SPEAKERS

Co-Founder and CEO of Avalo, Inc.

Brendan Collins is the Co-Founder and CEO of Avalo, Inc., a crop biotechnology that designs and breeds climate-resilient crop varieties using patented AI technology. Alongside Dr. Mariano Alvarez, Mr. Collins formed Avalo with the shared passion in advanced computation and the role it could play in understanding and improving complex biological interactions to provide an agricultural system more aligned with natural ecosystems. He is an entrepreneur, cell biologist, and software engineer. Prior to Avalo, he served as the lead software developer at a robotics company, focusing on next-generation distributed manufacturing solutions for small manufacturers. Mr. Collins also co-founded Share Lockers, introducing the first web-enabled lockers for secure, contactless peer-to-peer exchanges.

Prior to these ventures, as co-founder of FanPay in 2012, Mr. Collins sought to provide student athletes with a platform to monetize their name and likeness before such practices were mainstream.

His academic background, with research in cell-based therapies for traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries at UCL, complements his hands-on experience in the tech industry. Bringing together his expertise in software development, biochemistry, and entrepreneurship, Mr. Collins’ role at Avalo combines his diverse skills to implement advanced computing into biological systems.