Tim Avila | Advanced Technologies Update: AI, PFAS & Biomanufacturing
31m
Tim Avila presents an overview of advanced technologies and their implications for the dietary supplement industry.
Key points include:
1. Introduction of Melvin Kranzberg's first law of technology: technological advancements are neither good nor bad, but never neutral.
2. Discussion of the "post-digital" age and its intersection with the economy, focusing on individualization and immediacy.
3. Overview of AI applications in the industry, including pattern recognition and predictive analytics, with examples from companies like Ginkgo Bioworks and Persist AI.
4. Explanation of various methods for producing dietary supplement ingredients, including synthetic, biosynthetic, and natural processes.
5. Discussion of bio-production technologies, including precision fermentation and cell culture methods for producing plant-based bioactives.
6. Examination of contaminants in the industry, particularly PFAS (forever chemicals), glyphosate, and microplastics, and the challenges of detecting and measuring these at extremely low levels.
7. Introduction of new technologies for ingredient authentication and testing, such as computer vision and AI.
8. Reflection on the drivers causing shifts and shocks in the industry, including the proliferation of new ingredients and the increasing demand for scientific evidence.
Tim Avila emphasizes the need for the industry to understand and adapt to these technological advancements while being mindful of their implications and potential challenges.
Slides here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zztjOj3S8_9KeX_d2aTT6F9PQ68lxigv/view?usp=sharing