Beyond Discovery: Closed-Loop Systems & Defensible AI-Bio

Event Overview As models improve and access widens, discovery itself is becoming cheaper. But prediction alone doesn't create enduring advantage. As AI moves beyond prediction, the advantage shifts to deployment, experimental feedback, and the systems that reduce the gap between computational design and functional biology. Beyond Discovery explores what that shift demands. Discussion Topics When models become commodities, what becomes defensible? What actually breaks when AI-generated designs meet biological systems? Are we measuring the right things, or simply the easiest things to measure? What infrastructure is still missing to close the loop? No recycled drug discovery narratives. Just founders, researchers, engineers, and investors working at the frontier, willing to disagree. Moderated by Natalie Saadeh Co-founder, DiagnoBac's On the Panel Parag Mallick Co-Founder & Chief Scientist, Nautilus Biotechnology; Associate Professor, Stanford University Building next-generation approaches for Meaningful AI and technologies for AI-driven biological measurement. Natalie Ma Chief Business Officer, Deep Origin Advancing physics-informed AI for drug discovery and computational molecular design. Cristian Ponce Co-Founder & CEO, Tetsuwan Scientific Building AI-powered laboratory automation and scientific infrastructure for biology. Vasudev Bailey, PhD Investor in Technology x Medicine; Co-Founder, Hologen Investing in companies at the intersection of technology and medicine from research through commercialization. Agenda 5:30–6:15 PM — Arrival & Networking 6:15–6:20 PM — Opening Remarks 6:20–6:25 PM — Welcome from Berkeley Gateway Accelerator & Bits in Bio 6:25–6:30 PM — DiagnoBac's: What we're building and why. 6:30–7:20 PM — Panel Discussion 7:20–7:30 PM — Audience Q&A 7:30–8:00 PM — Networking Event Details 🗓 Thursday, August 13 | 5:30–8:00 PM 📍 Berkeley Gateway Accelerator, Berkeley, CA 🎟️ Free to attend Meet the Hosts Berkeley Gateway Accelerator Based in Berkeley, California, this deep tech accelerator and venture fund helps founders transforms breakthrough technologies into enduring companies by bringing together exceptional talent, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic capital. Bits in Bio Connecting the bioeconomy by bringing together innovators working at the intersection of software, AI, and biology. Its global community of more than 12,000 founders, scientists, investors, and operators fosters collaboration across the life sciences ecosystem. DiagnoBac's Developing an AI platform for intent-driven biomolecular design that optimizes biomolecules for function in their intended biological context. By integrating machine learning, biophysical constraints, and experimental feedback, we reduce experimental iteration while accelerating the development of biomolecules for diagnostics, therapeutics, and beyond. Join founders, researchers, engineers, investors, and operators from across the Bay Area for an evening of discussion and networking. Can't attend in person? The panel discussion will be livestreamed and recorded. Registered attendees will receive viewing instructions before the event. A big thank you to Cancun Sabor, our food sponsor for the evening. Berkeley's deep tech ecosystem doesn't exist in a vacuum, it's built on top of a neighborhood, and the local businesses that show up for it are part of the story.