U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has launched a new artificial intelligence-driven biotechnology platform at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington. The Anaerobic Microbial Phenotyping Platform (AMP2), developed by Ginkgo Bioworks, is designed to advance autonomous biological discovery and enhance American leadership in science and innovation.
During his visit to PNNL, Secretary Wright commissioned and signed the AMP2 platform, which scientists believe will become the world’s largest autonomous-capable system for anaerobic microbial experimentation. This initiative supports the Genesis Mission announced by the Trump Administration, which aims to boost U.S. capabilities in science through artificial intelligence.
The AMP2 platform provides Department of Energy (DOE) scientists with new tools to study microbes using automation and AI. The system is expected to accelerate research by enabling rapid identification, growth, and optimization of microbes—tasks that previously took years can now be accomplished in days or weeks.
“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.”
The AMP2 serves as a prototype for DOE’s planned Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability (M2PC). Together, these systems aim to create what is described as the world’s largest infrastructure for autonomous microbial research. The goal is to position the U.S. at the forefront of biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and materials innovation.
Secretary Wright’s visit was part of his tour across all 17 DOE National Laboratories; PNNL was his 16th stop. He was joined by Jason Kelly, CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks, and Deb Gracio, director of PNNL.
“The official launch of AMP2 marks a milestone in maintaining our nation’s global leadership in biotechnology innovation,” said PNNL Director Deb Gracio. “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.”
“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,” said Jason Kelly, Founder and CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks. “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.”
