Likarda is a biotech company focused on advancing cell therapies through innovative delivery technologies. Its proprietary Core-Shell Spherification® platform utilizes biocompatible hydrogel materials, such as Hyaluronic Acid and PEG, to create customizable microcapsules that house cell-based therapies. This platform addresses the unique requirements of various cell therapies, enabling applications in the treatment of diabetes, osteoarthritis, and joint pain. For diabetes, Likarda is developing methods to deliver islet-like cells, which have shown promising results in pre-clinical testing with animal models. In the case of osteoarthritis, encapsulated stem cells are designed for injection into the knee, providing a slow-release treatment that alleviates joint pain and promotes healing over several weeks. Likarda's versatility allows for both durable and degradable formulations, enhancing the efficacy of cell-based treatments. The company has gained recognition for its innovation, having been named one of the "50 Most Promising Start-Ups in the World" during Global Entrepreneurship Week, and has secured over $8 million in funding through various sources.
Synvect
Seed Round in 2025
Synvect is a biotechnology company that develops innovative solutions to control mosquito populations, with a focus on eliminating disease-carrying mosquitoes. The company's core technology involves using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) gene editing to sterilize mosquito eggs, thereby preventing the breeding of disease-transmitting mosquitoes. Synvect's services aim to suppress harmful mosquito populations, enabling researchers to focus on eradicating mosquito-borne illnesses through affordable and user-friendly biological methods.
Leinco Technologies
Grant in 2025
Leinco Technologies is a company that specializes in the development of high-purity monoclonal antibodies, proteins, and various reagents specifically for the diagnostic and biopharmaceutical industries. They provide a range of services, including in vitro antibody and protein production, antibody conjugations, and cell banking. Leinco Technologies focuses on augmenting the early discovery process in life science research and diagnostics, as well as contributing to the innovative development of protein therapeutics. Their expertise in optimizing and adapting products enables clients to effectively meet their research and development needs.
ReciBioPharm
Grant in 2025
ReciBioPharm operates as a biologics company. ReciBioPharm is a division of Recipharm.
Micron Biomedical
Grant in 2025
Micron Biomedical is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2014 and based in Atlanta, Georgia. The company focuses on developing innovative microneedle patches designed for administering vaccines, specifically targeting influenza and polio. Its proprietary microneedle technology aims to enhance the protective and therapeutic effects of vaccines while improving patient compliance and simplifying the administration process. Through its advanced delivery methods, Micron Biomedical seeks to facilitate the development of vaccines that can address critical healthcare needs.
Aptitude Medical Systems
Grant in 2025
Aptitude Medical Systems is a biotechnology research company specializing in molecular recognition technology that utilizes aptamers to address the limitations of traditional antibodies. By developing highly stable and resistant aptamers, the company offers solutions that bind with high affinity and specificity to challenging targets, even discriminating between targets that differ by a single functional group. This innovation enables a range of applications across life sciences, diagnostics, and therapeutics, facilitating the creation of advanced products tailored to meet the stringent demands of molecular recognition. Through its partnerships, Aptitude aims to advance the capabilities of molecular diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.
Tessera Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2024
Tessera Therapeutics is an early-stage life sciences company focused on pioneering Gene Writing technology, which allows for the precise insertion of therapeutic messages into the human genome. This innovative approach aims to address diseases at their source by enabling both small and large genetic alterations. By building on recent advancements in gene therapy and gene editing, Tessera Therapeutics seeks to overcome existing limitations in these fields, enhancing their efficacy and reach. Founded by Flagship Pioneering, the company aspires to establish a new category in genetic medicine that can significantly improve patient outcomes and transform healthcare.
VitriVax is a biotechnology startup based in Boulder, Colorado, dedicated to advancing vaccine formulation through its innovative technology platform. The company has developed proprietary atomic layering thermostable antigen and adjuvant (ALTA) technology, which aims to enhance the effectiveness, affordability, and accessibility of both human and animal vaccines worldwide. This technology allows for the creation of thermostable, single-shot vaccines that can maintain or improve immune responses, enabling the incorporation of prime and booster doses in a single administration. With significant financial backing from various organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, VitriVax addresses critical barriers to global vaccination, striving to improve public health outcomes.
BioSurfaces is a developer of medical devices specializing in tissue engineering and personal care products. The company leverages advanced electrospinning technology to produce nanofibrous materials that facilitate controlled drug delivery and enhance healing at the implant site. By utilizing a room-temperature electrospinning process, BioSurfaces enables the integration of drug loading within each fiber, creating a reservoir for sustained drug release. This innovative approach allows for the creation of devices and coatings as thin as 10 micrometers, making it possible to treat diseases directly at the site of implantation. The company aims to provide next-generation solutions for the medical and personal care markets, focusing on improving patient outcomes through effective disease treatment and tissue regeneration.
Dyadic International
Grant in 2024
Dyadic International is a biotechnology company based in Jupiter, Florida, with a research and development center in the Netherlands. The company focuses on the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of enzymes and proteins for various industries, including bioenergy, bio-based chemicals, and biopharmaceuticals. Dyadic's core technology is its patented C1 fungus, which enables the efficient production of industrial enzymes and proteins at scale. This platform allows for the discovery of novel genes and proteins and has been licensed to several third parties, including Abengoa Bioenergy, BASF, and Codexis, for non-pharmaceutical applications. Dyadic seeks to maximize the value of its technologies through licensing arrangements and collaborations, providing partners with the ability to manufacture and utilize the enzymes produced through its innovative processes.
Insud Pharma
Grant in 2024
INSUD PHARMA operates across the entire pharmaceutical value chain, delivering specialized expertise and experience in scientific research, development, manufacturing, sales and marketing of a wide range of value-adding active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), finished dosage forms (FDFs) and branded pharmaceuticals, for human and animal health.
Freya Biosciences
Series A in 2024
Freya Biosciences is a clinical-stage women's health company headquartered in Copenhagen and Boston, specializing in the development of microbial immunotherapies. The company focuses on addressing significant unmet medical needs across various indications by utilizing a proprietary platform to engineer and manufacture live microbes. These engineered microbes are designed to be both safe and effective for human use, facilitating the creation of innovative treatments for a range of diseases.
PopVax is a biotechnology company that developing novel mRNA vaccines and therapeutics using computational protein design.
AN2 Therapeutics
Grant in 2024
AN2 Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, California, focused on the research, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines for infectious diseases. Founded in 2017, the company aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its development of novel therapeutics. Its lead product candidate, epetraborole, is a once-daily oral treatment designed for patients suffering from chronic non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. AN2 Therapeutics is committed to leveraging advanced biomedical expertise to create transformative solutions for patients dealing with serious and rare infectious diseases. The company has also established a strategic partnership with Brii Biosciences to enhance its development efforts.
