Episode 9 | Building the Future of DeSci: Lab Automation, Climate & Culture
In this episode of Proof of DeSci, we sit down with Jake Wintermute, synthetic biologist, science communicator, and former developer evangelist at Ginkgo Bioworks, to explore the future of decentralized science. Together with Albert and Morgan from ValleyDAO, we dive into the big themes shaping DeSci today: how lab automation and cloud labs could transform decentralized research, the role of DIY bio and iGEM as models for distributed science, and why culture, cost, and education are just as important as technology. We also discuss the narrative challenges facing climate science, the opportunities DeSci creates as an alternative career path for young researchers, and even how memes and humor can become powerful tools for building community and communicating science. Equal parts serious and fun, this episode captures the spirit of DeSci as a movement reimagining how science gets funded, executed, and shared.
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Episode 8 | BIO V2, DeSci Summer & Market Insights
In this episode of Proof of DeSci, we’re joined by Erik from Bio.xyz to unpack one of the most anticipated updates in the DeSci space, BIO V2. We dive into how V2 changes access, participation, and opportunities for builders and backers, and what this means for the future of decentralized biotech funding.Alongside Erik, we explore the pulse of DeSci Summer, the signals showing real market traction, and how community-driven models are shifting the balance away from purely speculative funding. From accessibility and equity to staking dynamics and new experimental launches, this conversation captures where DeSci is heading next, and why it matters.If you want a clear, insider’s view on the next chapter of DeSci, this episode is for you.
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Episode 7 | Winning with Phlo: How AI Tools Empower Biotech Builders
In this episode of Proof of DeSci, we sit down with Caroline and Eshwar, winners of the Phlo Hackathon, to talk about their project Pearlfect Millet, a synthetic biology idea aiming to optimize millet for better taste and resilience. We dive into their scientific backgrounds, what drew them into DeSci, and how they leveraged Phlo’s research agents to go from idea to execution in just a few days.They share their experience using Phlo for literature review, business strategy, and validating core assumptions. We also explore how new tools like Phlo can reduce friction for early-stage biotech innovation and what kind of support next-gen researchers are looking for.If you’re into DeSci, AI for science, or early-stage biotech, you don’t want to miss this one.
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Episode 6 | The Power of DeSci Communities & Creators
In this episode of Proof of DeSci, we explore the power of community and creators in shaping the future of decentralized science. Joined by That Investor, Andrew Hemingway, Morgan and Albert from ValleyDAO, we dive into how DeSci communities are flipping the script on traditional science funding, why content creators and influencers are becoming vital to the movement, and how crypto-native culture is accelerating interest in climate biotech. From the speed of funding to the value of storytelling, this conversation unpacks the cultural shift happening at the intersection of crypto and science, and why embracing memes, media, and unconventional voices might be the key to scaling impact.
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Episode 5 | Funding the Future: Why JuniperVC Believes in DeSci
In this episode of Proof of DeSci, we’re joined by Michael Luciani, co-founder of Juniper VC, a climate biotech-focused venture firm backing the next wave of synthetic biology and sustainable innovation.We dig into:How Juniper VC sees biotech beyond pharma, investing in food, materials, and planetary healthThe real opportunities in climate biotech, from biomining to engineered agricultureWhy Juniper is betting on DeSci and what led them to invest in ValleyDAOHow AI, declining biomanufacturing costs, and alternative funding models are reshaping the biotech landscapeThe valley of death in climate biotech, and how communities like ValleyDAO can help researchers cross it fasterMichael also shares his thoughts on the growing synergy between VCs and decentralized science, how consumer biotech can drive mainstream awareness, and why we’re entering a new golden era for engineered biology.If you care about the future of science, climate solutions, or building outside the old institutions, this one’s for you.
Proof of DeSci by ValleyDAO is a podcast series showcasing real scientific breakthroughs funded through decentralized science. Each episode dives into research milestones, researcher stories, and the impact DeSci is creating, proving that decentralized science works.
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