Building Collaborative Drug Discovery Tools with Barry Bunin

*Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of trauma, loss, and near‑death experiences. Please take care while listening, and reach out to a mental health professional or someone you trust if these topics become overwhelming.*

Listen to the next episode of our podcast, Under the Surface. In episode 17, Building Collaborative Drug Discovery Tools, we feature an in-depth interview with Barry Bunin, CEO of Collaborative Drug Discovery, about his journey from chemist to entrepreneur. He shares how his background and desire to make a difference have shaped his company's mission and technology.

Here's what we discuss:

• Barry Bunin's background and what inspired his purpose

• How CDD started and became a leader in sharing science safely

• Why CDD Vault was built to keep research private, secure, and easy to use

• How teamwork and sharing data make drug discovery faster

• Finding the right balance between sharing and privacy

• How new tech like AI helps scientists work together

• Caring about people, having an impact, and doing good in science

• Barry's book shows the power of working together and being creative

This episode brings together science, entrepreneurship, and the personal stories that inspire innovation.

Listener discretion is advised.

• (03:00) Barry talks about starting out in science, wanting to make a difference, and how that shaped his work.
• (06:00) How Barry's personal experiences led to his book and his current journey.
• (06:33) Content Warning begins
• (07:10) Content Warning ends
• (10:00) Mixing hands-on chemistry with computer tools to get better results.
• (15:00) How Barry got interested in combining chemistry and technology early on.
• (20:00) Moving from lab work to starting software companies.
• (25:00) What CDD stands for: their values, company culture, and mission.
• (30:00) Working together in drug discovery, and how to keep things open but private.
• (33:24) Content Warning begins
• (37:33) Content Warning ends
• (35:00) Real stories from the field, and why being human matters in science.
• (40:00) Keeping data safe and models using tech like federated learning.
• (50:00) How Barry's book came together.
• (1:00:00) Looking ahead: AI, collaboration tools, and making a positive impact.
• (1:06:40) The "Deschenes Dilemma": What happens if you can't stop doing science?
• (1:08:00) Thinking about legacy, inspiring future generations, and making your mark.

Resources & Links:

• Inside CDD Vault — A Different Kind of Silicon Valley Success Story: Behind the Code: The Human Side of Collaborative Drug Discovery (on Amazon)

• Collaborative Drug Discovery (CDD)

• The Human Side of Collaborative Drug Discovery

• How Do B2B Companies Hold Onto Their Purpose as They Grow?

Connect with Barry Bunin:

• LinkedIn