Roundtables: A Conversation With the Creator of AI-Designed Viruses

MIT Technology Review is hosting a live roundtable discussion on October 16, 2026, featuring Stanford University PhD candidate Samuel King. King gained recognition for his pioneering work in 2025, where he utilized generative AI models to create genetic blueprints for microscopic viruses. This research, which earned him a spot on the Innovators Under 35 list, explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and synthetic biology, raising questions about the potential for AI to design new life forms. The session will be moderated by senior AI reporter James O’Donnell and will delve into King’s methodology, the implications of his findings for the future of biological engineering, and new perspectives on how AI can reshape our understanding of life. The event is open for registration and aims to provide deeper insight into the rapidly evolving field of AI-driven biotechnology.