From computer to lab to market: Nobel winner David Baker lands $7M for new protein program
Nobel Laureate David Baker is leading a new University of Washington initiative backed by $7 million to develop designer enzymes and proteins for applications in medicine, technology, and sustainability.
Funded by the Washington Research Foundation, the four-year program aims to accelerate work at UW’s Institute for Protein Design by training scientists, translating discoveries into commercial tools, and supporting startup creation. Baker, who won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for designing novel proteins using AI, emphasized the impact of the funding, stating, “With AI, we can now design these molecules from scratch, tailored precisely to the task at hand.” The institute has already launched more than 10 startups, with additional support for the initiative coming from philanthropic and institutional partners.
This investment reinforces the Seattle region’s leadership in protein design and biotech innovation, advancing the translation of cutting-edge research into real-world applications across the life sciences ecosystem.