CanSino Biologics
Grant in 2024
CanSino Biologics focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization of vaccine products for human use. These vaccine products include pneumococcal polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines, and a DTcP-based combo, and other items. It is also dedicated to the development of new vaccine-like recombinant adenovirus vector-based tuberculosis vaccines and a recombinant protein-based pneumococcal vaccine.
Chemify specializes in developing a chemical digitization platform designed to facilitate drug and materials discovery as well as chemical synthesis. The company's innovative approach involves using automated synthetic hardware combined with digital XDL code to convert code into molecules on demand. This system is modular, universal, scalable, and teachable, making it highly versatile for various applications in chemical and material research. Chemify's software includes a unique chemical programming language and natural language recognition capabilities that translate synthetic procedures efficiently. Additionally, the platform features a comprehensive ontology that provides detailed insights into reaction conditions and flags potential issues, offering scientists real-time telemetry of reactions.
Radiant Biotherapeutics
Series A in 2024
Radiant Biotherapeutics is an innovative biotechnology company focused on developing a modular platform for multi-valent and multi-specific therapeutics. This platform aims to advance antibody engineering by creating multi-functional biologics designed to address challenging diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By leveraging the principles of avidity and enhanced binding power, Radiant Biotherapeutics enables healthcare professionals to deliver potent therapies that have the potential to transform treatment outcomes for patients. The company's commitment to pioneering these advanced therapeutics positions it at the forefront of the biotherapeutics field, striving to unlock new avenues for patient care.
Eyam Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics
Grant in 2024
Eyam Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics is a life science and medical research company focused on the development of vaccines to combat infectious diseases. The company specializes in researching vaccines that target the spike glycoprotein, which is crucial for generating neutralizing antibodies against pathogens such as the novel coronavirus. Eyam employs a self-amplifying vaccine platform that enables the design of low-dose vaccines with advanced targeting capabilities, ensuring comprehensive protection, including against emerging variants. Through its innovative approach, the company aims to address pressing healthcare challenges and enhance public health outcomes.
Legume Technology
Grant in 2024
Legume Technology is a producer of organic, contaminant-free, biostimulant products that are proven to increase yield. They provide services such as physicochemical improvement of pellets, compatibility testing, coating machinery, private labelling, marketing support, registration support from legume technology, pre-treatment inoculant training, application strategy and techniques. Their products like liquifix, liquifix 120, legumefix, molyfix, rootfix, extensive,and mycofix. They provide support for crops such as soya, peas, lupin, lucerne, wheat, chickpeas, clover, corn, and sunflower.
Immorna is a biotechnology company focused on the development of RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines. The company employs various RNA platforms, including conventional, self-replicating, and circular RNA, to create innovative treatment solutions. Immorna has established a comprehensive management console that supports RNA synthesis, purification, and analytical testing, which is designed for both clinical and commercial applications. With advanced screening tools, the company has developed a range of RNA delivery vehicles, including polymers and lipid nanoparticles that utilize proprietary ionizable cationic lipids. This portfolio positions Immorna to effectively address a variety of medical needs through its cutting-edge RNA technology.
Noze
Venture Round in 2024
Noze is a pioneering company in digital odor perception, recognized for creating an advanced digital nose that accurately detects and identifies odors in various real-world contexts. Leveraging cutting-edge machine perception technology and a specialized sensor developed from NASA innovations, Noze aims to enhance human health and wellbeing. The company's technology mimics the human olfactory system, allowing it to gather data on air quality and chemical footprints based on scent. This enables healthcare providers to monitor and predict health changes, diagnose diseases, and perform routine screenings through breath-based odor biomarkers. Ultimately, Noze is dedicated to facilitating real-time disease detection at any point-of-care, thereby significantly improving patient outcomes.
Schrödinger is a healthcare-focused software company that specializes in computational drug design, serving pharmaceutical and biotechnology research sectors. Established in 1990, it offers a powerful computational platform that aids biopharmaceutical and industrial companies, as well as academic and government institutions, in their research efforts globally. Schrödinger operates through two main segments: Software and Drug Discovery. The Software segment supplies solutions aimed at enhancing the drug discovery process across the life sciences and materials science industries. Meanwhile, the Drug Discovery segment generates revenue through a portfolio of preclinical and clinical programs, both independently and through collaborative efforts. The company is committed to advancing science and talent to support its platform and has over 400 employees, engaging with customers and collaborators in more than 70 countries.
Snipr Biome ApS is a biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, that focuses on developing innovative CRISPR technology for the treatment of microbial diseases. Incorporated in 2017, the company aims to revolutionize healthcare by utilizing a programmable approach to the adaptive immune system, enabling the targeted elimination of hazardous bacteria based on their specific DNA sequences. Snipr Biome's novel medicines are designed to provide health professionals with effective tools for microbiome engineering, allowing for selective targeting and destruction of harmful bacteria in vivo.
ETHRIS
Venture Round in 2024
Ethris GmbH is a biotechnology company based in Planegg, Germany, specializing in the development of innovative therapeutic solutions for diseases with unmet medical needs. The company has a focus on transcript therapeutics, particularly through its SNIM RNA platform, which offers a novel approach to treating various conditions by enabling the production of therapeutic proteins within the patient’s body. This platform presents an alternative to traditional recombinant protein and gene therapies, addressing a range of diseases, including rare and genetically predetermined conditions. Ethris also develops Magnetovax, a personalized tumor vaccine platform that utilizes magnetic fields for localized activation in tumors. The company has established strategic research collaborations with major pharmaceutical firms, enhancing its capabilities in regenerative medicine and therapeutic development. Founded in 2009, Ethris continues to advance its technologies to meet diverse medical needs.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Grant in 2024
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is one of Israel’s leading research universities and among the world leaders in many fields. It has around 20,000 students and 4,000 faculty members in the Faculties of Engineering Sciences; Health Sciences; Natural Sciences; the Pinchas Sapir Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; the Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management; the Joyce and Irving Goldman School of Medicine; the Kreitman School of Advanced Graduate Studies; and the Albert Katz International School for Desert Studies. More than 100,000 alumni play important roles in all areas of research and development, industry, health care, the economy, society, culture and education in Israel. The University has three main campuses: The Marcus Family Campus in Beer-Sheva; the research campus at Sede Boqer and the Eilat Campus, and is home to national and multi-disciplinary research institutes: the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev; the National Institute of Solar Energy; the Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology; the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research; the Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel & Zionism, and Heksherim - The Research Institute for Jewish and Israeli Literature and Culture.
