Chris Bahl: From Protein Geek to Biotech CEO

Chris Bahl is the Co-founder and CEO of AI Proteins. He also established the Boston Protein Design and Modeling Club (BPDMC), where he serves as Co-organizer. After completing his PhD in biochemistry from Dartmouth, Chris joined David Baker Lab at the University of Washington, where he pioneered the ability to design mini-proteins as a postdoc with the future Nobel Laureate. Chris later joined Institute of Protein Innovation as one of the founding faculty members, with co-appointments at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. In 2021, Chris left academia and co-founded AI Proteins.

In this episode,

* Chris shares his career journey from academic faculty to founder, CSO, and recently CEO of AI Proteins, which is a Boston-based startup with a niche in using AI to design proteins. Over the past 3 years, the company has generated 150 protein drug candidates

* Chris discusses how mini-proteins could transform medicine, agriculture, and beyond. He offers his vision on the future and the trend of AI powered protein design.

* Chris reflects on his own path and offers career advice for academic scientists interested in becoming a startup founder.

* As a self-proclaimed protein geek, Chris credits the vibrant Boston biotech ecosystem with helping him grow into a mature biotech entrepreneur.

About Chris Bahl

Christ Bahl’s TED talk

AI Proteins

BPDMC

Co-Hosts: Fang Xie and Yossef Baidi

Planning: Yossef Baidi

Post-production: Fang Xie

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