Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2000. It focuses on addressing global inequities by promoting initiatives in education, health, and community support, particularly for low-income families in the Pacific Northwest. The foundation aims to improve health outcomes and alleviate extreme poverty worldwide, funding a variety of programs and strategies to achieve these goals. It operates regional offices in Washington, D.C.; New Delhi, India; Beijing, China; and London, United Kingdom. The foundation's trustees include co-founders Bill and Melinda Gates, along with Warren Buffett, who oversee its grant-making activities and strategic direction.

Harish Iyer Ph.D

Deputy Director, Digital and Health Innovation

Chris Karp

Director, Global Health Discovery and Translational Sciences

Rob Nabors

Director, North America

Lynda Stuart

Deputy Director

Chris Wilson

Director

Past deals in Nanotechnology

The Medicines for All Institute, operating under the auspices of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering.

SpyBiotech

Grant in 2023
SpyBiotech Limited, founded in 2017 and based in Oxford, United Kingdom, specializes in the development of innovative vaccines through its proprietary biotechnology platform. The company utilizes a unique molecular superglue to bond antigens to viruses and other particles, facilitating the rapid creation of vaccines aimed at a variety of diseases. This advanced technology enables medical institutions and research centers to produce next-generation vaccines that demonstrate improved efficacy and reduced development time, thereby enhancing the overall vaccine development process.

Enko Chem, Inc.

Series C in 2022
Enko Chem, Inc. is a company focused on discovering and developing innovative small-molecule products aimed at protecting crops from pests and diseases. Established in 2017 and based in Woburn, Massachusetts, the company utilizes a proprietary technology platform to create safe and cost-effective solutions that contribute to sustainable food production. Through its research and development efforts, Enko Chem seeks to address the challenges faced by farmers while promoting environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

Cardea

Grant in 2022
Cardea Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in bioelectronics and graphene-based digital biosensor technology. Founded in 2013, the company develops products that facilitate precision healthcare by enhancing the ease, speed, and cost-effectiveness of diagnostics. Its key offerings include AGILE R100, an innovative assay for small molecule drug discovery, and AGILE R200, an automated high-throughput screening solution. Cardea's biosensors utilize biocompatible graphene to transform biological signals into digital data, enabling real-time analysis of biomolecules. This technology supports applications in small molecule validation, antibody characterization, and biomolecular analysis, serving the life sciences and healthcare sectors. The company also sells its products online, contributing to advancements in research and diagnostics.
Yemaachi Biotechnology uses cutting-edge immunogenomics, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of cancer detection and cure strategies for lowering the economic burden of cancer.
Particles for Humanity transforms early-stage medical technology into products for people living in low-resource settings. Its development plans include a portfolio of products for improving vaccination and reducing malnutrition. Its rigorous product development process is based on end-user input and is focused on financially sustainable product opportunities.

Exscientia

Grant in 2021
Exscientia is applying AI and big data processing to accelerate drug discovery and development. At the forefront of small molecule drug discovery. They are the first company to automate drug design, surpassing conventional human endeavor. Their AI-driven systems actively learn best practice from vast repositories of discovery data and are further enhanced with knowledge acquired from seasoned drug hunters. With better information to hand than any researcher could acquire individually, their knowledge-driven systems design millions of novel, project-specific compounds and pre-assess each for predicted potency, selectivity, ADME and other key criteria. From this, a selection of the best, information-rich compounds are selected for synthesis and assay. With new experimental data generated, the results are integrated and the next design cycle initiated. Rapid design-make-test cycles ensure unparalleled progress towards desired project goals. Exscientia has already delivered exceptional productivity, generating candidates in roughly one-quarter of the time of traditional approaches.

Eleven Therapeutics

Grant in 2021
Developer of a pioneering extended durability mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) therapeutics, designed to transform ribonucleic acid drug development into a programmable processor. The company's innovative pipeline is dedicated to tackling unmet medical needs in the realms of metabolic, endocrinologic, and infectious diseases by the utilization of proprietary high-throughput AI (Artificial intelligence)-enabled screening platforms, strategically employed to enhance the stability and facilitate its targeted and selective delivery, enabling scientists to have fully-programmable ribonucleic acid molecules with superior durability and specificity.