Nanite is a biotechnology company focused on non-viral gene delivery through the development of programmable polymer nanoparticles. Utilizing an artificial intelligence-driven platform, Nanite integrates advanced high-throughput experimental and computational techniques to create tailored delivery vehicles capable of transporting a diverse array of genetic materials with specific targeting capabilities. This innovative approach aims to assist scientists in functional chemistry by providing therapeutically relevant solutions for gene delivery, enhancing the potential for various medical applications and indications.
Surf Bio is a preclinical biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutic solutions through its next-generation surfactant technology. This novel biotechnology platform aims to enhance drug effectiveness across various therapeutic areas, including diabetes, oncology, infectious diseases, and gene therapy. By utilizing this advanced technology, Surf Bio seeks to provide healthcare organizations worldwide with access to improved drugs that can better address the needs of patients suffering from critical diseases.
Owlstone
Venture Round in 2024
Owlstone Medical, established in 2003 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK, specializes in developing and commercializing breathalyzers for clinical diagnostics and precision medicine. The company's core technology, FAIMS, enables the detection of volatile organic compounds in breath, facilitating the discovery of non-invasive biomarkers for various diseases. Owlstone Medical's product portfolio includes breath samplers like ReCIVA and CASPER, as well as analytical tools such as Lonestar and ATLAS, catering to applications like lung cancer, asthma, and gastrointestinal disorders. The company collaborates with market leaders to integrate its technology into next-generation chemical sensing products and has received funding from the UK's Department of Defense to develop a handheld device for enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Owlstone Medical aims to become a global leader in non-invasive diagnostics, with a focus on early disease detection and a pipeline of medical applications, including colon and lung cancer screening.
Owlstone Medical, established in 2003 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK, specializes in developing and commercializing breathalyzers for clinical diagnostics and precision medicine. The company's core technology, FAIMS, enables the detection of volatile organic compounds in breath, facilitating the discovery of non-invasive biomarkers for various diseases. Owlstone Medical's product portfolio includes breath samplers like ReCIVA and CASPER, as well as analytical tools such as Lonestar and ATLAS, catering to applications like lung cancer, asthma, and gastrointestinal disorders. The company collaborates with market leaders to integrate its technology into next-generation chemical sensing products and has received funding from the UK's Department of Defense to develop a handheld device for enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Owlstone Medical aims to become a global leader in non-invasive diagnostics, with a focus on early disease detection and a pipeline of medical applications, including colon and lung cancer screening.
Corner Therapeutics
Grant in 2024
Corner Therapeutics is a biotechnology research company focused on advancing immunotherapy solutions. The company specializes in stimulating exceptional memory T cells to achieve lifelong immunity. It has developed a versatile dendritic cell hyperactivation (hDC) platform that induces strong T-cell responses, aiming to deliver robust and durable immunity against a wide array of cancers and infectious diseases. By providing these innovative technologies, Corner Therapeutics enables healthcare providers to enhance immune responses and promote long-lasting immunity, positioning itself at the forefront of immunotherapy research.
Ginkgo Bioworks
Grant in 2024
Ginkgo Bioworks is a biotechnology firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in designing, engineering, and developing custom microbes and organisms for various applications. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on discovering and licensing molecules used in flavors, sweeteners, cosmetic ingredients, crop treatments, and pharmaceuticals. In addition to these capabilities, Ginkgo Bioworks provides probiotic bacteria that help protect against infections and creates extensive libraries of molecules. The firm operates across multiple markets, including cultured ingredients, carbon mitigation, probiotics, and natural product discovery. It has reorganized its operations into two primary segments: Cell Engineering and Biosecurity, with a significant portion of its revenue generated from biosecurity-related data analytics and services.
Antibody Solutions
Grant in 2024
Antibody Solutions provides antigen design, polyclonal antibody generation, research and drug development for biopharmaceutical companies.
Noze is a pioneering company in digital odor perception, recognized for creating an advanced digital nose that accurately detects and identifies odors in various real-world contexts. Leveraging cutting-edge machine perception technology and a specialized sensor developed from NASA innovations, Noze aims to enhance human health and wellbeing. The company's technology mimics the human olfactory system, allowing it to gather data on air quality and chemical footprints based on scent. This enables healthcare providers to monitor and predict health changes, diagnose diseases, and perform routine screenings through breath-based odor biomarkers. Ultimately, Noze is dedicated to facilitating real-time disease detection at any point-of-care, thereby significantly improving patient outcomes.
Phase Genomics
Grant in 2024
Phase Genomics is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing technology for ProxiMeta Hi-C genome assembly and metagenome deconvolution. Phase Genomics' platform aims to facilitate transformative discoveries in agriculture, human health, and industrial biology by providing scientists with highly accurate and detailed genomes and metagenomes. This enables researchers to make significant breakthroughs across various fields.
PhaSER Biomedical
Grant in 2024
PhaSER Biomedical is Exploiting the 8HUM mouse, a unique mouse model with multiple utilities in drug discovery, and development.
ProteinLogic
Grant in 2024
ProteinLogic’s ImmiPrint® technology impacts the emerging market for diagnostic, predictive, prognostic and other biomarker applications.
C16 Biosciences
Grant in 2024
C16 Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York that specializes in producing sustainable alternatives to palm oil through microbial fermentation. Founded in 2017, the company employs its innovative biomanufacturing platform to create scalable and environmentally friendly ingredients for food manufacturers, refiners, and consumers. C16 Biosciences has developed the Palmless™ platform, which features its first biodesigned ingredient, Torula oil, known for its premium bioactive properties that support skin and hair health. By focusing on sustainable solutions, C16 Biosciences aims to help solidify supply chains for consumer product manufacturers while addressing the environmental challenges associated with traditional palm oil production.
Sail Biomedicines
Grant in 2024
Sail Biomedicines is a biotechnology company developing innovative medicines using circular RNA technology and programmable nanoparticles. Its platform, Endless RNA (eRNA), combined with unique, naturally-derived nanoparticles, enables the comprehensive programming of drugs, enhancing their potency and targeting capabilities. The company aims to transform patient care by leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced delivery systems to create first-in-class therapeutics.
Radiant Biotherapeutics
Grant in 2023
Radiant Biotherapeutics is an innovative biotechnology company focused on developing a modular platform for multi-valent and multi-specific therapeutics. This platform aims to advance antibody engineering by creating multi-functional biologics designed to address challenging diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By leveraging the principles of avidity and enhanced binding power, Radiant Biotherapeutics enables healthcare professionals to deliver potent therapies that have the potential to transform treatment outcomes for patients. The company's commitment to pioneering these advanced therapeutics positions it at the forefront of the biotherapeutics field, striving to unlock new avenues for patient care.
