Episode 02: Chris Bahl
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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 an academic faculty, to a founder and CSO, and later to a CEO of AI Proteins, which is a Boston-based startup with the niche of using AI to design proteins. The startup generated 150 protein drug candidates over the past 3 years.
Chris discusses how designed mini-protein 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 biotech leader.
Contact Chris Bahl
BPDMC
Co-Hosts: Fang Xie and Yossef Baidi
Location: AI Proteins HQ, Fenway, Boston
Planning: Yossef Baidi
Post-production: Fang Xie
