Roundtables: A Conversation With the Creator of AI-Designed Viruses

Available only for MIT Technology Review subscribers. Friday, October 16, 2026 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. Join senior AI reporter James O'Donnell as he interviews King about his work, being named one of MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35 and new ways of seeing biology. Going live on October 16th at 18:30 BST / 1:30pm EDT / 10:30am PDT Speakers: James O'Donnell, AI Reporter, and Samuel King, Bioengineering PhD Candidate, Stanford University/Arc Institute Related Stories He asked an AI to design viruses … and it worked. AI-designed viruses are here and already killing bacteria < Deep DiveStay connectedIllustration by Rose WongGet the latest updates fromMIT Technology ReviewDiscover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.