Building a SynCell from molecular components is a staggering aim that involves a broad range of scientific challenges. However, the field is still in an explorative phase, and the approach and even the ultimate goal are not unanimously agreed upon1. Building SynCells from the ground up is a highly multidisciplinary undertaking requiring international collaborations. To this end, 36 senior scientists and 12 promising junior researchers from all around the globe gathered in Shenzhen, China, in Oct...