Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington, established in 2000. It is dedicated to reducing global inequities by focusing on improving health, alleviating extreme poverty, and supporting educational initiatives. The foundation also engages in community giving within the Pacific Northwest, promoting strategies and programs that assist low-income families. With regional offices in Washington, D.C.; New Delhi, India; Beijing, China; and London, United Kingdom, the foundation is governed by its co-founders, Bill and Melinda Gates, along with trustee Warren Buffett. Its mission encompasses a wide range of global challenges, aiming to create lasting change through targeted grant-making and programmatic efforts.

Harish Iyer Ph.D

Deputy Director, Digital and Health Innovation

Chris Karp

Director, Global Health Discovery and Translational Sciences

Keith Klugman

Director

Trevor Mundel

President, Global Health

Rob Nabors

Director, North America

Lynda Stuart

Deputy Director

Mark Suzman

President, Global Policy and Advocacy

Chris Wilson

Director

Past deals in Genetics

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.

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.

Snipr Biome

Grant in 2024
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.

Nanite

Grant in 2024
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

STRM.BIO

Grant in 2023
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.

A-Alpha Bio

Grant in 2023
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.

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.

Aegis Life

Grant in 2023
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.

Kallyope

Grant in 2023
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.

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.

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.

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

Grant in 2022
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.

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.

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.

CRISPR Therapeutics

Grant in 2020
CRISPR Therapeutics AG is a biotechnology company based in Zug, Switzerland, dedicated to developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This revolutionary gene-editing platform allows for precise changes to genomic DNA. The company's portfolio includes therapeutic programs targeting hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine, and rare diseases. Their lead product candidate is CTX001, a gene-edited therapy for transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia or severe sickle cell disease, which has been approved as Casgevy in collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, CRISPR Therapeutics is developing CTX110, an allogeneic CAR-T therapy targeting CD19-positive malignancies, and other programs like CTX120 for multiple myeloma and CTX130 for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The company also engages in regenerative medicine programs for diabetes and genetic disease treatments such as glycogen storage disease Ia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis. CRISPR Therapeutics has strategic partnerships with Bayer Healthcare LLC, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, and ViaCyte, Inc.

A-Alpha Bio

Grant in 2020
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.

Phase Genomics

Grant in 2019
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.

Evolve Biosystems

Series C in 2018
Evolve Biosystems, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Davis, California, that focuses on developing probiotic-based biotherapeutics aimed at establishing, restoring, and maintaining a healthy human microbiome. Incorporated in 2011, the company utilizes a discovery platform that addresses dysbiosis issues throughout the human life cycle and in production animals. Evolve Biosystems specializes in probiotic bacteria activated with specific prebiotic oligosaccharides and employs various delivery systems to support gut health, particularly in infants during their first six months of life. Their product offerings include consumer-directed solutions for home use as well as specialized products for neonatal intensive care units, addressing unmet clinical needs in both human and animal health.

AgBiome

Grant in 2016
AgBiome, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, that focuses on the agriculture industry through the development of biological products. Founded in 2012, AgBiome leverages its expertise in plant-associated microbes and modern genomics to create innovative solutions aimed at enhancing plant health, pest resistance, and crop yields. The company addresses critical agricultural challenges, including soil-borne diseases, insects, and nematodes, by offering fungicides and a platform that identifies and screens diverse microbial strains. AgBiome collaborates with prominent agricultural partners to accelerate discovery processes and broaden the reach of its sustainable products in global markets. With a dedicated team of over 85 employees and a state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facility, AgBiome is committed to improving food production responsibly.

AgBiome

Series B in 2015
AgBiome, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, that focuses on the agriculture industry through the development of biological products. Founded in 2012, AgBiome leverages its expertise in plant-associated microbes and modern genomics to create innovative solutions aimed at enhancing plant health, pest resistance, and crop yields. The company addresses critical agricultural challenges, including soil-borne diseases, insects, and nematodes, by offering fungicides and a platform that identifies and screens diverse microbial strains. AgBiome collaborates with prominent agricultural partners to accelerate discovery processes and broaden the reach of its sustainable products in global markets. With a dedicated team of over 85 employees and a state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facility, AgBiome is committed to improving food production responsibly.