Brightseed, Inc. is a pioneering biosciences company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. It specializes in the discovery of bioactive compounds in plants that have beneficial effects on human health, particularly for chronic disease management. Utilizing its proprietary Forager platform, which incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning, Brightseed accelerates the identification and validation of these naturally occurring compounds, transforming what was once a lengthy process into a matter of months. By mapping bioactives to specific health outcomes, Brightseed provides valuable insights and science-backed solutions to partners across the consumer health continuum. The company's innovative approach aims to illuminate the connections between nature and human health, ultimately improving quality of life and addressing health challenges through the exploration of previously uncharted plant compounds.
Evotec is a drug discovery partnership firm that collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. The company specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, and women's health. Approximately 80% of its revenue comes from shared research and development services, which involve fee-for-service work and integrated drug discovery collaborations utilizing proprietary assets. The remaining 20% of sales derive from its Just-Evotec Biologics segment, which provides contract development and manufacturing organization services for biologics. Evotec's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists, to enhance drug discovery and development processes.
Ginkgo Bioworks
Grant in 2023
Ginkgo Bioworks is a biotechnology firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in designing, engineering, and developing custom microbes and organisms for various applications. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on discovering and licensing molecules used in flavors, sweeteners, cosmetic ingredients, crop treatments, and pharmaceuticals. In addition to these capabilities, Ginkgo Bioworks provides probiotic bacteria that help protect against infections and creates extensive libraries of molecules. The firm operates across multiple markets, including cultured ingredients, carbon mitigation, probiotics, and natural product discovery. It has reorganized its operations into two primary segments: Cell Engineering and Biosecurity, with a significant portion of its revenue generated from biosecurity-related data analytics and services.
Molecular Loop
Grant in 2023
Molecular Loop is a biotechnology company focused on DNA sequencing. The company offers a unique approach to sequencing through its Molecular Loop targeting technology, which eliminates the need for a separate library preparation process. This innovation allows for amplicons designed to overlap extensively across target strands, providing sequence data without the added complexity and costs associated with traditional shotgun library methods. Additionally, Molecular Loop provides custom assays based on user-provided content, along with expanded and customizable carrier screening panels and research panels for SARS-CoV-2. These offerings enable healthcare professionals and researchers to access efficient systems for production-scale targeted sequencing applications.
Naobios is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) located in Saint Herblain, France. The company specializes in bioprocess development and offers good manufacturing practice (GMP) production services for clinical batches of various biological products, including viral vaccines, oncolytic viruses, viral vectors, and challenge agents. With expertise in optimizing production processes, Naobios supports the development of live vaccine products, contributing to advancements in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
VitriVax is a biotechnology startup based in Boulder, Colorado, dedicated to advancing vaccine formulation through its innovative technology platform. The company has developed proprietary atomic layering thermostable antigen and adjuvant (ALTA) technology, which aims to enhance the effectiveness, affordability, and accessibility of both human and animal vaccines worldwide. This technology allows for the creation of thermostable, single-shot vaccines that can maintain or improve immune responses, enabling the incorporation of prime and booster doses in a single administration. With significant financial backing from various organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, VitriVax addresses critical barriers to global vaccination, striving to improve public health outcomes.
Micron Biomedical
Grant in 2023
Micron Biomedical is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2014 and based in Atlanta, Georgia. The company focuses on developing innovative microneedle patches designed for administering vaccines, specifically targeting influenza and polio. Its proprietary microneedle technology aims to enhance the protective and therapeutic effects of vaccines while improving patient compliance and simplifying the administration process. Through its advanced delivery methods, Micron Biomedical seeks to facilitate the development of vaccines that can address critical healthcare needs.
Osmo is a company that develops an artificial intelligence platform designed to give computers a sense of smell. By combining advanced AI with olfactory science, Osmo addresses significant challenges in the fragrance industry while also aiming to enhance human health and well-being. The company creates aroma molecules for a variety of products, including perfumes, shampoos, lotions, and candles. Additionally, Osmo's technology has the potential to detect diseases earlier and track pandemics, thereby improving consumer experience and overall wellness. Through its innovative approach, Osmo seeks to transform the way scent is integrated into everyday life and contribute positively to public health.
BiomEdit is an innovation company focused on developing novel probiotics, microbiome-derived bioactives, and engineered microbial medicines to meet unmet needs in animal health. The company aims to address significant challenges in animal agriculture and food security by harnessing the potential of the microbiome. BiomEdit employs a unique platform that combines high-throughput sequencing and data analytics to efficiently discover and screen new probiotic species and bioactive molecules. These innovations can be engineered for enhanced stability and improved production of beneficial metabolites or immune-modulating proteins. The resulting probiotics and microbially-derived compounds represent advanced solutions designed to promote animal health while minimizing reliance on antibiotics.
CanSino Biologics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Tianjin, China, focused on the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of vaccines. The company is actively developing a range of vaccines, including those for Ebola, meningitis, pertussis, and pneumococcal diseases, with multiple candidates currently in various phases of clinical trials. Notable products under development include the recombinant coronavirus vaccine Ad5-nCov, as well as several preclinical stage vaccines targeting adenovirus, Zika virus, meningitis, shingles, and polio. CanSino collaborates with the National Research Council of Canada to advance COVID-19 vaccine initiatives and has a co-development agreement with Precision NanoSystems to create an mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccine against COVID-19. Founded in 2009, CanSino aims to meet the unmet medical needs in China and other emerging markets by providing high-quality vaccines at affordable prices.
STRM.BIO is a biotechnology company focused on advancing gene therapy through the innovative use of extracellular vesicles (EVs). By leveraging the natural properties of EVs, which can efficiently deliver nucleic acids and proteins, the company aims to establish a new class of therapeutics that enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments while simplifying the delivery process. STRM.BIO emphasizes safety and practicality in its approach, utilizing EVs as low-immunogenic carriers that can be mass-produced for commercial use. The company's mission is to fulfill the potential of gene therapy by providing patients with more effective and accessible treatment options.
Scentian Bio
Grant in 2023
Scentian Bio is a biotechnology company that develops innovative biosensor devices by integrating insect biology with nanotechnology. These devices leverage insect odorant receptors to create advanced sensing solutions tailored for applications in the medical and food industries. Scentian Bio's technology employs machine learning to detect volatile organic compounds, enabling the identification of off-notes in food and beverages, as well as the detection of fraud and adulteration in raw materials. By providing access to this sophisticated sensor technology, Scentian Bio aims to translate nature's sensory capabilities into practical applications for various commercial uses.
AN2 Therapeutics
Grant in 2023
AN2 Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, California, focused on the research, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines for infectious diseases. Founded in 2017, the company aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its development of novel therapeutics. Its lead product candidate, epetraborole, is a once-daily oral treatment designed for patients suffering from chronic non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. AN2 Therapeutics is committed to leveraging advanced biomedical expertise to create transformative solutions for patients dealing with serious and rare infectious diseases. The company has also established a strategic partnership with Brii Biosciences to enhance its development efforts.
