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

MIT Technology Review recently hosted a discussion with Samuel King, a Stanford University PhD candidate and Arc Institute researcher, regarding his groundbreaking work in synthetic biology. In 2025, King utilized generative AI models to successfully propose genetic blueprints for microscopic viruses, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of artificial intelligence and biotechnology. During the interview with senior AI reporter James O'Donnell, King discussed the implications of using AI to design biological entities and the potential for creating new life forms in the future. Recognized as one of the publication's Innovators Under 35, King explores how these computational tools are revolutionizing our understanding of biological systems. The session highlights both the scientific promise of AI-driven genetic engineering and the ongoing advancements in the field, as these AI-designed viruses have already demonstrated the capability to effectively target and eliminate bacteria.