The CEO of Colossal, a startup that aims to use genetic editing techniques to bring back extinct species, including the wooly mammoth, assured audiences at SXSW that the company has no plans to create a real-life Jurassic Park — lest there was any doubt. “Modern conservation isn’t working […] and we’re gonna need a ‘de-extinction’ […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Colossal CEO Ben Lamm argues humanity has a moral obligation to pursue de-extinction technology, believing it's necessary because "modern conservation isn't working." Colossal, valued at $10.2 billion, aims to resurrect extinct species like the woolly mammoth, dodo bird, and Tasmanian tiger, and hopes to have woolly mammoth hybrid calves by 2028. Lamm sees potential for profit in "re-wilding" and carbon sequestration. He also discussed AI's role, the possibility of achieving "longevity escape velocity," and the need for "bio vaults" to protect endangered species. Colossal meets regularly with U.S. government agencies and has received government investment.
