About Bytes2Bites
A professional networking group in the Research Triangle Park area dedicated to harnessing the transformative potential of data and AI within the Ag-Biotech industry ecosystem.
Our Mission
To foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals driving digital transformation, FAIR data principles, and AI adoption to create sustainable value across the agri-biotech landscape.
Our Vision
To be the premier networking hub where data scientists, R&D leaders, digital transformation experts, and agri-tech innovators converge to shape the future of agriculture through technology.
Our Focus Areas
We bring together expertise across key domains driving innovation in agriculture
Data Science
Implementing FAIR data principles and best practices for data management in agriculture.
Artificial Intelligence
Exploring AI-powered solutions for smart farming and biotech innovation.
Agriculture Biotech
Advancing sustainable agricultural practices through biotechnology.
Digital Transformation
Driving digital innovation across the agri-biotech landscape.
Our Community
Designed for professionals across the agtech and biotech spectrum
Industry Professionals
AgTech and biotech industry leaders
Startups
Innovative agri-tech ventures
Research Institutions
Academic and R&D organizations
Data Scientists
Analytics and ML specialists
Steering Committee
Meet the leaders guiding our community forward
Sesha Raghavan Krishnamachari
Business Development Manager, Zifo
Sesha started his career at the bench before transitioning into business development to help bridge the gap between science and real-world impact. Now a Business Development Manager at Zifo in Cary, he focuses on enabling data-driven transformation across life sciences and AgTech organizations. After relocating to North Carolina, he co-founded Bytes2BioRTP, a growing community designed to bring people together for open, thoughtful conversations around science and innovation.
Dr. Krishna Sridharan
Senior Director of Research Informatics at Strand Life Sciences
Dr. Sridharan is a scientific leader at the intersection of Data Science and Biotechnology. He has developed novel products spanning the fields of RNA-based biologicals, Transgenic crops, Genome editing, and Synthetic biology at companies such as Bayer Crop Sciences (Monsanto), GreenLight Biosciences, and GrassRoots Biotechnology. He earned his PhD in Genetics and Bioinformatics from Iowa State University.
Dr. Gina M. Pham
Associate Director, Genomics, Pairwise
Dr. Pham leads the genomics and molecular screening teams at Pairwise. The teams use computational approaches to discover gene targets, characterize gene editing events, and assess phenotypic outcomes in gene-edited plant products. She earned her PhD in Plant Biology from Michigan State University before joining Pairwise as a computational biologist.
Dr. Shujian Zhang, PhD, MBA
Founder & Principal, Nexus BioStrategy
Dr. Zhang has led innovation programs spanning RNA, peptides, and microbial solutions at organizations including GreenLight Biosciences, Pebble Labs, and USDA. Shujian is the Founder & Principal of Nexus BioStrategy, helping organizations translate emerging technologies into commercially viable solutions. He also hosts AgBio Dialogues and writes Cultivated Insight on Substack. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Pathology from Nanjing Agricultural University and an Executive MBA.
Dr. Kangmei Zhao
Senior Scientist, Syngenta
Dr. Zhao is a senior scientist at Syngenta. She integrates AI and large-scale biological data to advance research and develop innovative traits and crop protection products. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma and completed postdoc training at the Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford University.
Alumni
We thank our former steering committee members for their lasting contributions to the community
Dr. Upendra Kumar Devisetty
Director of Data Science, Greenlight Biosciences
Dr. Devisetty oversees a team of PhD-level Data Scientists and Bioinformatics Specialists in applying bioinformatics, data science, and machine learning to solve complex biological problems, including developing RNA-based solutions for plant and animal protection. He earned his PhD in Crop Genetics from the University of Nottingham and completed postdoctoral research at the University of California, Davis, before joining CyVerse as a Science Analyst.
Alumnus
Dr. Matt DiLeo
Vice President, Research & Development, Elo Life Systems
Dr. DiLeo leads the R&D teams at Elo responsible for the creation of new molecularly-farmed sweetener ingredients as well as novel edited crop varieties. Previously he led teams responsible for candidate gene and new microbe discovery, characterization, and product development at Novozymes and KeyGene. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from UC Davis and completed a postdoc at Cornell.
AlumnusContact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about Bytes2BitesRTP? We'd love to hear from you.
Based in Research Triangle Park
Located in the heart of North Carolina's innovation corridor, we're surrounded by world-class universities, research institutions, and leading biotech companies.
