IBE Industry Connections Seminar Series
The IBE Industry Connections Seminar Series is a dynamic platform designed to bridge the gap between cutting-edge biological engineering research and its real-world applications in industry. Each seminar will feature thought leaders, innovators, and professionals from across biotech, pharma, medical devices, agriculture, and beyond. Through engaging talks and discussions, speakers will share insights on translating research into impactful solutions, navigating career paths outside academia, and fostering innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Whether you're a student, researcher, or industry professional, join us to explore the future of biological engineering—and connect with those shaping it.
David Heller: Co-founder of C16 Biosciences
May 21, 2025 at 2 PM EST
About the Speaker:
David Heller is the co-founder of C16 Biosciences, a biotechnology company pioneering sustainable, microbial production of fats and oils. At C16, David has led the development of the company’s bioprocessing platform from early-stage research through pilot and commercial-scale manufacturing, with a focus on replacing environmentally harmful tropical oils. He earned his B.S. in Biological Engineering from MIT, where he conducted research in the lab of Dr. Robert Langer on drug delivery systems for gastrointestinal diseases. In 2017, he co-founded C16 Biosciences alongside Shara Ticku and Harry McNamara. His work sits at the intersection of metabolic engineering, industrial biotechnology, and sustainability, and reflects the growing role of biological engineering in addressing global supply chain and climate challenges.
Speaker: David Heller, Co-Founder of C16 Biosciences
Title: Decarbonization through Biomanufacturing: Sustainable Production of Next-Generation Fats and Oils
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 21 at 2:00 PM EST
Location: Join via Zoom
Abstract:
The production of fats and oils is central to global supply chains in food, personal care, and home care industries. However, the cultivation of conventional sources such as palm and coconut oil is a major driver of deforestation, biodiversity loss, human rights issues and greenhouse gas emissions. As global demand for these commodities grows, there is a critical need for sustainable production methods that decouple supply from land use and environmental degradation.
This talk will examine the potential of microbial fermentation as a scalable, sustainable alternative to traditional fat and oil production. Using C16 Biosciences as a case study, the presentation will explore the development of a biomanufacturing platform capable of producing high-performance lipid ingredients through yeast fermentation. Key themes include strain engineering, bioprocess development, and the transition from lab-scale research to commercial-scale manufacturing. The talk will also address the broader role of synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology in reshaping essential ingredient supply chains. By leveraging advances in biological engineering, it is possible to reduce dependence on extractive agricultural systems and enable a more sustainable and resilient future for ingredient manufacturing.