Before he launched a venture-backed biotech startup, prior even to landing a research role in one of the world’s premier academic labs, Anindya Roy arrived in the U.S. with two suitcases and $2,000 in the bank.
Roy grew up in rural India in a home that lacked electricity and running water during his childhood. A passion for science fueled his ambitions, leading him to earn degrees at the University of Calcutta and the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur.
Then he made the bold leap in 2008 to pursue his PhD at Arizona State University, which led to a postdoctoral fellowship with David Baker, a University of Washington professor who last year won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
In 2023, Roy co-founded Seattle-based Lila Biologics, which uses the AI-powered protein design technology developed in the Baker lab to pursue cutting-edge medical therapies.
“Anindya is a brilliant and determined scientist and innovator who has made key contributions across diverse areas of science,” Baker said, “and is charting a most exciting path forward with Lila.”
Dr. Sheila Gujrathi, a biotech executive and chair of Lila’s board of directors, described Roy as “a thoughtful and creative problem-solver who approaches each challenge with genuine humility. He stands out not just for his innovative thinking, but also for his sincere kindness and integrity.”
