Bio (12:27) What makes biological data different? (18:10) Adapting to new technologies as a data platform (22:37) Bits in Bio (25:24) Sharing knowledge in a competitive industry (27:12) Software-defined biology (31:57) Studying CS in the age of AI Links: Sphinx Bio: https://www.sphinxbio.com/ "Software-defined biology": https://www.sphinxbio.com/post/software-defined-biology Bits in Bio: ⁠https://www.bitsinbio.org/⁠

    Navigating Management Consulting and Life Sciences: Insights from Dr. Peter Tollman, BCG

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 43:06


    In which Dr. Peter Tollman, former Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), shares his journey from engineering to consulting and his pivotal role in BCG's growth. Drawing from his experience as the global leader of BCG's Biopharmaceutical Practice, he discusses the unique challenges of management in the life sciences sector. Peter also highlights the significance of humility, continuous learning, and strategic thinking for aspiring professionals. Hosted by James Bole Pan. Timestamps: (0:10) - Introduction (1:00) - Peter's early career journey (4:00) - Transition from engineering to business (6:28) - Role in BCG's expansion (9:30) - BCG's culture (12:05) - Founding MPM Capital (15:15) - Experience at Monitor Company (17:15) - BCG's secrets in leadership transition (18:50) - Theory on Smart Simplicity (25:30) - Managerial challenges in the life sciences (30:05) - Qualities of top CEOs (32:35) - Advice for CEOs (35:07) - Advice for translational research scientists (37:20) - Developing interdisciplinary skills (41:15) - Advice for college students

    BioWorks 18: Storing Your Photos in DNA with James Banal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 49:31


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 30:50


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2024 38:18


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 49:41


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2024 44:40


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 39:48


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2024 53:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2023 51:52


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 50:24


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2023 46:55


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2023 58:30


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 53:49


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2023 60:42


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 47:21


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2022 58:16


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2022 35:34


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2021 63:14


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2021 78:22


    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!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2021 0:39


    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!

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