Keasling hailed as Tech Pioneer in Davos

January 2006

Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering Professor Jay Keasling traveled to Davos, Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum January 25-29. Amyris Biotechnologies, co-founded by Keasling, was one of 36 start-up companies chosen as technology visionaries – companies whose products could change the world.

Amyris Biotechnologies focuses on Keasling’s method of using engineered bacteria to cheaply produce malaria drugs for the developing world. Keasling attended the Forum in part to promote his goal of harnessing advanced technologies to address worldwide problems. He also spoke as part of the “The New Edge of Technology” conference session, where his drug-production technique was chosen as one of the five technologies likely to have the most influence in the coming years.

Keasling’s research in synthetic biology has garnered much attention over the past year. Read more about tech pioneers honored at Davos in the San Francisco Chronicle and at the World Economic Forum.