BioDesign Innovation
- been founded directly on IP generated through BrisSynBio; or
- benefitted from substantial BrisSynBio investment and dedicated innovation support; or
- strong links to BrisSynBio and the Bristol BioDesign Institute.
The companies resulting from BrisSynBio have all incorporated since 2017, collectively raised more than £10m in private and innovation investment, and created more than 30 jobs. This demonstrates:
- the significant success and impact of translating fundamental synthetic biology emanating from BrisSynBio into real-world applications;
- the appetite of Bristol academics to have a wider impact beyond their academic fields; and
- the vibrant environment for biotech in and around Bristol.
Companies founded directly on IP generated through BrisSynBio
CDotBio is developing novel carbon-based technology for rapid crop adaptations to address the challenges of climate change and food security. It is founded on the discovery that carbon nanoparticles (Carbon Dots) can enter plant cells and has led to the use of these particles to deliver genetic material, simplifying gene editing (GE) and non-GM approaches to creating novel plant traits.
Halo Therapeutics aim to solve the urgent need for at-home therapeutic treatment for COVID-19 by providing safe, pan coronavirus antivirals which COVID-19 patients can apply by themselves.
Scarlet Therapeutics is developing a pioneering platform that generates novel red blood cell-based therapeutics (tRBCs) to treat a wide range of diseases. Born out of more than a decade of research at the University of Bristol and the learnings from the RESTORE clinical study, Scarlet’s technologies aim to address efficacy and manufacturing issues faced by others in the field by ensuring a high level of therapeutic proteins inside the tRBCs, enabling more efficacious and thus effective therapies and improving the manufacturing by being able to generate the tRBCs from cell lines rather than from donated stem cells.
Zentraxa use bioengineering to produce peptides, specifically 'BioBetters', with predictable properties that are tailored to purpose. The spin-out has secured £500k investment to commercialise their proprietary technological platform, Zentide, to produce biological adhesives for the heathcare sector.
Companies that have benefitted from substantial Bristol BioDesign Institute investment (BrisSynBio, BrisEngBio, and IAAs) and dedicated innovation support
Hone Bio (formerly Cytoseek) aim to use Artificial Membrane Binding Protein (AMBP) technology to deliver the potential of the next generation of cell therapies, with a focus on treating solid tumours. Hone Bio are developing AMBPs that can provide homing, immunomodulation, and/or hypoxia resistance functionality.
Dyador originates from a collaboration at the University of Bristol between leading academics in Cellular, Molecular and Chemical Sciences. Its objective is to employ nanoparticle technologies for significantly improved bacterial identification.
Glaia is using revolutionary 'sugar-dots' technology, developed at the University of Bristol, to allow plants to harvest light more efficiently and facilitate the processes involved in biomass production, resulting in increased crop yields. With this technology, Glaia aims to effectively help ensure food security in the future as well as reduce the carbon footprint of agricultural food production.
Imophoron is a pre-clinical stage company whose researchers have engineered a novel synthetic protein scaffold named ADDomer™, for creating highly immunogenic vaccine candidates. Proof of concept data for two highly infectious diseases has demonstrated potential to prevent disease and transmission. Unlike most vaccines, their Chikungunya vaccine candidate can be produced and stored without refrigeration.
Photoclear is creating sustainable solutions for wastewater biological treatment. Their bioaugmenting additives accelerate bacterial metabolism and improve separation in wastewater treatment, enhancing processes like activated sludge and anaerobic digestion. These reusable, plug-and-play additives are compatible with any bacterial treatment tank, boosting efficiency and biogas production, while creating a circular system where residual sludge can be recycled to produce more additives.
Companies with strong links to BrisSynBio and the Bristol BioDesign Institute
Carbometrics aim to help people with diabetes live more normal and longer lives. They are using their proprietary Biomimetic Glucose Binding Molecule (GBM) to develop a new glucose sensor chemistry that will enable market-leading Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM).
Folium Science creates alternatives to the need to use antibiotics, by providing precise bacterial control for agricultural production. It has developed a unique and patented technology called Guided Biotics that selectively removes unwanted bacteria. This will help to reduce the need to use antibiotics in farmed animals, support the health of plants, and lead to improved food productivity.
Purespring are developing a proprietary platform and novel treatments focused on targeting the podocyte, a cell type vital to kidney function and health. Purespring's therapies will target rare monogenic diseases, as well as much more prevalent common forms of kidney disease. It is the first gene therapy platform to specifically target kidney diseases.