National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

James Donlon

Program Director

Sean L. Jones

Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Ben Schrag Ph.D

Program Director and Policy Liaison, SBIR / STTR

Past deals in Food Processing

Protabit

Grant in 2022
Protabit engineers proteins for industrial, agricultural, and healthcare applications. Its platform technology is being developed via a strategic partnership with the Monsanto Company and the California Institute of Technology. Protabit’s protein engineering approach combines computational modeling with high-throughput screening and directed evolution to expand the diversity of protein sequences that can be explored to produce novel proteins.

OrganicSmart

Grant in 2022
Developer of a food tracking platform designed for customers, retailers, restaurants, and the food service industry. The company's platform offers a food supply chain and solution for food traceability, safety, and freshness, eliminating the possibility to alter any critical food information.

Pathotrak

Grant in 2022
PathOtrak, LLC specializes in developing food safety testing kits that facilitate the rapid detection of pathogens, such as Salmonella and E. coli, in food products. Founded in 2016 and located in College Park, Maryland, the company employs innovative microfiltration technology in its sample-preparation kits to significantly reduce testing time from days to hours. This advancement not only enhances food safety but also allows producers to release products more quickly, improving the balance between shelf life, profitability, and safety in the food industry. PathOtrak's solutions are validated through extensive testing and analysis, addressing the critical needs of various stakeholders involved in ensuring a safe food supply.

Ryp Labs

Grant in 2022
Stixfresh is focused on developing and commercializing groundbreaking and innovative technologies that will significantly reduce food waste via all-natural methods. Our first product, the Stixfresh stickers, have the potential to do just that. Stixfresh can reduce certain fresh fruit waste across the entire supply chain by extending their shelf-life, and keeping them fresher, longer. The Stixfresh technology, consists of an FDA-approved sticker that is coated with our patent-pending formulation, which is composed of 100% natural ingredients. The sticker is simply peeled and applied to the surface of certain fruits in order to extend its shelf-life by up-to 14 days. The formulation includes compounds that work together to create a protective layer around the fruit, which slows down the ripening process. Independent studies have shown that fruits treated with the Stixfresh sticker have increased sweetness, higher retention of moisture, and sustained cellular structure resulting in increased firmness.

Modular Science

Grant in 2021
Modular Science focuses on automating the majority of processes in vegetable farming through the development of specialized modular machines. These farming bots are designed to significantly reduce manual labor by handling various tasks involved in food production, thereby enhancing efficiency and sustainability. By leveraging automation, Modular Science aims to promote healthier agricultural practices that benefit both humans and the environment.

Tender Food

Grant in 2021
Boston Meats, Inc. produces alternative meat products using proteins. It also develops fiber production technology to produce meats using natural proteins. The company was founded in 2020 and is based in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Novel Farms

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Novel Farms, Inc. specializes in the production of cell-based meat products aimed at ethical consumers. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, the company focuses on developing innovative 3D bioscaffolds that are cruelty-free, cost-effective, and customizable. These bioscaffolds facilitate the co-culturing of fat and muscle cells, essential for achieving the desired marbling and texture in cell-based meats. By leveraging synthetic biology, Novel Farms seeks to enhance the structure and flavor profiles of these products, ultimately aiming to recreate the taste and texture of traditional meats such as Jamon Iberico. The company's mission is to transform cell-based meat into a premium culinary experience for the next generation of conscious eaters while addressing key challenges in the cellular agriculture industry.

InGateyGen

Grant in 2021
Operator of an agricultural biotechnology company committed to developing and producing allergen-free peanuts. The company develops its agricultural products using technology like genomics, proteomics, plant tissue culture and plant propagation, providing consumers with high-value agricultural products that enhance and save human lives.

Carrisan Technologies

Grant in 2021
Carrisan Technologies is a food technology company established in 2019 and located in Davis, California. The company specializes in developing innovative antimicrobial solutions aimed at preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses and minimizing food losses. Its technology encompasses antimicrobial coatings for equipment surfaces, methods for biofilm removal, and sanitation processes for food production. Carrisan Technologies serves various sectors, including agriculture, food processing, and foodservice, providing effective measures to combat cross-contamination in these industries.

Pomodyne

Grant in 2021
Pomodyne is a technology company based in Mountain View, California, focused on transforming fruit crop cultivation. Founded in 2019, the company employs plant biotechnology and controlled environment agriculture to tackle significant challenges such as climate change, food safety, and food security. By innovating agricultural practices, Pomodyne aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the agriculture industry, ultimately contributing to a more secure food system.

Impact Proteomics

Grant in 2021
Impact Proteomics, LLC specializes in protein sample preparation, offering a range of kits and reagents designed to produce contaminant-free samples. Founded in 2017 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company provides various products, including Universal Protein Extraction and Clean Kits for peptides, whole proteins, and immunoprecipitation, as well as Promtag Reversible Protein Tagging Agents and related accessories. By supplying tools for efficient protein handling, Impact Proteomics aims to enhance drug and biomarker discovery processes, allowing researchers to accelerate the development of therapeutics and diagnostics. The company's offerings are available for purchase online, reflecting its commitment to supporting the scientific community in advancing medical research.

