It's impossible to pinpoint a single person as the "discoverer" of biotechnology. It's more accurate to say that biotechnology has evolved over centuries, with contributions from numerous individuals and civilizations.

Here's a breakdown of key milestones:

* Ancient Times: Early civilizations used fermentation for brewing, baking, and cheesemaking, unknowingly harnessing the power of microorganisms.

* 19th Century: Louis Pasteur's work on pasteurization and the germ theory of disease laid the foundation for understanding microorganisms and their role in various processes.

* Early 20th Century: The discovery of antibiotics, like penicillin, and the development of vaccines marked significant advancements in using biological processes for medical purposes.

* Mid-20th Century: The rise of molecular biology, with the discovery of DNA's structure and the development of genetic engineering techniques, revolutionized biotechnology.

* Late 20th Century: The creation of recombinant DNA technology and the first genetically engineered organisms paved the way for modern biotechnology applications.

So, while we cannot attribute biotechnology's discovery to one individual, it's the culmination of countless efforts throughout history, leading to the diverse and powerful field we see today.