GE HealthCare Technologies
Grant in 2023
GE Healthcare is a multinational healthcare company based in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in manufacturing a diverse range of medical equipment and technologies. Founded in 1892, the company offers products and services including medical imaging, information technologies, medical diagnostics, and patient monitoring systems. GE Healthcare also supports drug discovery and biopharmaceutical manufacturing through intelligent devices and data analytics. The company aims to enhance patient care and outcomes by providing innovative healthcare solutions utilized in hospitals, clinics, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies globally. By focusing on precision health and digitizing healthcare, GE Healthcare seeks to improve productivity and health outcomes for patients and healthcare providers alike. Additionally, the company pursues an aggressive acquisition strategy to strengthen its presence in emerging markets and expand its life sciences portfolio.
Bactolife
Series A in 2023
Bactolife is a company focused on addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance through innovative solutions. It develops proprietary Binding Protein ingredients aimed at fortifying the gut microbiome, thereby reducing the risk of gastrointestinal infections in both humans and animals. Bactolife's platform is designed to neutralize harmful pathogens and their toxins while preserving beneficial microbes, thus promoting overall gut health. By enhancing gut microbiome modulation technologies, the company seeks to diminish reliance on traditional antimicrobials, ultimately improving health outcomes and contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
A-Alpha Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in synthetic biology and advanced quantitative measurement of protein interactions to facilitate drug development. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company offers its proprietary AlphaSeq platform, which enables high-throughput mapping of protein-protein interactions. This technology allows for the simultaneous identification and quantification of interactions among thousands of protein pairs, streamlining the drug discovery process by aiding in the identification of potential drug targets and enhancing the understanding of disease mechanisms. By providing biologics and molecular glue discovery and optimization services, A-Alpha Bio supports pharmaceutical companies in optimizing binding and specificity to multiple target proteins. The team comprises synthetic biologists, structural biologists, and next-generation sequencing experts dedicated to overcoming challenges in the drug development process.
Aptitude Medical Systems
Grant in 2023
Aptitude Medical Systems is a biotechnology research company specializing in molecular recognition technology that utilizes aptamers to address the limitations of traditional antibodies. By developing highly stable and resistant aptamers, the company offers solutions that bind with high affinity and specificity to challenging targets, even discriminating between targets that differ by a single functional group. This innovation enables a range of applications across life sciences, diagnostics, and therapeutics, facilitating the creation of advanced products tailored to meet the stringent demands of molecular recognition. Through its partnerships, Aptitude aims to advance the capabilities of molecular diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.
CO-DIAGNOSTICS
Grant in 2023
Co-Diagnostics, Inc. is a molecular diagnostics company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, founded in 2013. The company specializes in the development, manufacture, and marketing of advanced diagnostic technologies that focus on the detection and analysis of nucleic acid molecules, such as DNA and RNA. In addition to creating reagents for diagnostic tests, Co-Diagnostics offers self-contained lab systems that incorporate diagnostic equipment from other manufacturers. The company also leverages its proprietary technology to design targeted tests for identifying genetic markers, which can be utilized in various industries beyond infectious diseases, while licensing these tests to specific customers.
Aphea.Bio
Series C in 2023
Aphea.Bio is a company focused on developing next-generation biopesticides and biostimulants derived from natural microorganisms. Its biopesticides serve as an alternative to conventional chemical pesticides, addressing the increasing pressure on synthetic chemical use in agriculture. Additionally, the company creates biostimulants that enhance crop growth by improving the uptake of nutrients from the soil. Aphea.Bio's products aim to sustainably increase crop yields and health, specifically targeting crops such as maize and wheat. By utilizing proprietary technologies, the company accelerates the discovery of innovative biocontrol and biostimulant solutions, enabling farmers to manage pests, diseases, and fertilizer application more effectively.
Latham Biopharm
Grant in 2023
Latham BioPharm Group is a firm specializing in life sciences, offering comprehensive expertise in business development, program management, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and strategic consulting. With a team that boasts an average of over 20 years of experience, including roles as senior executives in both startups and Fortune 200 companies, Latham BioPharm has a strong foundation in guiding clients through the complexities of product development. The company has a proven track record in biodefense and pandemic response, having successfully assisted clients in identifying and securing funding, managing programs, and monetizing opportunities across various sectors. Their services include strategy and portfolio analysis, market research, and connecting clients with target markets to enhance decision-making. Latham BioPharm's expertise has contributed to generating substantial government funding and licensing fees, positioning them as a key partner in advancing innovations in vaccines, therapeutics, medical devices, and diagnostics.
Aegis Life is a biotechnology company focused on advancing nucleic acid delivery technology, specifically through its proprietary platform known as fusogenix PLV. With over two decades of dedicated research and development, the company aims to facilitate the discovery, clinical development, and manufacturing of vaccines and therapeutics targeting infectious diseases. Aegis Life's innovative technology enables the rapid development of solutions to combat a range of health threats, including COVID-19 and other emerging contagions. Through its efforts, the company supports the pharmaceutical industry in addressing urgent public health challenges effectively.
Medicines for All Institute
Grant in 2023
The Medicines for All Institute, operating under the auspices of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering.
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on understanding the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Established in 2014, Kallyope employs advanced technologies, including sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics, to explore gut-brain biology. The company aims to address significant unmet medical needs, such as diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies, by creating effective and user-friendly oral agents. Kallyope's team consists of experienced scientists from leading institutions, working alongside a skilled team with a strong track record in drug discovery and development. Through its research, Kallyope seeks to deliver transformative solutions that improve overall health outcomes.
Vir Biotechnology
Grant in 2023
Vir Biotechnology, Inc. is a clinical-stage immunology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in developing innovative therapeutic products aimed at treating and preventing serious infectious diseases. The company's pipeline includes several promising candidates, such as VIR-2218 and VIR-3434 for hepatitis B, VIR-2482 for influenza A, VIR-1111 for HIV, and VIR-2020 for tuberculosis. Vir Biotechnology employs advanced technologies and scientific expertise to manipulate immune responses and enhance pathogen-host interactions. The company has established various collaborations and agreements with notable organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, among others. Additionally, it has a manufacturing agreement with Samsung Biologics for the production of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies aimed at potential COVID-19 treatment. Through its innovative approaches, Vir Biotechnology aspires to significantly reduce the burden of infectious diseases in the future.