Panda Industries Inc.

Grant in 2021
Panda Processing manufactures and distributes bamboo strand boards (BSB). Starting in Busan, South Korea where bamboo will be sourced from nearby China, this will be done by utilizing bamboo and soy-based adhesives to manufacture bamboo strand board, which when sold will be aesthetically indistinguishable from a standard 4x8 oriented strand board (OSB) panel.

New Horizon Biotech

Grant in 2021
New Horizon Biotech specializes in biotechnology and biopharmaceutical products, focusing on optimizing supply chains and ensuring consistent quality globally at a reduced cost. The company is finalizing tests of its patented Single Use Horizontal Fermentor system (SUHF™), which is designed for single-use microbial fermentation. This innovative system is set to enhance production efficiencies and operational cost savings, offering significant advantages over traditional fermentor designs. By improving the microbial fermentation process, New Horizon Biotech aims to support the production of high-value biopharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, vaccines, and therapeutic proteins, thereby strengthening the global competitive edge of its clients.

Fybraworks Foods

Grant in 2021
Fybraworks Foods, Inc provides alternative meat substitutes and develops animal-free meat structural proteins and synthetic meat by using fermentation techniques. The company was founded in 2020 and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Akorn Technology

Grant in 2021
Developer of food technology designed to reduce food loss and food waste naturally. The company offers coatings made with upcycled sustainable and abundant grain by-products and also increases the shelf life of food and delivers long-lasting, safe, tasty, and nutritious produce options for modern diets and lifestyles, enabling clients and customers to get multifunctional edible coatings.

Biomilitus

Grant in 2021
Biomilitus is a biotechnology company that intends to use insect larvae to produce animal feed with less land and a lower carbon footprint. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Sacramento, California.

Unlocked Labs

Grant in 2020
Solving gout using engineered probiotics

Pathotrak

Grant in 2020
PathOtrak, LLC specializes in developing food safety testing kits that facilitate the rapid detection of pathogens, such as Salmonella and E. coli, in food products. Founded in 2016 and located in College Park, Maryland, the company employs innovative microfiltration technology in its sample-preparation kits to significantly reduce testing time from days to hours. This advancement not only enhances food safety but also allows producers to release products more quickly, improving the balance between shelf life, profitability, and safety in the food industry. PathOtrak's solutions are validated through extensive testing and analysis, addressing the critical needs of various stakeholders involved in ensuring a safe food supply.

Full Circle Microbes

Grant in 2020
Full Circle Microbes provides a waste disposal service that converts organic waste into fertilizer. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Hinesburg, Vermont.

Ascribe Bioscience

Grant in 2020
Ascribe Bioscience develops products that enable farmers to combat crop pathogens without negative impacts on the environment. The company is currently developing a seed treatment product that acts by boosting crops’ natural defenses.

AgThera Inc.

Grant in 2020
General Probiotics (GP) is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercializes a new class of antimicrobial medicines for infectious diseases. GP engineers are world leaders in advanced probiotics. GP probiotics are tailored to eliminate pathogens effectively and reliably. GP has been awarded Small Business Innovative Research grants by the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Agriculture to pursue an unparalleled, AI-enabled R&D program.

Theion Agriculture

Grant in 2020
Theion Agriculture is a company based in Iowa City, Iowa, that specializes in developing fertilizer additives aimed at enhancing the growth rates of leafy greens in indoor farming environments. Founded in 2017, Theion's products are designed for application across various crops, including leafy greens, legumes, and maize. By providing these innovative additives, the company enables farmers to improve crop yields and focus on maximizing productivity in their operations.

FloraPulse

Grant in 2020
FloraPulse specializes in providing advanced water stress sensors that enhance the productivity and efficiency of growers in the fruit and nut sectors. Originating from research at Cornell University, the company's patented microsensors measure stem water potential directly within the water-carrying tissue of crops, ensuring accurate and reliable readings. This technology enables growers to receive daily irrigation advice on their mobile devices, allowing for precise water management tailored to their specific crops and goals. By leveraging these tools, FloraPulse aims to help farmers optimize crop yield and quality while reducing costs and managing risks effectively.

Meati

Grant in 2020
Meati, also known as Emergy Foods, is a consumer goods company based in Boulder, Colorado, founded in 2016. The company specializes in producing whole muscle, nutritious plant-based meats designed to promote healthier lifestyles and environmental sustainability. By utilizing proprietary, clean technologies, Meati offers nutrient-dense meat alternatives that aim to appeal to a wide audience, ensuring that consumers can enjoy meals that are both good for their health and the planet.