Synlogic

Series A in 2014
Synlogic, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of synthetic biotic medicines aimed at treating metabolic, inflammatory, and cancer-related diseases. The company’s lead therapeutic program, SYNB1618, is currently undergoing Phase I/IIa clinical trials for the treatment of phenylketonuria, a rare genetic metabolic disorder. Additionally, Synlogic is advancing SYNB1891, an intratumoral synthetic biotic medicine in Phase I clinical trials targeting solid tumors and lymphoma. The company employs a proprietary approach that utilizes engineered probiotics, specifically Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, to create GI-restricted oral therapies that are non-colonizing and reversible, facilitating easier administration and storage. Synlogic is also exploring treatments for other conditions, including secondary hyperoxaluria, inflammatory bowel disease, and various metabolic disorders, and has established a collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks to further its development efforts.

Genocea Biosciences

Grant in 2014
Genocea Biosciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on the discovery and development of innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines. Utilizing its proprietary ATLAS platform, the company profiles patient-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to identify potential antigens in tumors. This technology enables Genocea to develop personalized immuno-oncology programs, including GEN-009, an adjuvanted neoantigen peptide vaccine currently in phase I/IIa clinical trials, as well as GEN-011, a neoantigen adoptive T cell therapy, and GEN-010, a neoantigen vaccine program. Additionally, the company has pursued immunotherapies for other diseases, such as GEN-003, aimed at treating genital herpes, and it maintains a pre-clinical program focused on personalized cancer vaccines. Founded in 2006, Genocea is dedicated to addressing significant unmet medical needs through its advanced therapeutic approaches.

TetraGenetics

Grant in 2013
TetraGenetics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic proteins and vaccines for the biopharmaceutical industry. Established in 2004 and based in Arlington, Massachusetts, the company employs its proprietary TetraExpress system to produce recombinant human ion channel proteins, which are essential for creating complex therapeutic agents. Among its offerings is IchVax, a recombinant subunit vaccine aimed at preventing white-spot disease in freshwater fish. TetraGenetics specializes in producing difficult-to-express eukaryotic membrane and secretory proteins, including vaccine antigens and monoclonal antibodies, which are crucial for treating various human and animal diseases. The company is also engaged in a strategic research and development collaboration with Imbrium Therapeutics L.P., further enhancing its capabilities in therapeutic innovation.

Genocea Biosciences

Series C in 2012
Genocea Biosciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on the discovery and development of innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines. Utilizing its proprietary ATLAS platform, the company profiles patient-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to identify potential antigens in tumors. This technology enables Genocea to develop personalized immuno-oncology programs, including GEN-009, an adjuvanted neoantigen peptide vaccine currently in phase I/IIa clinical trials, as well as GEN-011, a neoantigen adoptive T cell therapy, and GEN-010, a neoantigen vaccine program. Additionally, the company has pursued immunotherapies for other diseases, such as GEN-003, aimed at treating genital herpes, and it maintains a pre-clinical program focused on personalized cancer vaccines. Founded in 2006, Genocea is dedicated to addressing significant unmet medical needs through its advanced therapeutic approaches.

TetraGenetics

Grant in 2009
TetraGenetics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic proteins and vaccines for the biopharmaceutical industry. Established in 2004 and based in Arlington, Massachusetts, the company employs its proprietary TetraExpress system to produce recombinant human ion channel proteins, which are essential for creating complex therapeutic agents. Among its offerings is IchVax, a recombinant subunit vaccine aimed at preventing white-spot disease in freshwater fish. TetraGenetics specializes in producing difficult-to-express eukaryotic membrane and secretory proteins, including vaccine antigens and monoclonal antibodies, which are crucial for treating various human and animal diseases. The company is also engaged in a strategic research and development collaboration with Imbrium Therapeutics L.P., further enhancing its capabilities in therapeutic innovation.
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