Colossal CEO Ben Lamm on De-Extinction, Biobanking, and Working with the Trump Administration

Ben Lamm, cofounder and CEO of Colossal, is spearheading an ambitious biobanking initiative that has gained support from the Trump administration. The project aims to collect and preserve DNA samples from endangered species, a critical step in the company's broader mission to prevent extinction and potentially resurrect lost species through advanced genetic engineering. Lamm recently discussed the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of engaging with policymakers regardless of political affiliation. 'You don't put your head in the sand for four years,' he said, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts that transcend partisan divides. The initiative could accelerate Colossal's work on de-extinction, including its high-profile projects to bring back the woolly mammoth and the thylacine. By securing federal backing, the company gains access to resources and regulatory pathways that could fast-track its research. Lamm's pragmatic approach highlights a growing trend of biotech firms seeking bipartisan support for science-driven solutions. As biodiversity loss accelerates, the partnership may set a precedent for how private innovation and government can align to address ecological crises. The next few years will test whether this alliance can deliver tangible results for endangered species.