Unlocked Labs

Grant in 2020
Solving gout using engineered probiotics

Capro X

Grant in 2020
Capro-X Inc. is an ag-tech company dedicated to enhancing sustainability in the dairy industry by addressing the acid whey waste generated during Greek yogurt production. Founded in 2017 and based in Ithaca, New York, the company has developed a fermentation bioprocess technology called WheyAway, which utilizes naturally occurring, non-GMO microbes to convert dairy waste streams into clean water and bio-oils. This innovative treatment occurs at the site of waste generation, facilitating the upcycling of acid whey into valuable products, including caproic acid. By offering solutions that address waste management challenges, Capro-X aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of dairy operations.

PhylloTech

Grant in 2020
PhylloTech is focused on producing proteins and antibodies through a continuous plant expression system utilizing glandular secreting trichomes of Nicotiana tabacum. This innovative approach enables the production of difficult-to-manufacture proteins in a cost-effective manner. The system allows proteins to be secreted onto leaf surfaces, where they can be easily recovered with an extraction buffer, eliminating the need for time-consuming purification processes. This method not only reduces production costs but also facilitates rapid scalability, allowing for the cultivation of tens of thousands of plants. PhylloTech's environmentally-friendly system relies on basic inputs like light, water, and fertilizer, making it suitable for efficient growth in greenhouses or fields using existing agricultural practices. Additionally, the company aims to address plant disease challenges and enhance crop yields by employing enzymes to control bacterial pathogens, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and microbial biocontrols.

Protabit

Grant in 2020
Protabit engineers proteins for industrial, agricultural, and healthcare applications. Its platform technology is being developed via a strategic partnership with the Monsanto Company and the California Institute of Technology. Protabit’s protein engineering approach combines computational modeling with high-throughput screening and directed evolution to expand the diversity of protein sequences that can be explored to produce novel proteins.

ZestBio

Grant in 2020
ZestBio, Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Berkeley, California, specializes in transforming agricultural waste into renewable products. The company develops innovative technologies to extract value from byproducts such as orange juice peel waste, sugar beet pulp, and grape pomace. By converting these low-value materials into specialty chemicals, ZestBio produces household cleaning ingredients, bio-based plastics, and vitamins. This approach not only creates eco-friendly products but also offers customers renewable alternatives at a reasonable cost.

Babylon Micro-Farms

Grant in 2020
Babylon Micro-Farms Inc. is a company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, founded in 2017, that specializes in indoor farming solutions for leafy greens, herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers. The company provides a smart, scalable indoor farm system designed to meet the unique needs of its clients. By leveraging remote management technology, Babylon is creating a comprehensive indoor farming platform aimed at establishing a distributed network of micro-farms across North America. The founders, Alexander Olesen and Graham Smith, initially developed a low-cost micro-farm while studying at the University of Virginia, with the goal of providing nutritious produce to food-insecure populations. Their vision focuses on making sustainable hydroponic farming accessible and efficient, automating the complexities of indoor agriculture to benefit a broader audience.

Antithesis Foods

Grant in 2019
Antithesis Foods specializes in producing healthy snack products that combine nutritious ingredients with appealing flavors. The company focuses on transforming chickpeas into a variety of crunchy chocolate snacks, both sweet and savory, allowing consumers to enjoy indulgent tastes without compromising their health. By leveraging advanced food science, Antithesis Foods aims to create snacks that provide the satisfaction of junk food while promoting better dietary choices. Their innovative approach positions them uniquely in the health-conscious snack market.

Nutramaize

Grant in 2019
NutraMaize is an Indiana based AgBioScience company commercializing a more nutritious, better tasting, variety of non-GMO corn. NutraMaize's proprietary corn variety possesses a deep orange color, which is produced by its high carotenoid content. Carotenoids are a family of nutrients with a number of critical functions in the human body including serving as anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and providing pro-vitamin A.

NutraMaize

Grant in 2019
NutraMaize LLC has developed and is attempting to broadly commercialize orange-colored corn which contains higher levels of carotenoids

Meati

Grant in 2019
Meati, also known as Emergy Foods, is a consumer goods company based in Boulder, Colorado, founded in 2016. The company specializes in producing whole muscle, nutritious plant-based meats designed to promote healthier lifestyles and environmental sustainability. By utilizing proprietary, clean technologies, Meati offers nutrient-dense meat alternatives that aim to appeal to a wide audience, ensuring that consumers can enjoy meals that are both good for their health and the planet.

Ascribe Bioscience

Grant in 2019
Ascribe Bioscience develops products that enable farmers to combat crop pathogens without negative impacts on the environment. The company is currently developing a seed treatment product that acts by boosting crops’ natural defenses.

InGateyGen

Grant in 2019
Operator of an agricultural biotechnology company committed to developing and producing allergen-free peanuts. The company develops its agricultural products using technology like genomics, proteomics, plant tissue culture and plant propagation, providing consumers with high-value agricultural products that enhance and save human lives.

Cybele Microbiome

Grant in 2019
Cybele Microbiome offers a proprietary platform creates natural products in 16X less time than conventional manufacturing. The company was founded by Nicole Scott in 2017 and it is based in San Diego, California.