Smart Immune
Grant in 2023
Smart Immune is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to advancing hematopoietic stem cell-based biotherapies aimed at improving the prognosis and quality of life for patients with severe diseases. The company's primary focus is on its innovative cell therapy program that utilizes T cell progenitors, known as ProTcells, which are designed to facilitate a rapid and safe immune recovery following transplantation. This program is complemented by integrative developments in targeted conditioning, gene therapy, and genome editing, allowing for the creation of next-generation treatments. Smart Immune's approach aims to provide effective allogeneic T-cell therapies for patients suffering from life-threatening conditions, particularly hematological malignancies and primary immune deficiencies.
Osivax is a biotechnology company focused on the development of immunotherapy vaccines aimed at treating infectious diseases. The company's innovative vaccines enhance the uptake into dendritic cells, increasing the immunogenicity of natural proteins to elicit a stronger immune response. This includes a notable activation of CD8 T cells, which is crucial for effective treatment. Osivax's technology offers a universal vaccine approach that targets existing and emerging coronavirus infections, among other globally significant infectious diseases. In addition to infectious diseases, the company's advancements also hold potential for aiding in cancer treatment, providing medical practitioners with new tools to improve patient outcomes.
Evotec is a drug discovery partnership firm that collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. The company specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, and women's health. Approximately 80% of its revenue comes from shared research and development services, which involve fee-for-service work and integrated drug discovery collaborations utilizing proprietary assets. The remaining 20% of sales derive from its Just-Evotec Biologics segment, which provides contract development and manufacturing organization services for biologics. Evotec's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists, to enhance drug discovery and development processes.
SpyBiotech Limited is a biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, founded in 2017. The company specializes in the development of molecular superglue technology, which is utilized to create next-generation vaccines. This proprietary platform allows for the bonding of antigens to viruses and other particles, facilitating the rapid development of vaccines targeting a variety of diseases. By employing this innovative approach, SpyBiotech aims to enhance vaccine efficacy and reduce the time required for development, thereby providing medical institutions and research centers with advanced solutions for combating bacterial infections and other health challenges.
DelSiTech Ltd., established in 2001 and headquartered in Turku, Finland, specializes in developing and licensing biodegradable silica-based drug delivery systems for controlled release of small molecule drugs, biopharmaceuticals, and viral vectors. The company focuses on parenteral and local administration, offering injectable depot, implant, and eye drop dosage forms. Its technology enables clients to address drug-related challenges in controlled release product development.
Noze is a pioneering company in digital odor perception, recognized for creating an advanced digital nose that accurately detects and identifies odors in various real-world contexts. Leveraging cutting-edge machine perception technology and a specialized sensor developed from NASA innovations, Noze aims to enhance human health and wellbeing. The company's technology mimics the human olfactory system, allowing it to gather data on air quality and chemical footprints based on scent. This enables healthcare providers to monitor and predict health changes, diagnose diseases, and perform routine screenings through breath-based odor biomarkers. Ultimately, Noze is dedicated to facilitating real-time disease detection at any point-of-care, thereby significantly improving patient outcomes.
MIP Discovery
Grant in 2023
MIP Discovery is a technology leader specializing in the development of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) and nanoMIPs, which are plastic antibodies designed to overcome the limitations of conventional MIP manufacturing. The company focuses on creating polymers and antibodies that feature a single binding site for specific targets, allowing them to be integrated with solid substrates, such as sensor surfaces. This innovation enables MIP Discovery to provide ideal reagents for various applications, including point-of-care diagnostics and field-based testing, making significant contributions to the healthcare and diagnostics sectors.
Osmo
Venture Round in 2023
Osmo is a company that develops an artificial intelligence platform designed to give computers a sense of smell. By combining advanced AI with olfactory science, Osmo addresses significant challenges in the fragrance industry while also aiming to enhance human health and well-being. The company creates aroma molecules for a variety of products, including perfumes, shampoos, lotions, and candles. Additionally, Osmo's technology has the potential to detect diseases earlier and track pandemics, thereby improving consumer experience and overall wellness. Through its innovative approach, Osmo seeks to transform the way scent is integrated into everyday life and contribute positively to public health.
UW Medicine is a clinical research and healthcare system that provides a higher degree of healthcare for pre-med students. UW Medicine health professionals provide the most up-to-date care for each individual patient through these integrated programs, lead one of the world's largest and most comprehensive medical research programs, and provide innovative learning programs for students, trainees, and practitioners in the health professions. UW Medicine, as the region's only comprehensive clinical, research, and learning health system, provides a higher level of healthcare, ranging from primary and preventive care to the most highly specialized care for the most complex medical conditions.
ExploRNA Therapeutics
Grant in 2022
ExploRNA Therapeutics is focused on advancing messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) as a therapeutic platform for anti-cancer applications and vaccinations. The company develops innovative therapeutics by modifying the cap structure of mRNA, which enhances its stability and translation efficiency. This technology enables the medical community to stimulate adaptive immune responses, ultimately aiming to improve treatment outcomes for patients. ExploRNA Therapeutics collaborates with pharmaceutical partners to implement its ideas into distinct therapeutic programs, providing both technology and medications that address critical health challenges. Through its cutting-edge research and development efforts, the company is positioned to make significant contributions to the field of mRNA therapeutics.
Sherlock Biosciences
Grant in 2022
Sherlock Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative molecular diagnostic solutions. The company utilizes advanced engineering biology tools, such as CRISPR and synthetic biology, to create diagnostic platforms capable of delivering accurate and rapid results. Its notable technologies include SHERLOCK, a method for detecting and quantifying specific genetic sequences, and INSPECTR, which is designed for versatile, easy-to-use diagnostics. Sherlock Biosciences aims to serve various applications, including precision oncology, infectious disease identification, food safety, at-home testing, and general disease detection. Founded in 2018, the company is committed to providing affordable diagnostics suitable for diverse settings, including those with low-resource environments.
Touchlight Genetics
Grant in 2022
Touchlight Genetics Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Leatherhead, United Kingdom, specializing in DNA therapies and technology. Founded in 2007, the company has developed the proTL synthetic DNA platform, which enables the production of closed linear DNA, known as doggybone DNA, without the need for bacterial fermentation. This innovative platform is designed for various applications, including veterinary vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, cancer and gene therapies, allergy treatments, RNA interference therapies, and stem cell reprogramming. Touchlight Genetics is led by a team with significant expertise in life sciences, including founder and CEO Jonny Ohlson and Non-Executive Chairman Clive Dix. The company has successfully established collaborations with prominent academic institutions such as Imperial College London and the University of Pennsylvania, enhancing its research capabilities and expanding its impact in the field of DNA vaccine development for oncology and infectious diseases.