Exscientia

Grant in 2020
Exscientia is applying AI and big data processing to accelerate drug discovery and development. At the forefront of small molecule drug discovery. They are the first company to automate drug design, surpassing conventional human endeavor. Their AI-driven systems actively learn best practice from vast repositories of discovery data and are further enhanced with knowledge acquired from seasoned drug hunters. With better information to hand than any researcher could acquire individually, their knowledge-driven systems design millions of novel, project-specific compounds and pre-assess each for predicted potency, selectivity, ADME and other key criteria. From this, a selection of the best, information-rich compounds are selected for synthesis and assay. With new experimental data generated, the results are integrated and the next design cycle initiated. Rapid design-make-test cycles ensure unparalleled progress towards desired project goals. Exscientia has already delivered exceptional productivity, generating candidates in roughly one-quarter of the time of traditional approaches.
Particles for Humanity transforms early-stage medical technology into products for people living in low-resource settings. Its development plans include a portfolio of products for improving vaccination and reducing malnutrition. Its rigorous product development process is based on end-user input and is focused on financially sustainable product opportunities.

Atomwise

Grant in 2020
Atomwise, Inc. specializes in deep learning artificial intelligence technology aimed at small molecule drug discovery. The company leverages its proprietary AI platform, AtomNet, which contains over 16 billion molecules for virtual screening, to enhance the speed and accuracy of drug discovery processes. This technology employs a statistical approach to predict the binding of small molecules to proteins, aiding in drug hit discovery, binding affinity prediction, and toxicity detection. Atomwise collaborates on numerous projects each year with major pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies, as well as over 200 universities and hospitals across 40 countries. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, Atomwise was previously known as Chematria, Inc. before rebranding in 2015.

Enko Chem, Inc.

Series B in 2020
Enko Chem, Inc. is a company focused on discovering and developing innovative small-molecule products aimed at protecting crops from pests and diseases. Established in 2017 and based in Woburn, Massachusetts, the company utilizes a proprietary technology platform to create safe and cost-effective solutions that contribute to sustainable food production. Through its research and development efforts, Enko Chem seeks to address the challenges faced by farmers while promoting environmentally responsible agricultural practices.
Particles for Humanity transforms early-stage medical technology into products for people living in low-resource settings. Its development plans include a portfolio of products for improving vaccination and reducing malnutrition. Its rigorous product development process is based on end-user input and is focused on financially sustainable product opportunities.

Vaxxas

Grant in 2020
Vaxxas Pty. Ltd. is an Australian company that specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative vaccine delivery technologies. Established in 2011 and headquartered in Sydney, with an additional office in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Vaxxas focuses on a needle-free delivery system known as the Nanopatch. This system employs an array of vaccine-coated micro projections that penetrate the outer layers of the skin, allowing for direct deposition of vaccines among a high concentration of immune cells. By targeting these immunological cells, Vaxxas aims to enhance the activation of the immune system and improve vaccine efficacy, thereby transforming the global landscape of vaccine administration.

PiQuant

Grant in 2020
PiQuant specializes in advanced sensor technology based on spectroscopy, offering solutions for component detection at a molecular level. Its high-sensitivity sensors, which are compact and affordable, enable a range of applications including air monitoring, portable water quality assessment, and skin condition analysis. The company aims to provide accurate quantitative analysis through its mini-spectrometer technology, making it accessible for various sectors such as smart homes, smart cities, smart factories, smart farms, and healthcare. By focusing on affordability and size, PiQuant seeks to enhance the capabilities of users while promoting the integration of its innovative technology into everyday environments.

MedinCell

Grant in 2019
MedinCell S.A. is a pharmaceutical company based in Jacou, France, that specializes in developing long-acting injectable drug delivery systems using its proprietary BEPO technology. This innovative approach employs biocompatible materials to create formulations that allow for controlled and sustained release of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The company is advancing several product candidates, including mdc-IRM, a subcutaneous injection for schizophrenia currently in Phase III trials, and mdc-CWM, an intra-articular injection aimed at treating pain and inflammation. Additionally, MedinCell is exploring various formulations in research, such as mdc-WWM for contraception and mdc-ANG for central nervous system disorders. The firm focuses on optimizing the efficiency and accessibility of medical treatments across different therapeutic areas through its ongoing research and development efforts.