Pow.bio

Grant in 2019
Pow.bio provides intelligent fermentation services for industrial and synthetic biology, helping turn great ideas into profitable products. We combine continuous fermentation with advanced control methodology to quickly optimize your fermentation process and deliver high yields at low costs. Our scale runs from 1-100 liter capacity for bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi.

Impact Proteomics

Grant in 2019
Impact Proteomics, LLC specializes in protein sample preparation, offering a range of kits and reagents designed to produce contaminant-free samples. Founded in 2017 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company provides various products, including Universal Protein Extraction and Clean Kits for peptides, whole proteins, and immunoprecipitation, as well as Promtag Reversible Protein Tagging Agents and related accessories. By supplying tools for efficient protein handling, Impact Proteomics aims to enhance drug and biomarker discovery processes, allowing researchers to accelerate the development of therapeutics and diagnostics. The company's offerings are available for purchase online, reflecting its commitment to supporting the scientific community in advancing medical research.

Beta Hatch

Grant in 2018
Beta Hatch grows insect protein for animal feed. Nutrient balanced fertilizer is a sterile by-product of their process. Beta Hatch knows bugs better than anyone- they use their expertise in entomology to grow the most efficient and nutritious insects. They are currently farming mealworms from their urban farm in Seattle. They believe in changing food systems. Their goal is to develop the technology and knowledge that will make insects the next commodity crop.

Harvest Croo

Grant in 2018
Harvest Croo, LLC is a technology company that specializes in manufacturing robotic harvesters for the agricultural sector. Founded in 2013 and based in Plant City, Florida, the company aims to address the labor shortages in agriculture through automation. By developing innovative solutions, Harvest Croo seeks to enhance efficiency and productivity in farming, thereby contributing to the modernization of the industry.

Farther Farms

Grant in 2018
Farther Farms is a food technology company focused on creating shelf-stable alternatives to traditionally frozen foods. By employing a unique method that combines high pressure, dense carbon dioxide, and moderate temperatures, the company prevents spoilage in fruits and vegetables without the use of preservatives or genetic modification. This innovative approach not only enhances the shelf life of produce but also reduces costs, energy usage, and infrastructure demands throughout the food supply chain. Farther Farms emphasizes sustainability by sourcing organic, non-GMO crops locally, catering to consumers who prioritize the origins of their food and its environmental impact. The company's commitment to quality and technology ensures that their fresh produce remains both nutritious and environmentally friendly.

Meati

Grant in 2018
Meati, also known as Emergy Foods, is a consumer goods company based in Boulder, Colorado, founded in 2016. The company specializes in producing whole muscle, nutritious plant-based meats designed to promote healthier lifestyles and environmental sustainability. By utilizing proprietary, clean technologies, Meati offers nutrient-dense meat alternatives that aim to appeal to a wide audience, ensuring that consumers can enjoy meals that are both good for their health and the planet.

Capro X

Grant in 2018
Capro-X Inc. is an ag-tech company dedicated to enhancing sustainability in the dairy industry by addressing the acid whey waste generated during Greek yogurt production. Founded in 2017 and based in Ithaca, New York, the company has developed a fermentation bioprocess technology called WheyAway, which utilizes naturally occurring, non-GMO microbes to convert dairy waste streams into clean water and bio-oils. This innovative treatment occurs at the site of waste generation, facilitating the upcycling of acid whey into valuable products, including caproic acid. By offering solutions that address waste management challenges, Capro-X aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of dairy operations.

KnipBio

Grant in 2018
KnipBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Lowell, Massachusetts, established in 2013. It focuses on developing sustainable and responsible feed solutions for the aquaculture industry, primarily through its innovative product, KnipBio Meal (KBM). This product serves as a protein-rich replacement for traditional fishmeal, combining the benefits of high-quality protein and carotenoids in a single, effective formulation. KnipBio employs naturally occurring microbe strains that convert abundant and low-cost feedstocks, such as ethanol and methanol, into nutritious single-cell protein. By addressing the challenges of animal nutrition, KnipBio aims to provide livestock owners with affordable and efficient feed alternatives, contributing to the evolution of sustainable aquaculture practices.
Cykloburn Technologies LLC develops combustion systems that convert poultry waste to energy. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Baltimore, Maryland.

Secure Food Solutions

Grant in 2018
Secure Food Solutions, Inc. is a food safety company based in Martin, Tennessee, established in 2014. The company specializes in developing advanced technologies for the rapid detection of toxins, pathogens, and other contaminants in the global food supply. Among its notable innovations is a patented hyperspectral imaging technology specifically designed to identify corn contaminated with aflatoxin. Additionally, Secure Food Solutions offers rapid microbial tests that monitor and enumerate dangerous pathogens throughout the food and water supply chains. These diagnostic tools enable clients to enhance their food safety programs and mitigate the public health risks associated with foodborne illnesses and outbreaks, all while maintaining affordability.