Cyclica Inc. is a Toronto-based company that specializes in enhancing the drug discovery process through its integrated cloud-based platform augmented by artificial intelligence. Founded in 2010, Cyclica offers technologies such as Ligand Design, which generates novel molecules and evaluates their properties, and Ligand Express, a platform that screens small-molecule drugs against structurally-characterized proteins to assess poly-pharmacological profiles. The company's innovative software leverages biophysics and AI to identify potential ligand-protein interactions, enabling health institutions to prioritize candidate drugs, clarify adverse effects, and explore drug repurposing opportunities. Cyclica has also established a strategic partnership with AUM Biosciences to further its mission of improving drug discovery practices.
Adapsyn Bioscience
Grant in 2022
Adapsyn Bioscience, founded in 2016 and based in Hamilton, Canada, is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel medicines derived from organic biomolecules. The company's primary product is the Adapsyn platform, which utilizes proprietary algorithms and artificial intelligence to analyze genomic and metabolomic data from microbes. This platform includes several key components: PRISM for identifying natural product biosynthetic gene clusters in microbial genomes; GARLIC for defining gene clusters that encode natural product drug variants and novel candidates; GRAPE for revealing evolved drug fragments from known products; and CLAMS for matching gene clusters to mass spectrometry peaks/compounds from complex mixtures. Adapsyn Bioscience leverages these advanced bioinformatic tools and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities to support researchers in identifying a diverse range of drugs, ultimately accelerating the discovery of medicines to combat various diseases.
NUVISAN GmbH
Grant in 2022
Nuvisan is a global provider of pharmaceutical research services, based in Neu-Ulm, Germany. The company operates as a fully integrated contract research organization (CRO) and offers a wide range of product development and support services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Nuvisan's expertise encompasses early and clinical development, drug trials, bioanalytical analysis, pharmaceutical analysis, quality control, stability testing, and the management of test specimens. By delivering both individual tests and comprehensive drug development programs, Nuvisan supports clients throughout the various stages of drug development, facilitating the advancement of new therapies and medical innovations.
Manus Bio Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in recreating plant processes in microorganisms to produce natural ingredients through advanced fermentation technology. Founded in 2011 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes a combination of metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and systems biology to develop microbes capable of generating a variety of plant-based ingredients. These ingredients have diverse applications, including flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, cosmetics, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. Manus Bio operates manufacturing facilities in Cambridge and Augusta, Georgia, and has established a strategic partnership with BBGI Public Company Limited. The company was previously known as Manus Biosynthesis, Inc. before changing its name in June 2018.
Bactolife is a company focused on addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance through innovative solutions. It develops proprietary Binding Protein ingredients aimed at fortifying the gut microbiome, thereby reducing the risk of gastrointestinal infections in both humans and animals. Bactolife's platform is designed to neutralize harmful pathogens and their toxins while preserving beneficial microbes, thus promoting overall gut health. By enhancing gut microbiome modulation technologies, the company seeks to diminish reliance on traditional antimicrobials, ultimately improving health outcomes and contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Eleven Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2022
Eleven Therapeutics is a biotechnology company leveraging artificial intelligence to advance medicinal nucleic acids, particularly focusing on RNAi therapies and mRNA therapeutics. The company employs AI-driven parallel functional testing and combinatorial chemistry to develop programmable molecules called SCSI-RNAs, which can target specific diseases or biological targets. Additionally, Eleven Therapeutics is pioneering extended durability mRNA therapeutics designed to address unmet medical needs in metabolic, endocrinologic, and infectious diseases. Their proprietary high-throughput AI-enabled screening platforms enhance the stability and targeted delivery of these nucleic acid molecules, ensuring superior durability and specificity.
Enko Chem
Series C in 2022
Enko Chem, Inc., established in 2017 and based in Woburn, Massachusetts, specializes in the discovery and development of small-molecule and novel products designed to protect crops from pests and diseases. The company's proprietary technology platform enables it to swiftly identify safe and cost-effective solutions, contributing to sustainable food production.
Sapient enables the discovery of circulating small molecule biomarkers at unprecedented speed and scale. Leveraging next-generation mass spectrometry, biocomputational analysis, and large-scale human biology databases, its platform supports the rapid identification and validation of circulating biomarkers of health, disease, and drug response which are needed to align patients, disease biology, and specific therapies.
Phase Genomics
Grant in 2022
Phase Genomics is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing technology for ProxiMeta Hi-C genome assembly and metagenome deconvolution. Phase Genomics' platform aims to facilitate transformative discoveries in agriculture, human health, and industrial biology by providing scientists with highly accurate and detailed genomes and metagenomes. This enables researchers to make significant breakthroughs across various fields.
Cardea Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing and commercializing bioelectronics for research and diagnostics. Established in 2013, Cardea utilizes proprietary graphene-based digital biosensors to create advanced biosensor hardware, software, and molecular infrastructure, enabling precision healthcare through improved diagnostic capabilities. The company's product offerings include the AGILE R100, an innovative assay for drug discovery, and the AGILE R200, an automated high-throughput screening solution. Cardea's biosensors convert biomolecular interactions into digital data, allowing for real-time biological signal analysis and access to streaming multi-omics data. Their solutions cater to various applications in life sciences and healthcare, such as small molecule validation, antibody characterization, and biomolecular analysis.
Oxitec Limited is a biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, focused on developing innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for controlling insect pests that threaten global health and agriculture. Founded in 2002, the company utilizes proprietary technology derived from research at the University of Oxford, which incorporates genetics and molecular biology to enhance the effectiveness and safety of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Oxitec offers a range of products, including genetically modified strains of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, as well as various agricultural pests such as the diamondback moth and pink bollworm. These products are designed to reduce pest populations in a targeted and sustainable manner, minimizing the impact on ecosystems and human health. Oxitec also operates a mosquito production facility in Piracicaba, Brazil, furthering its mission to combat diseases like dengue fever and protect crop yields.
Yemaachi Biotechnology
Grant in 2022
Yemaachi Biotechnology is a company focused on advancing cancer diagnosis and treatment through innovative technology. Utilizing immunogenomics, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence, Yemaachi aims to enhance the development of effective strategies for cancer detection and treatment. The company's platform is designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce the economic burden associated with cancer care. By combining these advanced technologies, Yemaachi seeks to provide more effective therapeutic solutions for cancer patients.
Aridis Pharmaceuticals
Grant in 2022
Aridis Pharmaceuticals is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Jose, California, founded in 2003. The company specializes in discovering and developing targeted immunotherapy treatments using fully human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to combat life-threatening infections. Its lead product candidate, AR-301, is currently in Phase III trials for treating lung infections caused by S. aureus alphatoxin. Additionally, Aridis Pharmaceuticals is advancing several other mAb candidates through various stages of clinical development, including AR-105 and AR-101 for gram-negative bacterial infections, AR-401 for Acinetobacter baumannii infections, AR-201 for respiratory syncytial virus, and AR-501 for chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. The company employs proprietary technology platforms to rapidly identify and manufacture these mAbs from patients who have successfully overcome infections, leveraging the natural potency of the human immune system.
