Andrew Hessel Keynote Speaker

Futurist at the forefront of genomics
Distinguished Researcher, Autodesk (2012-present)
Founding Director, Pink Army Cooperative (2009-present)

Andrew Hessel's Biography

Andrew Hessel is a futurist and catalyst in biological technologies, helping industry, academics, and authorities better understand the changes ahead in life science. From 2012 to 2018, he was a Distinguished Researcher in Autodesk’s Bio/Nano Programmable Matter group. Andrew is also the co-founder of the Pink Army Cooperative, a cooperative biotechnology company focused on advancing open-source approaches to viral therapies for cancer.

Trained in microbiology and genetics, Andrew has continually worked at the forefront of genomics, first to read and comprehend bacterial, human, and other genomes and more recently to write them. He believes the technology that makes this possible, called synthetic biology, is revolutionary and that it will eventually surpass information technology (IT) as an economic engine and driver of societal change. He speaks widely on topics that include cells as living computers, life science as an emerging IT industry, and biological safety and security.

Andrew is an advocate of open genetic engineering, believing that the field will increasingly resemble the software industry and give rise to open source, single purpose (app), and ‘freemium’ applications, and that it will be spearheaded by younger programmer-entrepreneurs. He is active in the iGEM and DIYbio (do-it-yourself) communities and frequently works with students and young entrepreneurs to help them be successful.

Andrew previously served as co-chair of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology at Singularity University, beginning in 2009, teaching graduate and executive audiences about disruptive shifts in life science. In November 2011, he was appointed a Fellow at the University of Ottawa’s Institute for Science, Society, and Policy, examining how next-generation technologies shape society’s future.

Understanding biotechnology

Life is the only technology we didn't create, making it mysterious and controversial. Scientists have spent centuries reverse-engineering biochemistry. Now AI and digital biology is opening the door to programming it.

Humanity's biological future

Biotechnology will dramatically change our relationship with other creatures, our impact on the environment, and even what it means to be human. Get insights into where humanity is heading.

Biology and the bioeconomy

Biology represents about 5% of US GDP and touches on almost every economic sector. As biotechnology changes, so does the bioeconomy.

Biosecurity and biodefense

Biological safety and security are crucial for personal health and national defense. As biology digitizes, it increases the risk of biological weapon development, bioattacks, and biological warfare.

He has worked at the forefront of genomics and synthetic biology, from reading the first bacterial and human genomes to advancing the technologies that enable DNA to be written and engineered.
He translates breakthroughs in synthetic biology into clear strategic insight, helping leaders understand how life science is becoming an engineering discipline and a powerful economic engine.
As a former Distinguished Researcher in Autodesk’s Bio Nano Programmable Matter group, he brings hands-on experience of applying programmable design principles to biology and medicine.
He equips boards and executive teams to navigate the opportunities and risks of open genetic engineering, biosecurity and the rapid convergence of biology and information technology./p>
An experienced educator and speaker, he engages global audiences from graduate students to senior executives, inspiring them to act confidently in a world where cells function as living computers.