KnipBio

Series B in 2018
KnipBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Lowell, Massachusetts, established in 2013. It focuses on developing sustainable and responsible feed solutions for the aquaculture industry, primarily through its innovative product, KnipBio Meal (KBM). This product serves as a protein-rich replacement for traditional fishmeal, combining the benefits of high-quality protein and carotenoids in a single, effective formulation. KnipBio employs naturally occurring microbe strains that convert abundant and low-cost feedstocks, such as ethanol and methanol, into nutritious single-cell protein. By addressing the challenges of animal nutrition, KnipBio aims to provide livestock owners with affordable and efficient feed alternatives, contributing to the evolution of sustainable aquaculture practices.

TARGAN

Grant in 2018
Applied Lifesciences & Systems, LLC is a bio-systems company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, established in 2011. The company specializes in developing automated solutions for the detection, targeting, and delivery of vaccines in the poultry, aquaculture, and livestock sectors. Its innovative vaccine delivery system aims to enhance current vaccination methods by ensuring that each chick receives an accurate and consistent vaccination. This precision not only boosts the natural immune response to diseases but also improves overall flock health, contributing to cleaner and healthier poultry. Applied Lifesciences & Systems is committed to advancing animal health and productivity through its cutting-edge technology.
Developer of farming equipment designed to help growers to tend individual plants. The company offers an inspect and reject solution that uses machine vision, robotics and proprietary algorithms to enable traditional harvesters to harvest healthy plants while accurately rejecting diseased, damaged and contaminated plants in real time, enabling growers to tend each individual plant.

MicroHAOPs

Grant in 2017
MicroHAOPs is a Seattle-based company specializing in innovative wastewater treatment technology, founded in 2015. The company focuses on membrane-based treatment processes and has developed proprietary solutions that include a unique nanomaterial for membrane pre-treatment, wastewater treatment, and water purification. These advancements enable the effective removal of phosphorus from treated domestic wastewater and polluted natural waters to trace levels. By commercializing technology that minimizes fouling of water treatment membranes, MicroHAOPs supports businesses in reducing their freshwater costs and wastewater outputs, thereby enhancing their overall water sustainability.

AgThera Inc.

Grant in 2017
General Probiotics (GP) is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercializes a new class of antimicrobial medicines for infectious diseases. GP engineers are world leaders in advanced probiotics. GP probiotics are tailored to eliminate pathogens effectively and reliably. GP has been awarded Small Business Innovative Research grants by the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Agriculture to pursue an unparalleled, AI-enabled R&D program.

Manus Bio

Grant in 2017
Manus Bio Inc. recreates plant processes in microorganisms to produce natural ingredients through fermentation. The company’s microbial platform converts sugar sources into ingredients with applications, such as flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, cosmetics, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. It merges metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and systems biology technologies to generate microbes that produce various plant-based ingredients. The company has a strategic partnership with BBGI Public Company Limited. Manus Bio Inc. was formerly known as Manus Biosynthesis, Inc. and changed its name to Manus Bio Inc. in June 2018. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It has manufacturing facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Augusta, Georgia.

Nutramaize

Grant in 2017
NutraMaize is an Indiana based AgBioScience company commercializing a more nutritious, better tasting, variety of non-GMO corn. NutraMaize's proprietary corn variety possesses a deep orange color, which is produced by its high carotenoid content. Carotenoids are a family of nutrients with a number of critical functions in the human body including serving as anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and providing pro-vitamin A.

Sepragen

Grant in 2017
Sepragen Corporation, based in Hayward, California, provides break-through products and processes to the biotechnology and nutraceutical industries for their process development and manufacturing needs. Their products enable their customers several fold higher productivity in a smaller footprint, ease of use and rapid, predictable scale up of processes from the laboratory to production. This results in lower capital outlay, lower cost of goods and rapid time to market. All products are designed and manufactured to the highest standards of quality and with the standards of traceability and cGMP compliance. Sepragen provides all the necessary documentation support and support services related to validation, IQ/OQ and follow on preventative maintenance. In the biotechnology industry their products are used by industry leaders on four continents and are today used in making 24 FDA approved drugs. Sepragen’s growing menu of products includes both downstream and upstream products. All unique and backed by 16 patents these products include chromatography columns and accessories, column packing systems, chromatography systems, chromatography resins and bioreactors. As with its product portfolio Sepragen’s geographical footprint has also expanded with the addition of its latest manufacturing operation in India and a growing base of distributors. Outside of biotechnology, Sepragen has developed and patented processes to isolate proteins from dairy whey, remove bitterness from citrus juices, isoflavones from soy and trace contaminants such as heavy metals and organics from process and ground water. Several of these processes have been licensed to third parties.
Advanced Biological Marketing (ABM) provides solutions for commercial agriculture, businesses and consumers by identifying, developing, manufacturing and marketing biological products globally for crop production, institutional sanitation and environmental waste management. ABM emphasizes education, innovative research and strong marketing expertise in these emerging markets.

FloraPulse

Grant in 2017
FloraPulse specializes in providing advanced water stress sensors that enhance the productivity and efficiency of growers in the fruit and nut sectors. Originating from research at Cornell University, the company's patented microsensors measure stem water potential directly within the water-carrying tissue of crops, ensuring accurate and reliable readings. This technology enables growers to receive daily irrigation advice on their mobile devices, allowing for precise water management tailored to their specific crops and goals. By leveraging these tools, FloraPulse aims to help farmers optimize crop yield and quality while reducing costs and managing risks effectively.

