In the early 1970’s, groups of nerdy engineers with hacked-up electronics would meet at “homebrew computing clubs” to share technology and share the vision of a world where “everyone has a home computer for running personal software.” A couple of these guys like Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs were part of the tornado, and look around today to marvel at the innovation created. Neither Steve anticipated or guessed that the first personal spreadsheet program, Visicalc, meant for small business and personal finance management, would serve as a catalyst for the rapid rise in adoption of personal computers.
Today, groups of nerdy bioengineers with hacked-up hardware are meeting at “DIYBio” clubs to share technology and share the vision of a world where “everyone has biotech tools for making personal biology.” Mark the calendar: the wave has just begun.