Particles for Humanity
Grant in 2022
Particles for Humanity is a company dedicated to transforming early-stage medical technologies into practical products aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals in low-resource settings. The company focuses on developing a portfolio of healthcare solutions that address critical issues such as vaccination and malnutrition. By employing a rigorous product development process that incorporates input from end-users, Particles for Humanity aims to create financially sustainable products that meet the specific needs of underserved populations. Through its innovative approach, the company seeks to empower individuals to combat serious health challenges and enhance their overall well-being.
Evotec is a drug discovery partnership firm that collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. The company specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, and women's health. Approximately 80% of its revenue comes from shared research and development services, which involve fee-for-service work and integrated drug discovery collaborations utilizing proprietary assets. The remaining 20% of sales derive from its Just-Evotec Biologics segment, which provides contract development and manufacturing organization services for biologics. Evotec's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists, to enhance drug discovery and development processes.
Providence Therapeutics
Grant in 2021
Providence Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Toronto, Canada, founded in 2015. The company specializes in the development and manufacture of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines formulated in lipid nanoparticles. Providence Therapeutics focuses on personalized cancer therapies, notably creating mRNA vaccines that target specific tumor mutations to elicit an immune response against cancer cells, particularly for advanced ovarian cancer. In addition to its oncology initiatives, the company has developed vaccines for other diseases, including PTX-101 for cancer and PTX-COVID19-B and PTX-COVID19-T for COVID-19. Providence Therapeutics aims to address unmet medical needs by providing safe and effective vaccines and therapies to improve patient outcomes.
Schrödinger is a healthcare-focused software company that specializes in computational drug design, serving pharmaceutical and biotechnology research sectors. Established in 1990, it offers a powerful computational platform that aids biopharmaceutical and industrial companies, as well as academic and government institutions, in their research efforts globally. Schrödinger operates through two main segments: Software and Drug Discovery. The Software segment supplies solutions aimed at enhancing the drug discovery process across the life sciences and materials science industries. Meanwhile, the Drug Discovery segment generates revenue through a portfolio of preclinical and clinical programs, both independently and through collaborative efforts. The company is committed to advancing science and talent to support its platform and has over 400 employees, engaging with customers and collaborators in more than 70 countries.
Inventprise is a biotechnology company focused on the development of GMP vaccines, particularly a 25-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). Founded in 2012 and based in Redmond, Washington, the company aims to provide large-scale vaccine supplies to low- and middle-income countries, significantly supported by funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In addition to its vaccine development efforts, Inventprise offers comprehensive outsourcing solutions for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, which include quality control assays, batch records, and necessary documentation. The company also provides in-person training and operates a fully equipped quality control laboratory for testing vaccine identity, potency, purity, and stability, thereby addressing health inequalities and promoting healthier lives globally.
Brightseed, Inc. is a pioneering biosciences company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. It specializes in the discovery of bioactive compounds in plants that have beneficial effects on human health, particularly for chronic disease management. Utilizing its proprietary Forager platform, which incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning, Brightseed accelerates the identification and validation of these naturally occurring compounds, transforming what was once a lengthy process into a matter of months. By mapping bioactives to specific health outcomes, Brightseed provides valuable insights and science-backed solutions to partners across the consumer health continuum. The company's innovative approach aims to illuminate the connections between nature and human health, ultimately improving quality of life and addressing health challenges through the exploration of previously uncharted plant compounds.
Reithera Srl
Grant in 2021
Reithera Srl is a company devoted to develop and produce biopharmaceutical products based on gene delivery technologies for advanced therapies, in order to prevent and treat several serious or life-threatening diseases.
Titan Pharmaceuticals
Post in 2021
Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing proprietary therapeutics for chronic diseases. The company utilizes its innovative ProNeura technology, a long-term drug delivery platform, to create products that maintain stable blood levels of medication over extended periods. Titan's principal product, Probuphine, is the first slow-release implant formulation of buprenorphine, designed for the outpatient treatment of opioid dependence. This implant allows for consistent medication delivery for up to six months, enhancing patient compliance and reducing the risk of misuse associated with traditional sublingual formulations. Additionally, Titan is developing ProNeura-Ropinirole, an implant for treating Parkinson’s disease, and a triiodothyronine implant for hypothyroidism. Established in 1992, Titan is committed to addressing serious medical disorders through its advanced drug delivery solutions.
Biotalys is an agricultural technology company based in Ghent, Belgium, founded in 2013. The company specializes in researching and developing biopesticides designed to control pests and diseases on crops and harvested products. Biotalys employs its proprietary Agrobody technology platform to create protein-based biocontrol solutions that combine the effectiveness of chemical pesticides with the safety profile of biologicals. These solutions are suitable for both pre- and post-harvest applications, aiming to provide a more sustainable and safer food supply. The company's technology platform generates products that enable targeted delivery and retention of active ingredients to prevent and control weeds, pests, and diseases.
Exscientia is a biotechnology company that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the discovery and design of novel therapeutic compounds. By integrating human expertise with advanced computational techniques, Exscientia accelerates the development of small-molecule drug candidates, aiming to produce safe and effective treatments for clinical testing. The company's innovative approach seeks to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry by improving the precision and efficiency of drug discovery, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
Eleven Therapeutics
Grant in 2021
Eleven Therapeutics is a biotechnology company leveraging artificial intelligence to advance medicinal nucleic acids, particularly focusing on RNAi therapies and mRNA therapeutics. The company employs AI-driven parallel functional testing and combinatorial chemistry to develop programmable molecules called SCSI-RNAs, which can target specific diseases or biological targets. Additionally, Eleven Therapeutics is pioneering extended durability mRNA therapeutics designed to address unmet medical needs in metabolic, endocrinologic, and infectious diseases. Their proprietary high-throughput AI-enabled screening platforms enhance the stability and targeted delivery of these nucleic acid molecules, ensuring superior durability and specificity.
Provivi Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Santa Monica, California, focused on the development of biopesticides for agricultural, commercial, household, and public health pest management. Founded in 2013, the company leverages biocatalysis technology, originally developed at the California Institute of Technology, to create insect pheromones that protect food supplies without toxic residues. Provivi aims to provide effective and environmentally friendly crop protection solutions, fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Its innovative approach targets the synthesis of biopesticides through advanced processes, allowing for the efficient production of safe and affordable pest management products. The company distributes its offerings worldwide, seeking to transform pest control with its groundbreaking biological solutions.