U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence-driven biotechnology platform at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington. The Anaerobic Microbial Phenotyping Platform (AMP2), developed by Gingko Bioworks, is designed to enhance research on microbes through automation and AI.
According to PNNL scientists, AMP2 is expected to become the world’s largest autonomous science system for anaerobic microbial experimentation. The platform aims to accelerate the identification, growth, and optimization of microbes for biotechnology manufacturing and life sciences research, reducing timelines from years to days or weeks.
The launch aligns with the Trump Administration’s Genesis Mission, which directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to strengthen U.S. leadership in science and innovation through artificial intelligence. During his visit to PNNL—his 16th stop on a tour of all 17 DOE national laboratories—Secretary Wright formally commissioned AMP2.
“President Trump launched the Genesis Mission to ensure American leadership in science and innovation,” said Secretary Chris Wright. “This ongoing public-private partnership at PNNL will help do exactly that in the field of biotechnology. By launching AI-enabled, autonomous platforms like AMP2, our DOE National Laboratories are driving scientific breakthroughs faster than ever before and ensuring the United States leads the world in technologies that will better human lives and secure our future.”
AMP2 will serve as a prototype for an even larger project called Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability (M2PC). Together, these systems are intended to create what DOE describes as the largest autonomous infrastructure for microbial research globally, positioning the United States at the forefront of biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
PNNL Director Deb Gracio commented on the collaboration: “The official launch of AMP2 marks a milestone in maintaining our nation’s global leadership in biotechnology innovation. Together with DOE and Ginkgo Bioworks, we are bringing the vision of high-throughput, AI-enabled science to life and empowering researchers to accelerate discoveries that unlock the boundless potential of microbial science.”
Jason Kelly, Founder and CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks, added: “Secretary Wright and the DOE have moved quickly on the first steps of President Trump’s Genesis Mission today with the creation of two autonomous labs that together will be the world’s largest. Artificial intelligence paired with robotic laboratories led by our nation’s scientists will ensure the United States wins the race in science and for the bioeconomy versus our adversaries. Ginkgo is proud to play a part in the President’s effort that could be as important as the Manhattan and Apollo projects in securing US leadership of the future.”