RJH Biosciences

Grant in 2019
RJH Biosciences focus on development of transfection reagents and delivery agents for nucleic acids. The company distributes its products via its website and undertakes projects on new medical treatments.

Enesi Pharma

Grant in 2019
Enesi Pharma is an innovative pharmaceutical company developing novel products with potential to transform performance and delivery of vaccines and make a material impact on global healthcare. The company’s primary focus is the development of novel solid dose vaccines against a range of infectious and other select diseases, working in partnership with global companies, government agencies and non-governmental organizations.

BioNTech

Post in 2019
BioNTech is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, the company has pioneered innovative therapies through advanced computational discovery and drug development platforms. BioNTech's oncology pipeline includes various neoantigen-targeted therapies, such as NEO-PV-01 for advanced non-small cell lung cancer and multiple FixVac product candidates for different cancers, including melanoma, prostate cancer, and HPV-positive head and neck cancers. The company also explores mRNA vaccine candidates for infectious diseases and maintains collaborations with prominent pharmaceutical firms. BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, a subsidiary, specializes in developing T cell immunotherapies for cancer treatment.
A biotechnology company focused on the discovery of novel vaccines and therapeutics for emerging infectious diseases. It antiviral pipeline includes unique pan-filovirus antibody candidates, vaccines and a variety of other product candidates for emerging viruses.

Manus Bio

Grant in 2019
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.
Particles for Humanity transforms early-stage medical technology into products for people living in low-resource settings. Its development plans include a portfolio of products for improving vaccination and reducing malnutrition. Its rigorous product development process is based on end-user input and is focused on financially sustainable product opportunities.

DelSiTech

Grant in 2018
DelSiTech, Ltd. is a drug delivery and development company based in Turku, Finland, founded in 2001. The company specializes in biodegradable silica-based technology for the controlled release of small molecule drugs, biopharmaceuticals, and viral vectors. DelSiTech focuses on parenteral and local administration, offering products such as long-term drug delivery implants and injectable formulations. Their innovative approach utilizes a silica matrix to embed active ingredients, enabling the development of various dosage forms, including injectable depot, implants, and eye drops. DelSiTech aims to provide solutions for drug-related challenges, supporting clients in developing controlled release supergeneric products.

Manus Bio

Grant in 2018
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.

NemoCare

Grant in 2017
NemoCare is developing the smartest and most comprehensive patient monitoring and management system. It is an innovative, continuous vital sign data acquisition, analysis and prediction engine that combines unobtrusive wireless wearable sensors and networks, analytical algorithms and big data to provide affordable continuous, high resolution monitoring for all newborns in hospital, and at home. We use design thinking principles to build life-saving technologies that will transform the way healthcare is delivered. Our current area of work is in newborn and maternal care.

Immunethep

Grant in 2017
Immunethep, SA is a biotechnology company based in Cantanhede, Portugal, focused on developing therapies for immune system-related pathologies. A spin-off from the University of Porto, Immunethep utilizes proprietary technology to address unmet medical needs in the field of infectious diseases. The company has identified a novel mechanism employed by various pathogenic bacteria that suppresses the host immune response. By targeting this mechanism, Immunethep is working on developing broad coverage anti-bacterial immunotherapies. One of the key projects includes the creation of neonatal vaccines designed to protect newborns from bacterial infections that can lead to severe health complications, such as sepsis. This innovative approach aims to enhance immunity in neonates and prevent multi-bacterial infections, contributing to advancements in healthcare.

PnuVax

Grant in 2017
PnuVax Incorporated is dedicated to the production of high quality biopharmaceuticals for the promotion of public health worldwide. Their team has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, from research to full scale production.

