Episode #20: Three Breakthroughs: Nuclear Is Back, Non-GMO Rice Innovation, and a Radical Approach to Antibiotic Discovery
Tech Optimist Podcast — Tech, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
This week on the Tech Optimist podcast, we explore three groundbreaking innovations poised to reshape our world. First, we delve into how UC Berkeley researchers are harnessing CRISPR technology to revolutionize rice cultivation, aiming to significantly boost yields and enhance resilience against environmental stresses. Next, we take a closer look at TerraPower’s ambitious project in Wyoming where an advanced nuclear power plant is setting the stage for a future of safe, sustainable, and carbon-free energy. Lastly, we venture into the cutting-edge realm of deep learning at the University of Pennsylvania, where scientists are reviving ancient molecular structures to tackle modern medical challenges, including the global fight against antibiotic resistance. Join us!
Episode #20 – Three Breakthroughs
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This week on the Tech Optimist podcast, join Alumni Ventures’ Mike Collins and Matt Caspari as they cover three exciting breakthroughs:
- CRISPR and Rice Genome Editing: Researchers at UC Berkeley have successfully used CRISPR technology to edit the genome of rice, enhancing its resistance to environmental stress and increasing its photosynthetic efficiency. This innovation could potentially lead to higher yields and improve food security, particularly significant since rice is a staple for half of the global population.
- TerraPower’s Advanced Nuclear Power Plant: Spearheaded by Bill Gates’ company, TerraPower, this project in Wyoming aims to develop an advanced nuclear power plant that promises safe, abundant, and carbon-free energy. This could be a major step forward in sustainable energy solutions.
- Reviving Ancient Molecular Structures: Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania are employing deep learning techniques to reconstruct ancient molecular structures from extinct organisms, such as the woolly mammoth. Their goal is to leverage these structures to address contemporary challenges, including combating antibiotic resistance.
Tune in to discover how these innovations are shaping the future.
Watch Time ~24 minutes
The show is produced by Alumni Ventures, which has been recognized as a “Top 20 Venture Firm” by CB Insights (’24) and as the “#1 Most Active Venture Firm in the US” by Pitchbook (’22 & ’23).
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Creators and Guests
HOST
Mike Collins
CEO, and Co-Founder at Alumni Ventures
Mike has been involved in almost every facet of venturing, from angel investing to venture capital, new business and product launches, and innovation consulting. He is currently CEO of Alumni Ventures Group, the managing company for our fund, and launched AV’s first alumni fund, Green D Ventures, where he oversaw the portfolio as Managing Partner and is now Managing Partner Emeritus. Mike is a serial entrepreneur who has started multiple companies, including Kid Galaxy, Big Idea Group (partially owned by WPP), and RDM. He began his career at VC firm TA Associates. He holds an undergraduate degree in Engineering Science from Dartmouth and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
GUEST
Matt Caspari
Managing Partner, Alumni Ventures
Matt Caspari is a Managing Partner at Alumni Ventures, where he leads the Deep Tech, Georgetown (Potomac Ventures) and UC Berkeley (Strawberry Creek Ventures) funds. He invests in mission-driven founders developing groundbreaking technologies. His investments encompass a diverse range of sectors, including AI, agriculture, aviation, battery technology, cybersecurity, direct air capture of CO2, energy generation, longevity, and robotics.
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