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 described as the world’s largest autonomous-capable system for anaerobic microbial experimentation.
AMP2 is designed to enable Department of Energy (DOE) scientists to study microbes more efficiently using automation and AI. According to PNNL scientists, this capability will allow researchers to identify, grow, and optimize microbes in significantly less time than traditional methods.
“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 platform is part of the broader Genesis Mission announced by the Trump Administration, which aims to transform American science leadership through artificial intelligence development. AMP2 will also serve as a prototype for DOE’s planned Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability (M2PC). Together with M2PC, these systems are intended to establish a large-scale infrastructure for autonomous microbial research in the U.S., supporting advancements in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and materials innovation.
During his visit—his 16th stop on a tour of all 17 DOE national laboratories—Secretary Wright 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.”