Boragen

Series A in 2017
Boragen Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, that specializes in designing and developing multifunctional small molecule boron solutions for applications in crop protection, animal health, and human health. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on creating next-generation fungicides through its synthetic chemistry platforms, which aim to promote sustainable farming practices. Boragen's product pipeline includes BAG8, a boron-based multisite fungicide, and BN2266, which targets mRNA processing as a crop protection fungicide. Additionally, the company is developing a dual-function nematicide-fungicide designed for root protection and endo-parasiticides that address resistance challenges. Through its innovative approach, Boragen seeks to enhance agricultural efficiency while minimizing chemical usage.

Vaxess Technologies

Grant in 2017
Vaxess Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2011. It specializes in developing and commercializing silk biomaterial technologies aimed at improving vaccine delivery and storage. The company has created the MIMIX microneedle platform, which facilitates transdermal delivery of vaccines and therapies, and the MATRIX formulation and drying platform, which enhances the stability of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic products. By utilizing a silk-derived protein, Vaxess enables vaccines to be stored and transported without refrigeration, thereby reducing distribution costs and increasing access to essential healthcare products globally.

Novavax

Grant in 2015
Novavax, Inc. is a late-stage biotechnology company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of vaccines aimed at preventing serious infectious diseases. The company’s lead vaccine candidates include ResVax, designed to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) through maternal immunization, and NanoFlu, which targets seasonal influenza in older adults. Both of these candidates utilize the proprietary Matrix-M adjuvant to enhance immune responses. Novavax is also advancing a vaccine for RSV targeting older adults and children, as well as a candidate against the Ebola virus and a combination vaccine for influenza and RSV. Additionally, the company has initiated the development of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate, NVX-CoV2373, in collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company. Established in 1987, Novavax aims to address urgent global health needs through its innovative vaccine technologies.

Ceres Nanosciences

Grant in 2015
Ceres Nanosciences, Inc. is a privately held life sciences company based in Manassas, Virginia, specializing in the research, development, and commercialization of sample preparation products and diagnostic tests. Utilizing its proprietary Nanotrap technology, Ceres captures, enriches, and preserves biomarkers, facilitating the early detection of various diseases, including cancer, cardiac conditions, and infectious diseases. The company's offerings include a toolset designed for the enrichment of low abundance biomarkers found in complex biofluids such as serum, plasma, urine, and saliva. Among its products is the Nanotrap Lyme Antigen Test, which directly measures Lyme antigens in urine using a Western Blot format. Ceres is funded through federal agency grants and industry collaborations, and it aims to enhance patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs through innovative diagnostic solutions.

Liquidia Technologies

Venture Round in 2011
Liquidia Technologies is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company based in Morrisville, North Carolina, that specializes in the development and commercialization of human therapeutics. The company utilizes its proprietary PRINT technology, a particle engineering platform that allows for the precise production of uniform drug particles, aimed at improving the safety, efficacy, and performance of various therapies. Liquidia is currently advancing two key product candidates: LIQ861 for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and LIQ865 for addressing local post-operative pain. In addition to its internal pipeline, Liquidia collaborates with leading pharmaceutical companies to leverage its PRINT technology across multiple therapeutic areas and drug types. The company also offers strategy and commercialization services for rare disease pharmaceutical products, including a generic formulation of treprostinil for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Founded in 2004, Liquidia Technologies continues to focus on transforming patient care through innovative therapeutic solutions.

BlueWillow Biologics

Grant in 2010
BlueWillow Biologics is a biopharmaceutical company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializing in the development of intranasal vaccines and anti-infective products utilizing patented nanotechnology. Founded in 1999 as NanoBio Corporation, the company shifted its focus in 2016-2017 to intranasal applications after successful research funded by the Gates Foundation and NIH. Its innovative NanoStat vaccine technology utilizes an oil-in-water nanoemulsion to effectively deliver and enhance multiple types of antigens. BlueWillow's product portfolio includes vaccines targeting respiratory and sexually transmitted diseases such as pertussis, influenza, anthrax, HSV2, chlamydia, and HIV, along with NanoBio Protect, a nasal antiseptic solution. The company has established a licensing agreement with Merck for the use of its nanoemulsion adjuvant in intranasal vaccines for RSV and seasonal influenza, and maintains a strategic alliance with Public Health England.
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.