https://pages.htgaa.org/2026b/david-castillo/week-01-hw-project-ideas/index.htmlHTBAA Homework #1: The Electric Cob Project Decentralized Plant Biomanufacturing via Frugal Automation and Open Wetware Student: David J. Castillo-Cornejo Course: How to Biomanufacture (Almost) Anything (HTBAA) Due Date: Tuesday September 22, by 2:30p ET Abstract The Electric Cob Project establishes an open-source, decentralized biomanufacturing pipeline for plant genetic transformation and somatic embryogenesis, using heritage popcorn maize (Zea mays everta) as a foundational model chassis. By decoupling advanced botanical engineering from proprietary corporate pipelines, the platform pairs clean-gene vector architecture (pCambia-dLB-kanR-GFP, Addgene #223177) and frugal chemical induction (vanillin) with open-source 3-axis CNC/3D printer gantries.Hugoen