Roundtables: A Conversation With the Creator of AI-Designed Viruses
Quick Answer
In a recent conversation, Stanford PhD student Samuel King discussed his use of generative AI to propose genetic blueprints for viruses, marking a significant step toward AI-designed life forms.
Quick Take
Interviewed by MIT Technology Review's James O'Donnell, King reflects on his recognition as an Innovator Under 35 and the implications for biology.
Key Points
- Samuel King used generative AI to propose genetic blueprints for microscopic viruses.
- His work represents a potential step towards AI-generated life forms.
- King was recognized as one of MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35.
- The interview was conducted by senior AI reporter James O'Donnell.
- The session is available exclusively for MIT Technology Review subscribers.
📖 Reader Mode
~1 min readWatch a subscriber-only conversation with one of MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35.
October 16, 2026
Available only for MIT Technology Review subscribers.
Listen to the session or watch below
Can AI design new life forms? In 2025, Stanford University PhD student Samuel King came up with a preliminary answer when he used a generative AI model to propose genetic blueprints for microscopic viruses. It isn’t yet an example of AI-generated life, but that could be next. Watch as senior AI reporter James O'Donnell interviews King about his work, being named one of MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35 and new ways of seeing biology.
Speakers: James O'Donnell, AI Reporter, and Samuel King, Bioengineering PhD Candidate, Stanford University/Arc Institute
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