Sustainable cement, next generation plastics, alternative protein sources, textiles made from manufactured spider silk, mushroom leather – these are just a fraction of the promise of biotechnology. The bioeconomy has created new opportunities to support a more sustainable future and address the existential threats posed by climate change. Mary Maxon is an Executive Director of BioFutures at Schmidt Futures and an expert in this new era of science. Maxon joins us to discuss what it will take to maximize the benefits of the bioeconomy, which has the potential to revitalize U.S. manufacturing, create more resilient supply chains and new jobs, address economic inequity, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.