InnovaNutra

Grant in 2017
InnovaNutra develops bio-based encapsulation food technology to improve nutrient and phytochemical bioaccessibility for use in food and medicine. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Davis, California.

Plant Sensory Systems

Grant in 2017
Plant Sensory Systems specializes in developing biological technologies aimed at enhancing agricultural performance. The company focuses on designing modifications to the metabolic and signaling pathways in bacteria and plants to achieve specific outcomes, such as improved nitrogen use efficiency, stress tolerance, and increased oil production in seeds. Their innovative approaches enable companies to optimize crop health, production, and nutritional value, ultimately contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. With a team of scientists and innovators, Plant Sensory Systems leverages a natural signaling system to address various challenges in crop management and enhance overall agricultural productivity.

RedLeaf Biologics

Grant in 2017
RedLeaf Biologics, Inc. produces natural food colors and antioxidants for human and livestock applications. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky.

Secure Food Solutions

Grant in 2016
Secure Food Solutions, Inc. is a food safety company based in Martin, Tennessee, established in 2014. The company specializes in developing advanced technologies for the rapid detection of toxins, pathogens, and other contaminants in the global food supply. Among its notable innovations is a patented hyperspectral imaging technology specifically designed to identify corn contaminated with aflatoxin. Additionally, Secure Food Solutions offers rapid microbial tests that monitor and enumerate dangerous pathogens throughout the food and water supply chains. These diagnostic tools enable clients to enhance their food safety programs and mitigate the public health risks associated with foodborne illnesses and outbreaks, all while maintaining affordability.

Lupine Labs

Grant in 2016
Lupine Labs specializes in the design, development, and integration of automated manufacturing processes. Thier expertise is in material science and machine automation, two skill sets that work well with cutting edge manufacturing. They work with manufacturing teams to develop and build production ready tools that push the limits of science and technology.

Beta Hatch

Grant in 2016
Beta Hatch grows insect protein for animal feed. Nutrient balanced fertilizer is a sterile by-product of their process. Beta Hatch knows bugs better than anyone- they use their expertise in entomology to grow the most efficient and nutritious insects. They are currently farming mealworms from their urban farm in Seattle. They believe in changing food systems. Their goal is to develop the technology and knowledge that will make insects the next commodity crop.

TARGAN

Grant in 2016
Applied Lifesciences & Systems, LLC is a bio-systems company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, established in 2011. The company specializes in developing automated solutions for the detection, targeting, and delivery of vaccines in the poultry, aquaculture, and livestock sectors. Its innovative vaccine delivery system aims to enhance current vaccination methods by ensuring that each chick receives an accurate and consistent vaccination. This precision not only boosts the natural immune response to diseases but also improves overall flock health, contributing to cleaner and healthier poultry. Applied Lifesciences & Systems is committed to advancing animal health and productivity through its cutting-edge technology.

Sudhin Biopharma Co.

Grant in 2016
Developer of a biopharmaceutical company intended to make biological medicines and other beneficial products. The company develops bioprocesses for the manufacture of biosimilar therapeutic molecules, using high cell density continuous perfusion bioreactors and continuous chromatography or downstream processing techniques, enabling clients to access processes for therapeutic biologicals and viral vaccines.

Harvest Croo

Grant in 2016
Harvest Croo, LLC is a technology company that specializes in manufacturing robotic harvesters for the agricultural sector. Founded in 2013 and based in Plant City, Florida, the company aims to address the labor shortages in agriculture through automation. By developing innovative solutions, Harvest Croo seeks to enhance efficiency and productivity in farming, thereby contributing to the modernization of the industry.

PhylloTech

Grant in 2016
PhylloTech is focused on producing proteins and antibodies through a continuous plant expression system utilizing glandular secreting trichomes of Nicotiana tabacum. This innovative approach enables the production of difficult-to-manufacture proteins in a cost-effective manner. The system allows proteins to be secreted onto leaf surfaces, where they can be easily recovered with an extraction buffer, eliminating the need for time-consuming purification processes. This method not only reduces production costs but also facilitates rapid scalability, allowing for the cultivation of tens of thousands of plants. PhylloTech's environmentally-friendly system relies on basic inputs like light, water, and fertilizer, making it suitable for efficient growth in greenhouses or fields using existing agricultural practices. Additionally, the company aims to address plant disease challenges and enhance crop yields by employing enzymes to control bacterial pathogens, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and microbial biocontrols.

InGateyGen

Grant in 2016
Operator of an agricultural biotechnology company committed to developing and producing allergen-free peanuts. The company develops its agricultural products using technology like genomics, proteomics, plant tissue culture and plant propagation, providing consumers with high-value agricultural products that enhance and save human lives.

AgThera Inc.

