Source: Wired
Summary
Colossal announced a new AI platform to support its de-extinction projects, according to a report. The company said the tool will help accelerate efforts to bring back extinct species. Peter Diamandis, founder of the XPRIZE, has launched a fund to invest in startups using the platform. The initiative aims to combine AI with genetic engineering. Colossal did not provide details on the platform’s capabilities.
Our Reading
The launch follows a familiar script.
AI platform for de-extinction—because nothing says progress like bringing back the past.
Diamandis funds startups, because why not? It’s just another tech play.
Colossal claims it’s accelerating science, but it’s really just rebranding old ideas.
De-extinction is just a fancy way of saying “we’re trying to fix what we broke.”
Author: Evan Null
Colossal’s AI Platform: The Same Old Story
Colossal has unveiled a new AI platform, claiming it will help bring back extinct species. The company has long been in the business of de-extinction, using genetic engineering to revive animals like the woolly mammoth. Now, they’re adding AI to the mix, which they say will speed up the process. The announcement came alongside a new fund from Peter Diamandis, who is known for his work in space and biotechnology. The fund is meant to support startups that use Colossal’s platform, creating a closed-loop ecosystem of innovation.
Peter Diamandis and the New Fund
Peter Diamandis, the founder of the XPRIZE, has launched a new fund to back startups that use Colossal’s AI platform. Diamandis has a history of funding ambitious tech ventures, from space exploration to synthetic biology. His new fund is positioned as a way to support the next wave of biotech innovation. The fund is not yet open for applications, but it’s clear that Diamandis sees potential in Colossal’s approach. He has previously spoken about the importance of using technology to solve complex problems, and this new initiative seems to fit that vision.
The AI Platform: What’s New?
Colossal’s new AI platform is described as a tool to help accelerate de-extinction efforts. The company has not provided specific details about the platform’s features or how it will be used. Instead, they’ve focused on the broader goal of bringing back extinct species. This is not the first time Colossal has used AI in its work. The company has previously used machine learning to analyze genetic data and identify potential candidates for de-extinction. The new platform is likely an evolution of those efforts, but the exact improvements remain unclear.
De-Extinction: A Buzzword in Biotech
De-extinction has become a buzzword in the biotech industry, with companies like Colossal leading the charge. The idea of bringing back extinct species has captured the public’s imagination, but it also raises ethical and practical questions. Critics argue that the resources spent on de-extinction could be better used to protect endangered species. Supporters, however, see it as a way to restore lost ecosystems and advance genetic science. Colossal’s new AI platform is part of this ongoing debate, offering a new tool for those who believe in the potential of de-extinction.
The Hype Cycle Continues
Colossal’s announcement follows a familiar pattern in the tech industry—introducing a new platform, touting its potential, and then relying on investors and startups to build on it. The company has not provided concrete evidence of the platform’s effectiveness, but it has positioned it as a breakthrough. This is not unusual. Many tech companies use similar strategies to generate interest and secure funding. The real test will be whether the platform delivers on its promises or if it turns out to be just another overhyped tool in the biotech space.
