The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a new artificial intelligence-driven biotechnology platform at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright commissioned and signed the Anaerobic Microbial Phenotyping Platform (AMP2), which is expected to become the world’s largest autonomous-capable science system for anaerobic microbial experimentation.
AMP2 was developed by Ginkgo Bioworks and will allow DOE scientists to study microbes more efficiently using automation and AI. The platform aims to accelerate the identification, growth, and optimization of microbes from years to days or weeks.
“President Trump launched the Genesis Mission to ensure American leadership in science and innovation,” said Secretary Chris Wright. “This ongoing public-private partnership at PNNL will help do exactly that in the field of biotechnology. By launching AI-enabled, autonomous platforms like AMP2, our DOE National Laboratories are driving scientific breakthroughs faster than ever before and ensuring the United States leads the world in technologies that will better human lives and secure our future.”
The AMP2 platform is intended as a prototype for a larger system called the Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability (M2PC). Together, these systems are designed to create what DOE describes as the world’s largest autonomous microbial research infrastructure, supporting advances in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and materials innovation.
PNNL Director Deb Gracio stated, “The official launch of AMP2 marks a milestone in maintaining our nation’s global leadership in biotechnology innovation. Together with DOE and Ginkgo Bioworks, we are bringing the vision of high-throughput, AI-enabled science to life and empowering researchers to accelerate discoveries that unlock the boundless potential of microbial science.”
Jason Kelly, Founder and CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks, added: “Secretary Wright and the DOE have moved quickly on the first steps of President Trump’s Genesis Mission today with the creation of two autonomous labs that together will be the world’s largest. Artificial intelligence paired with robotic laboratories led by our nation’s scientists will ensure the United States wins the race in science and for the bioeconomy versus our adversaries. Ginkgo is proud to play a part in the President’s effort that could be as important as the Manhattan and Apollo projects in securing US leadership of the future.”
Secretary Wright’s visit to PNNL was part of his tour across all 17 DOE National Laboratories; PNNL was his 16th stop.