Grant in 2016
General Probiotics (GP) is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercializes a new class of antimicrobial medicines for infectious diseases. GP engineers are world leaders in advanced probiotics. GP probiotics are tailored to eliminate pathogens effectively and reliably. GP has been awarded Small Business Innovative Research grants by the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Agriculture to pursue an unparalleled, AI-enabled R&D program.

Biorealize

Grant in 2016
Biorealize, Inc. designs and develops a reactor that heats, cools, agitates, and tracks microorganism growth in programmable media and culturing settings. Its product offers culturing and analytics solutions for fermentation, anaerobic and aerobic microbial culturing, animal cell culturing, and biofilm manufacturing. The company’s product is used in various applications, including fermented food and beverages, fashion and materials, cosmetics and personal care, and more. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Continuus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. offers an integrated continuous manufacturing technology for small molecule pharmaceuticals. It provides pharmaceutical manufacturing via batch processes; and advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is based in Woburn, Massachusetts.

Phytoption

Grant in 2016
Phytoption LLC, founded in 2011 and based in West Lafayette, Indiana, specializes in developing phytoglycogen-based biopolymers and natural-derived materials. The company focuses on creating sustainable ingredients that enhance human health and address solubility challenges in various applications. Its product offerings include proprietary non-GMO biomaterials and ingredients tailored for the pharmaceutical, agriculture, cosmetics, and food and beverage industries. By improving product shelf life, sensory properties, bioavailability, functionality, and nutritional values, Phytoption aims to provide valuable solutions that benefit its clients across multiple sectors.

RedLeaf Biologics

Grant in 2016
RedLeaf Biologics, Inc. produces natural food colors and antioxidants for human and livestock applications. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky.

MicroHAOPs

Grant in 2015
MicroHAOPs is a Seattle-based company specializing in innovative wastewater treatment technology, founded in 2015. The company focuses on membrane-based treatment processes and has developed proprietary solutions that include a unique nanomaterial for membrane pre-treatment, wastewater treatment, and water purification. These advancements enable the effective removal of phosphorus from treated domestic wastewater and polluted natural waters to trace levels. By commercializing technology that minimizes fouling of water treatment membranes, MicroHAOPs supports businesses in reducing their freshwater costs and wastewater outputs, thereby enhancing their overall water sustainability.

Plant Sensory Systems

Grant in 2015
Plant Sensory Systems specializes in developing biological technologies aimed at enhancing agricultural performance. The company focuses on designing modifications to the metabolic and signaling pathways in bacteria and plants to achieve specific outcomes, such as improved nitrogen use efficiency, stress tolerance, and increased oil production in seeds. Their innovative approaches enable companies to optimize crop health, production, and nutritional value, ultimately contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. With a team of scientists and innovators, Plant Sensory Systems leverages a natural signaling system to address various challenges in crop management and enhance overall agricultural productivity.

InnovaNutra

Grant in 2015
InnovaNutra develops bio-based encapsulation food technology to improve nutrient and phytochemical bioaccessibility for use in food and medicine. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Davis, California.

Conagen

Grant in 2015
Conagen is a biotechnology company that focuses on bio-production of ingredients for food, pharmaceutical, and renewable materials industries. Conagen is a discovery-based company. It is passionate about understanding and engineering metabolic pathways. Its scientists are equipped with unprecedented systemic information on cellular metabolism. Its engineers have developed new automation systems and novel fermentation technologies to advance its bio-manufacturing capabilities. The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Protabit

Grant in 2015
Protabit engineers proteins for industrial, agricultural, and healthcare applications. Its platform technology is being developed via a strategic partnership with the Monsanto Company and the California Institute of Technology. Protabit’s protein engineering approach combines computational modeling with high-throughput screening and directed evolution to expand the diversity of protein sequences that can be explored to produce novel proteins.

Acadia Harvest

Grant in 2015
Acadia Harvest Inc. is a seafood company based in Franklin, Maine, that specializes in land-based indoor marine fish farming. Established in 2011, the company focuses on utilizing recirculating aquaculture systems to cultivate and market high-value fish products, including yellowtail and black sea bass, as well as American oysters. Acadia Harvest aims to enhance aquaculture technologies to create an integrated and sustainable farming environment, promoting a “zero-waste” facility approach.

SuperBrewed Food

Grant in 2015
SuperBrewed Food, a biotechnology company founded in 2011 and headquartered in New Castle, Delaware, focuses on developing innovative fermentation technologies for both human and animal probiotics. The company employs advanced synthetic biology and bioprocess development to create new probiotic solutions. Its technology portfolio includes MixoFerm, which facilitates the fermentation of carbohydrates with gas, and FlexFeedstock, allowing for adaptable biobased and gas feedstock inputs. Additionally, SuperBrewed Food utilizes Zero-CO2 Fermentation technology, which aims to produce CO2 in a sustainable manner, and employs liquid-liquid extraction methods for the fermentative production of various chemicals and fuels. Through these technologies, the company is positioned to contribute significantly to the fields of biochemistry and renewable resources.

