Jake Becraft

Jake Becraft is the CEO and Co-Founder of Strand Therapeutics, where he is building a new class of programmable mRNA medicines designed to precisely control cell behavior in vivo. He founded the company to move beyond first-generation RNA therapeutics and establish a new paradigm: therapies that compute, decide, and act selectively within the body. Under Jake’s leadership, Strand is defining this emerging category through a platform that integrates synthetic biology, RNA engineering, and advanced delivery to enable logic-gated, cell-selective therapeutics. Rather than treating mRNA as a passive payload, Strand programs it as an active system, expanding what is possible in oncology, immunology, and beyond. Jake’s work sits at the intersection of biotechnology and national security. He is an active voice in shaping U.S. strategy on synthetic biology, advanced biomanufacturing, and biological competitiveness, with a focus on ensuring that programmable biology becomes a core pillar of national power. His work engages directly with government, defense, and policy stakeholders on the implications of next-generation biological technologies, including their role in deterrence, resilience, and strategic advantage. He brings deep expertise in mRNA design and translational development, combined with experience building platforms that bridge cutting-edge science with real-world deployment. His perspective reflects a broader view of biotechnology as both a therapeutic revolution and a strategic domain. Jake earned his PhD in Biological Engineering from MIT.