Dive into the thrilling world of biotechnology at the Canada SynBio 2022 conference, where groundbreaking ideas and innovative minds collide! This electrifying three-day event brought together an eclectic mix of entrepreneurs, academics, policymakers, and biology enthusiasts. With its pulse on the forefront of genomics, the conference revealed the key to unlocking the potential of engineering biology to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

Imagine rubbing shoulders with global biomanufacturing titans like Dr. Paul Freemont, the visionary co-founder of the Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology; Douglas Friedman, the visionary CEO of BioMADE; and Dr. Bettina Hamelin, the passionate CEO of Ontario Genomics. In a fireside chat, this dynamic trio shared insights into Canada’s journey towards a thriving biomanufacturing hub, revealing exciting opportunities on the horizon.

The audience was inspired by remarkable journeys, like that of Dr. Pieter Cullis, who played a most pivotal role in crafting COVID mRNA vaccines. His tales of passion, risk-taking, and impactful discoveries demonstrate the immense potential of following one’s passion.

Anna Marie Wagner, VP of Corporate Development at Ginkgo Bioworks, brought a touch of magic to the stage, recounting how a humble iGEM project transformed into a SynBio unicorn, becoming a publicly traded NYSE company. Her stories of resilience and the sheer beauty of biology will leave you awestruck.

Dr. Andrew Pelling added a dash of quirkiness with his unconventional approach to science. His team’s cutting-edge research, using cellulose scaffolds from apple slices and asparagus stems to repair spinal cord injuries, promises to revolutionize regenerative medicine.

But that’s not all! Panels exploring cell agriculture, net-zero solutions, investments, ecosystem support, advanced biologics, and accessibility showcased the power of synthetic biology to reshape industries and lives. The intersection of AI and SynBio opened doors to unforeseen possibilities.

The Pitch Competition was the heart of the event, where ingenious startups vied for the spotlight. Dispersa, a cleantech marvel striving to clean up oil spills, took home the $10k grand prize, demonstrating Canada’s opportunity in the SynBio realm.

As the conference curtain closed, attendees were treated to a vibrant poster reception, celebrating the brilliance of Canada’s up-and-coming minds.