Samarth Kulkarni, Ph.D., is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CRISPR Therapeutics AG, a pioneering biotechnology company revolutionizing gene editing through CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Holding a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from Harvard University, Kulkarni began his career in healthcare investment banking at Goldman Sachs before transitioning to management consulting at McKinsey & Company. He later advanced to Managing Director at OrbiMed Advisors, a leading healthcare-focused venture capital firm, where he spearheaded investments in innovative biotech ventures and gained deep expertise in drug development and commercialization. In 2013, Kulkarni co-founded CRISPR Therapeutics, recognizing the transformative potential of CRISPR gene-editing technology to treat genetic diseases. Under his leadership, the company has achieved groundbreaking milestones, including the development of CTX001 (now Casgevy), the first CRISPR-based therapy approved by the FDA and EMA for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. Strategic partnerships, such as with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and a successful NASDAQ IPO in 2016 have positioned CRISPR Therapeutics as a leader in the field, with a robust pipeline targeting oncology, autoimmune disorders, and regenerative medicine. As CEO, Kulkarni drives the company's vision to cure serious diseases through precision gene editing, overseeing operations across its global facilities in Switzerland, the United States, and the United Kingdom. His strategic acumen has attracted substantial investment and fostered collaborations that accelerate clinical progress, solidifying CRISPR Therapeutics' role at the forefront of genomic medicine.