Colossal CEO Ben Lamm says humanity has a ‘moral obligation’ to pursue de-extinction tech

Ben Lamm of Colossal advocates de-extinction, focusing on species like woolly mammoths, backed by AI and investors.

: Colossal CEO Ben Lamm believes humanity has both a moral and ethical obligation to pursue de-extinction technologies, especially for species like the woolly mammoth, the dodo, and the Tasmanian tiger. Lamm argues that modern conservation efforts are insufficient, hence the need for a 'de-extinction' toolkit. Colossal, valued at $10.2 billion, aims to reintroduce mammoth hybrids to the Arctic tundra by 2028. He also emphasized the potential for AI and synthetic biology to revolutionize fields like cancer treatment and environmental restoration.

Colossal CEO Ben Lamm passionately advocates for using genetic editing techniques to resurrect extinct species, emphasizing the moral and ethical obligations humanity has to rectify past ecological harms. Speaking at SXSW with actor Joe Manganiello, Lamm highlighted the inadequacies of current conservation efforts and the necessity of developing a 'de-extinction' toolkit. While the revival of dinosaurs remains beyond reach due to the lack of usable DNA, Colossal targets more recent species such as the woolly mammoth, dodo bird, and the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger).

Founded in 2023 by Lamm and George Church in Dallas, Colossal aims to create woolly mammoth hybrid calves by 2028, intending to release them into the Arctic tundra. The company also seeks to reintroduce Tasmanian tiger joeys into their natural habitats in Tasmania and broader Australia after a period of captivity. Colossal's ambitious goals have attracted significant venture capital, raising hundreds of millions of dollars and achieving a valuation of $10.2 billion.

Colossal has spun out two specialized companies with an undisclosed third in the pipeline. Lamm envisions 'billions of dollars' in revenue from rewilding species and carbon sequestration. One notable project is the gene-edited 'woolly mouse,' engineered with woolly mammoth-like traits. Some experts question its relevance to de-extinction, but Lamm asserts it validates Colossal's mammoth research, confirming the correctness of their genetic modifications.

Lamm foresees the convergence of AI, synthetic biology, and computing as potentially 'dangerous' yet transformative technologies. He predicts breakthroughs in cancer cures, ocean plastic removal, and clean water availability. He even envisions future abilities to eradicate invasive species or revive extinct ones, as well as engineering plants for diverse protein production.

Looking further ahead, Lamm speculates humanity could achieve 'longevity escape velocity' within two decades, significantly extending life expectancy. He proposes a 'Manhattan Project-scale' initiative to preserve endangered species in 'bio vaults' to generate stem and egg cells, though he did not identify interested countries. Colossal has also engaged with U.S. government agencies quarterly, with unspecified support presumably from grants.

Sources: TechCrunch, BBC News, The New York Times, National Geographic, Financial Times.

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