Sudhin Biopharma Co.

Grant in 2015
Developer of a biopharmaceutical company intended to make biological medicines and other beneficial products. The company develops bioprocesses for the manufacture of biosimilar therapeutic molecules, using high cell density continuous perfusion bioreactors and continuous chromatography or downstream processing techniques, enabling clients to access processes for therapeutic biologicals and viral vaccines.

Plastic Flow

Grant in 2015
Plastic Flow is a computer software company that specializes in polymer extrusion software.

KnipBio

Grant in 2015
KnipBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Lowell, Massachusetts, established in 2013. It focuses on developing sustainable and responsible feed solutions for the aquaculture industry, primarily through its innovative product, KnipBio Meal (KBM). This product serves as a protein-rich replacement for traditional fishmeal, combining the benefits of high-quality protein and carotenoids in a single, effective formulation. KnipBio employs naturally occurring microbe strains that convert abundant and low-cost feedstocks, such as ethanol and methanol, into nutritious single-cell protein. By addressing the challenges of animal nutrition, KnipBio aims to provide livestock owners with affordable and efficient feed alternatives, contributing to the evolution of sustainable aquaculture practices.

Acadia Harvest

Grant in 2015
Acadia Harvest Inc. is a seafood company based in Franklin, Maine, that specializes in land-based indoor marine fish farming. Established in 2011, the company focuses on utilizing recirculating aquaculture systems to cultivate and market high-value fish products, including yellowtail and black sea bass, as well as American oysters. Acadia Harvest aims to enhance aquaculture technologies to create an integrated and sustainable farming environment, promoting a “zero-waste” facility approach.

PhylloTech

Grant in 2015
PhylloTech is focused on producing proteins and antibodies through a continuous plant expression system utilizing glandular secreting trichomes of Nicotiana tabacum. This innovative approach enables the production of difficult-to-manufacture proteins in a cost-effective manner. The system allows proteins to be secreted onto leaf surfaces, where they can be easily recovered with an extraction buffer, eliminating the need for time-consuming purification processes. This method not only reduces production costs but also facilitates rapid scalability, allowing for the cultivation of tens of thousands of plants. PhylloTech's environmentally-friendly system relies on basic inputs like light, water, and fertilizer, making it suitable for efficient growth in greenhouses or fields using existing agricultural practices. Additionally, the company aims to address plant disease challenges and enhance crop yields by employing enzymes to control bacterial pathogens, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and microbial biocontrols.
Continuus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. offers an integrated continuous manufacturing technology for small molecule pharmaceuticals. It provides pharmaceutical manufacturing via batch processes; and advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is based in Woburn, Massachusetts.

Arbsource

Grant in 2014
Arbsource is developing wastewater treatment systems for the food & beverage industry, cutting painfully expensive water and power bills with biotechnology.

Nature's Fynd

Grant in 2014
Nature's Fynd develops a protein production platform from extremophile organisms for consumer and industrial applications. The company was formerly known as Sustainable Bioproducts, Inc. Nature's Fynd was incorporated in 2016 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with an additional office in Bozeman, Montana.

Cell-Free Bioinnovations

Grant in 2014
Cell-Free Bioinnovations uses proprietary networks of enzymes (not microbes) to make food/feed ingredients and energy products. Cell-Free Bioinnovations is an early-stage company developing products from its platform technology that uses networks of enzymes (instead of microbes) to catalyze high-yield reactions. CFB's advances will permit the cost-effective production of energy products and nutraceuticals from plant-derived carbohydrates (including renewable, non-food biomass) rather than hydrocarbons.

C2Sense

Grant in 2014
C2Sense, Inc. specializes in the development of chemiresistive gas sensors aimed at applications in food and agriculture. The company’s sensors detect gases such as ethylene and biogenic amines at very low concentrations, facilitating the monitoring of fruit ripeness and the freshness of meat, fish, and poultry throughout the supply chain. By providing accurate data, C2Sense enables growers, shippers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to make informed decisions that help reduce food waste. Founded in 2013 as a spinout from MIT, C2Sense employs nanotechnology and advanced chemical engineering techniques to create miniaturized mobile sensing solutions. In addition to food-related applications, the company’s technology addresses challenges in rapid medical diagnostics, product authentication, environmental monitoring, and safety across various sectors. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, C2Sense is committed to promoting a healthier and safer world through its innovative sensing technology.

Benson Hill

Grant in 2013
Benson Hill is an agricultural technology company focused on crop improvement, particularly in soy protein innovation. By leveraging its proprietary CropOS™ platform, the company integrates machine learning, genomic data, and traditional breeding techniques to streamline the development of healthier and more sustainable food products. Benson Hill emphasizes unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants to empower innovators in creating flavorful and nutritious ingredients. The company operates a Crop Accelerator for rapid prototyping and is developing a diverse seed portfolio that includes protein ingredients, aquaculture, specialty animal feed, and vegetable oils. Its revenue is generated from both proprietary and non-proprietary product categories, reflecting its commitment to advancing agricultural innovation.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.