ABSTRACT
Twist Bioscience is a leading and rapidly growing synthetic biology and genomics company that has developed a disruptive DNA synthesis platform to industrialize the engineering of biology. The core of the platform is a proprietary technology that pioneers a new method of manufacturing synthetic DNA by “writing” DNA on a silicon chip. Twist is leveraging its unique technology to manufacture a broad range of synthetic DNA-based products, including oligo pools, synthetic genes, and DNA Variant libraries for a very broad range of genetic engineering applications. Twist is also pursuing longer-term opportunities in digital data storage in DNA and biologics drug discovery. Twist makes products for use across many industries including healthcare, industrial chemicals, agriculture and academic research.

BIOGRAPHY
Bernd Willems' fascination for nature and DNA led him to pursue a degree in Biology at the University of Cologne in Germany and a PhD at the National University in Singapore. For his thesis he conducted research about genetic networks underlying skeletal development in zebrafish and medaka. He commenced his corporate career at QIAGEN's HQ as the Global Product Manager for PCR enzymes and kits. Following this, he returned to Singapore to represent a German Biotech Startup in APAC. At Twist Bioscience, Bernd is now working as the Senior Application Specialist for the Synthetic Biology portfolio comprising Genes, Oligo Pools and DNA Variant Libraries. He consults research scientists in the public and private sector throughout the KOSEA (APAC ex CN/JP) region to find the right solutions for their diverse research. His focus topics are ranging from simple gene expression through functional genomics screenings to therapeutic antibody discovery and development.