On October 19, 2024, BCLA’s “Sustainable Biotech: Shaping the Future of LA’s Biotech” was held at BioscienceLA, bringing together top minds from across the environmental biotechnology spectrum. This all-day summit gathered scientists, industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to explore the intersections of biotechnology and environmental responsibility. From an early morning start to an engaging evening happy hour, participants delved deeply into issues at the core of LA’s burgeoning biotech sector, leaving with fresh insights, new connections, and a shared commitment to fostering sustainable innovation.
Setting the tone for the day was keynote speaker Dr. Rohit Shukla, an iconic leader in the biotech space and founder of the Larta Institute, an internationally renowned accelerator dedicated to sustainability-driven science and technology. Dr. Shukla’s distinguished career includes roles as Director of High Technology Business at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation and as Executive Director of the Presidents’ Roundtable, making him a well-recognized authority on the nexus between innovation and societal impact. Since establishing Larta in 1993, Dr. Shukla has championed the role of sustainable solutions in technology, offering invaluable support to numerous early-stage companies focused on impactful science. His keynote address challenged attendees to think beyond technical breakthroughs, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift in biotech toward sustainability. He urged the audience to see sustainable biotech not just as an area of scientific opportunity but as a profound responsibility to address environmental concerns—a call to action that energized participants for the day’s conversations.
The first panel of the day, “Innovation and Challenges in Biotechnology for Sustainability,” was moderated by Irina Rumyantseva, Senior Principal Solutions Consultant at Aspen Technology. The discussion featured Yuliana Mihaylova, CEO of OliveBio; Angelita de la Luz, Global Pollination Expert at Beeflow; and Adrian Brueckner, Scientist at Invizyne. Each panelist brought unique insights on the promise and complexity of developing sustainable solutions in the field. Brueckner opened by discussing recent advancements in enzyme and protein engineering, which are poised to play a significant role in creating greener, more efficient industrial processes. He highlighted his team’s work in biomimicry, aiming to replicate nature’s processes in developing eco-friendly solutions. De la Luz contributed an ecological perspective, explaining how Beeflow is pioneering sustainable pollination techniques that work in harmony with natural ecosystems. These methods could revolutionize agriculture by reducing environmental impact and enhancing crop yields. Mihaylova rounded out the panel by discussing her company’s dedication to creating biodegradable materials from waste products, offering a compelling case study of how life cycle analysis can drive sustainable biotech practices. The panelists didn’t shy away from addressing challenges: from funding hurdles to supply chain limitations and the need for greater regulatory support. Together, they painted a vivid picture of an industry where innovation thrives, but where sustainability requires collaboration across sectors and a unified vision to overcome complex challenges.
The second panel, “Policy, Regulation, and Future Directions in Sustainable Biotechnology,” shifted the conversation to the regulatory and policy frameworks that support—or sometimes hinder—progress in sustainable biotech. Moderated by Dan Gober, Executive Director of Biocom California’s Los Angeles office, this discussion featured three prominent voices: Dr. Julia Perederiy, Founder and President of OmBiome; Achyut Patel, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of beyondGREEN biotech; and Jasmine Elbarbary, Senior Sustainability Strategist at thinkPARALLAX. Dr. Perederiy spoke about the pressing need for clear terminology and standards in the industry. For example, terms like “natural” and “compostable” often carry significant ambiguity, which she argued can mislead consumers and hinder sustainable progress. Patel echoed these concerns, explaining how beyondGREEN is working to create bioplastics that look and feel like traditional plastics without the same environmental costs. Yet, he noted, consumers often struggle to understand the sustainability impact due to a lack of clarity in industry standards. Elbarbary, who came into sustainability from a consulting background, emphasized the importance of aligning business and sustainability objectives for true impact. She argued that certifications and regulatory frameworks not only validate sustainable products but also empower consumers to make responsible choices. The panel touched on the issue of “greenwashing”—when companies market products as sustainable without substantial evidence—and stressed the importance of policy in preventing such practices. They collectively called for more robust, well-enforced standards to ensure that sustainability claims are meaningful and accurate. Reflecting on the role of government, the panelists underscored the need for education, especially within regulatory bodies, to develop policies that support innovation while safeguarding public trust.
Interspersed throughout these discussions were opportunities for attendees to engage directly with industry veterans and specialists. During the mentorship lunch, participants had the unique chance to sit down with seasoned professionals from the biotech community, asking questions and gaining insights that could shape their career trajectories. This segment allowed early-career scientists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to seek guidance on navigating LA’s biotech landscape, with advice ranging from practical career tips to broader insights into industry trends. The collaborative atmosphere encouraged an exchange of ideas that echoed beyond the lunch hour, equipping attendees with both professional insights and renewed enthusiasm for their work.
As the day drew to a close, Nucleate hosted a happy hour, providing a relaxed environment for further networking and reflection on the summit's themes. Attendees mingled, shared their thoughts on the day’s sessions, and discussed potential collaborations and future opportunities. The informal setting encouraged conversations that cemented the day’s learnings, fostering connections and potential partnerships among like-minded professionals invested in a sustainable biotech future.
BCLA’s 10th Annual Biotech Summit successfully underscored that the future of biotechnology in Los Angeles is one of innovation, collaboration, and responsibility. Through a series of engaging discussions, participants left with not only a deeper understanding of sustainable practices but also a shared commitment to shaping a greener, more resilient biotech ecosystem. This year’s summit illustrated that sustainable biotechnology is not just a possibility but an imperative—one that LA’s biotech community is well-prepared to lead.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our inspiring speakers and dedicated mentors for their invaluable contributions, as well as to our event sponsors—Aureka Biotechnologies, Inc., MaxCyte, Inc., PTP, and California Life Sciences (CLS)—whose generous support made this event possible.
Comments