Innovation Seminar: From Single Cells to Biotech Innovation-Thomas Ishoey, Ph.D.

INNOVATION SEMINAR: From Single Cells to Biotechnology Innovation

Microorganisms represent the oldest living forms and reside in virtually all environments capable of supporting life on the planet. The seminar will focus on how establishing basic understanding of microbes in their environment can lead to commercial opportunities across diverse industries. Examples will highlight development of single cell genomics to elucidate function of uncultured microbes and the use of new production hosts for industrial applications like biofuels, biobased chemicals and nutritional oils and protein. Finally, the transition from early stage concepts through technology proof-of-concept to commercialization will be discussed.

About Thomas Ishoey, Ph.D.

Dr. Thomas Ishoey is currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer of Biota Technology, a US-based startup that deploys DNA sequencing and data science to explore the earth's subsurface. Prior positions include Vice President of Synthetic Genomics and Chief Technology Officer of Glori Energy.

Dr. Ishoey has extensive experience in development and commercialization of applied microbiology and biotechnology including successful private fundraisings and public offering. He has pioneered the use of micromanipulation of microbial size cells for whole genome amplification and genomic analysis. Applications of the technology include discovery of uncultured microbes from diverse environments like subsurface environments, marine sediments, soil, bioreactors and human biopsies. Dr. Ishoey's experience also includes design, construction and operation of bioreactors using anaerobic microbes and applying these methods for quantitative studies of anaerobic metabolism.

Dr. Ishoey received an MS in chemical engineering and a PhD in biotechnology from the Technical University of Denmark. He also worked as visiting researcher at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Hosted by Technology Development & Innovation Center

For additional information and opportunities to meet with the speaker, please contact: innovation@oist.jp