Michael Heltzen | eXoZymes – AI-Enabled Cell-Free Biomanufacturing and the Future of Enzyme Engineering

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Michael Heltzen, CEO of eXoZymes, a publicly traded biotechnology company developing AI-enabled, cell-free biomanufacturing platforms designed to expand what is possible with enzyme engineering.Michael discusses the company’s thesis that producing complex molecules outside living cells may allow greater control, scalability, and speed compared to traditional biologic manufacturing approaches. We explore how advances in artificial intelligence are helping identify and optimize enzyme pathways, the strategic considerations involved in building a platform company in today’s capital environment, and what differentiates cell-free systems from more established synthetic biology approaches.We also discuss the realities of scaling a publicly traded life sciences company, how leaders balance scientific ambition with commercial discipline, and where cell-free biomanufacturing could create meaningful impact across nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and industrial markets.This episode was streamed live on YouTube on April 17, 2026. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠genecoda.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.