Nabiha Saklayen: From Physics to Scalable Cell Therapies

<p>What does it actually take to manufacture biology at scale?</p><p>In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith sits down with Nabiha Saklayen, CEO and co-founder of Cellino, to explore the future of cell therapy manufacturing. Trained in physics and biophotonics, Nabiha is applying principles from semiconductor fabrication to one of the hardest problems in medicine: turning powerful cell therapies into scalable, reliable products.</p><p>The conversation dives into the core challenges of iPSC variability, autologous versus allogeneic strategies, and why manufacturing remains the primary bottleneck preventing these therapies from reaching patients. Nabiha explains Cellino’s approach, combining AI, imaging, and laser-based systems to create a closed, automated platform for cell production.</p><p>They also explore how AI is reshaping biology, how scientists are evolving into computational operators, and what the future lab looks like as automation and intelligence converge. From Artemis missions to the arrow of time in reprogramming, this episode connects physics, biology, and the long-term future of engineered life.</p><p>This is a deep look at the infrastructure layer of biofuturism and what must be true for living medicines to reach the world at scale.</p><p>00:00 - The importance of curiosity and bold thinking in science and technology</p><p>00:11 - Nabiha Saklayen’s background and childhood fascination with space</p><p>02:01 - Her journey through physics, biophysics, and motivations behind her work</p><p>03:24 - Early influences from diverse cultures and educational choices</p><p>06:17 - How personal loss shaped her scientific focus on biomedicine</p><p>08:40 - Insights on Artemis moon mission and space biology innovations</p><p>12:27 - Inspiring the next generation: fostering curiosity in children</p><p>14:20 - AI as a tool for biology and the significance of large language models</p><p>17:03 - The origins of Cellino: applying light-based manufacturing methods</p><p>20:22 - Cellino’s optical bioprocess and steps toward clinical-scale production</p><p>22:23 - Addressing variability in iPSC reprogramming and quality control</p><p>26:32 - Regulatory milestones and FDA collaborations in advanced therapies</p><p>30:27 - The role of automation and dashboards in scalable cell manufacturing</p><p>36:52 - Visualizing the process from donor cell to differentiated therapy</p><p>40:35 - Maintaining sterility and process control in cell banking</p><p>45:40 - How AI interfaces with robotics and the role of scientists in automated development</p><p>46:04 - The physics of cell removal using bubbles and laser technology</p><p>49:20 - How AI and machine learning optimize manufacturing processes and data management</p><p>54:54 - Advice for students passionate about science and innovation</p><p>57:19 - Future of human creativity and AI partnership in work and art</p><p>59:05 - Speculating on the creation or existence of AGI and its first questions</p><p>1:00:03 - The influence of science fiction on Nabiha’s worldview and recommended books</p>