The head of Colossal, a startup focused on utilizing genetic editing methods to bring back extinct species, including the woolly mammoth, reassured attendees at SXSW that the firm has no intention of creating a real-life Jurassic Park — just to clear any misconceptions.
“Modern conservation isn’t effective […] and we’re going to need a ‘de-extinction’ toolkit,” stated Colossal CEO ben Lamm during an onstage discussion in Austin, addressing inquiries from actor and board member Joe Manganiello. “I believe we have both a moral and ethical obligation to explore technologies [that] reverse some of the damage that we [as humans] have caused.”
Colossal is also aiming to revive the dodo bird and thylacine, commonly referred to as the Tasmanian tiger, alongside the woolly mammoth, Lamm noted. Though,reviving dinosaurs would be unachievable due to insufficient viable dinosaur DNA.
Founded in 2023 by Lamm and George Church in Dallas, Colossal aims to produce hybrid calves of woolly mammoths by 2028 for reintroduction into their Arctic tundra surroundings. The company is also spearheading research efforts aimed at releasing Tasmanian tiger joeys back into their native habitats in Tasmania and broader Australia after periods spent in captivity.
This vision has attracted notable interest from investors. Colossal has secured millions of dollars in venture capital funding and is currently valued at $10.2 billion.
Colossal has established two spin-off companies focused on state applications along with a third one yet to be disclosed. Lamm expressed his belief that there are “billion-dollar” opportunities arising from species rewilding and carbon capture initiatives.
one of Colossal’s recent high-profile endeavors is the gene-edited “woolly mouse,” which features mutations inspired by woolly mammoths. These mice exhibit long, shaggy fur with a tawny hue developed through combining hair-growth mutations similar to those found in both mammals.
Certain experts have voiced doubts regarding this new species, suggesting that the project was more about mouse genetics than an actual breakthrough in de-extinction science.
Lamm countered these claims by asserting that this project validated Colossal’s research efforts concerning wooly mammoths.
“It demonstrated that our edits for creating the mammoth are indeed correct,” said Lamm.
Lamm discussed AI during his interview as well, expressing his belief that combining access to computing power with AI and synthetic biology could represent one of the most “risky” areas of technology seen globally.He also painted an optimistic picture for future advancements predicting significant breakthroughs particularly within synthetic biology leading towards cancer cures,methods for removing plastics from oceans,and ensuring clean water availability worldwide.
“We will gain proper control over life itself where we can eliminate invasive species or bring back those lost,” remarked Lamm while adding he believes it will also be possible to engineer plants not only suitable for food but capable of producing various types of proteins.”
lamm further mentioned he expects humanity will reach what he calls “longevity escape velocity” within two decades—extending average human lifespan substantially while making immortality theoretically feasible.
Apart from human longevity pursuits,Lammsaid de-extinction might necessitate a “Manhattan Project-scale initiative” aimed at preserving endangered species specifically within “bio vaults” designed for generating stem cells or egg cells.Lammsaid he’s been conversing with“a nation interested”in such projects—without disclosing specifics about which country it might potentially be.
Kyle Wiggers serves as a senior reporter at TechCrunch focusing primarily on artificial intelligence topics.His work has been featured across platforms like VentureBeatand Digital Trendsalongside various tech blogs including Android Police.Android Authority,Droid-Life,and XDA-Builders.He resides in brooklynwithhis partner who teaches pianoand occasionally experiments with playing himself—though mostly without success.
