Synthetic Biology Scientist & Genomics Entrepreneur; Co-Founder of Genome Project-write; Author of "The Genesis Machine"

San Francisco, CA, USA
Live Event: $20,000 - $30,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Andrew Hessel Biography

Andrew Hessel is a scientist and entrepreneur working at the intersection of synthetic biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Trained in microbiology and genetics, Hessel has contributed to advancements in reading and writing bacterial, human, and other genomes, emphasizing the concept that cells function as living computers and DNA serves as a programming language. His work in synthetic biology explores its potential to become a significant economic and societal driver, surpassing traditional information technology.

Hessel co-founded Miikana Therapeutics, a clinical-stage drug development company, and later established Pink Army Cooperative, the first cooperative biotechnology company focused on developing open-source viral therapies for cancer. As a Distinguished Researcher in the Bio/Nano Programmable Matter department at Autodesk, Hessel collaborated with Paul Jaschke and Jacqueline Quinn to design and synthesize the bacteriophage φX174 using digital tools, demonstrating rapid advancements in synthetic biology. The 3D-printed model of this engineered organism was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Hessel also co-founded Humane Genomics, Inc., which develops synthetic virus engineering solutions targeting cancer cells.

Hessel played a key role in launching Genome Project-write, an open, international research initiative aimed at making the engineering and testing of large genomes more cost-effective. He co-founded the project with George Church, Nancy J. Kelley, and Jef Boeke, bringing together multidisciplinary experts in genome engineering. Hessel has also served as a AAAS-Lemelson Invention Ambassador and was a founding faculty member and former co-chair of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology at Singularity University, where he contributed to the development of the Life Sciences track.

As an author and speaker, Hessel co-wrote the book "The Genesis Machine: Our Quest to Rewrite Life in the Age of Synthetic Biology" with Amy Webb. He has contributed articles to publications including The Atlantic, Wired UK, and Scientific American, and his work has been optioned by Paramount Pictures and translated into several languages. Hessel frequently presents on topics related to biotechnology, genomics, and biodefense for organizations such as EY, CERN, Stanford, the FBI, the United Nations, Singularity University, Forbes, and TEDx. He has participated in think tanks and organizations including the Berggruen Institute, Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator, and the Long Now Foundation. Hessel combines laboratory experience with a focus on the evolving landscape of synthetic biology and its implications for science, technology, and society.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/30/2026.

Andrew Hessel Speaking Topics

  • Synthetic Biology and Its Implications for Economy, Bio-security, and Global Health

    Biotechnology has experienced previous booms that have proven unsustainable. In fact, as an industry, is a lot like the airline industry, crucial but not profitable as a whole. Few realize that biotechnology returned its first profit ever just in 2008. Since then, it has struggled along with other industries affected by the ongoing global economic challenges.

    However, Andrew Hessel believes the biotechnological future is brighter than ever. Over the last decade, biotechnology has gone digital. It is on the cusp of delivering truly disruptive technological changes. And because biotechnology is central to all living things, this could bring societal shifts as well. Humanity entered 1900 largely as an agrarian society, without heavier-than-air flight, without computers, and with virtually no biological understanding of disease. We exited the century with nearly half of all people living in cities, exploring space, globally networked, and holding a draft of the human genome. What’s ahead? Noted futurist Ray Kurzweil says that compared to the last 100 years, we can expect 20,000 years of relative progress. If you’re not preparing for this change, you’re going to be swept away by it.

  • The Internet of Living Things

    How can gene-manipulation make our future better? And can you say no to it? In this talk, Andrew Hessel explores the fascinating “internet of livings things” inside us, our genes, is very open to manipulation—and the question is not whether we want it, but rather how and when. Andrew shares with audiences the parallels between IT and biology and reasons that Synthetic Biology will be the next big IT industry.

Andrew Hessel Videos

Andrew Hessel - The Internet of Living Things - YouTube

Andrew Hessel - The Internet of Living Things - YouTube

Andrew Hessel reasons that Synthetic Biology will be the next big IT industry. In his remarkable talk Andrew talks about the parallels between IT and...

The Dark Side of the Double Helix: Andrew Hessel at TEDx Marin ...

The Dark Side of the Double Helix: Andrew Hessel at TEDx Marin ...

A fascinating inside look at the coming world of Synthetic Biology. Andrew Hessel is a futurist and catalyst in biological technologies, helping...

Andrew Hessel - Introduction to Synthetic Biology - YouTube

Andrew Hessel - Introduction to Synthetic Biology - YouTube

Andrew Hessel, pioneer in synthetic biology, discusses the similarities between computing and biology during a talk at Singularity University....

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  • What topics does Andrew Hessel speak about?

    Andrew Hessel is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Biology, Futurism, Genetics, Healthcare, Innovation, Research & Exploration, Science, Technology
  • Where does Andrew Hessel travel from?

    Andrew Hessel generally travels from San Francisco, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Andrew Hessel is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Synthetic Biology and Its Implications for Economy, Bio-security, and Global Health and The Internet of Living Things. The estimated speaking fee range to book Andrew Hessel for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Andrew Hessel generally travels from San Francisco, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Janina Jeff, Craig H. Lipset, Kim Kamdar, Tania Simoncelli and Jamie Metzl. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Andrew Hessel for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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