RebelBio Class V: We’ve launched a wave of new biotech startups

We’re in the middle of the genomic revolution and we’ve just launched our latest cohort in London to accelerate some of the most astonishing developments in the life sciences.

Increasing overlap with other technologies like machine learning, automation and faster DNA sequencing and synthesis are a few factors to lower the financial hurdles to entrepreneurship in the sector. In combination with capital, this enables scientific founders to de-risk their ventures earlier, pursue world-changing technologies and bring exciting consumer biotech products to market.

Synthetic biology company Bolt Threads is raising $106 million. Meanwhile, early-stage companies are advancing in the funding cycle, too: IndieBio startup Memphis Meats has secured $17 million from investors that include Bill Gates. Our graduate cell-free tech has captured public imagination with their bio-pixel computer and several of our portfolio companies, like Microsynbiotix, have recently raised investment, too.

Hence, to tap into this potential and support more entrepreneurs, we’ve expanded this year: We’re running one program in Cork, Ireland and another one in London, UK — and have we got news for you!

We’ve selected a new batch of ten global top early-stage companies to join us for 12 weeks. Each startup has won an investment of up to $250’000 and we’ve partnered with the world-renowned Imperial White City Incubator. The program consists of mentoring and workshop sessions, talks, pitch training and 1:1 sessions on business and scientific development with access to labspace and a hackspace. The program will culminate in a DemoDay in London at the end of March, where the entrepreneurs pitch to investors.

The interdisciplinary companies are shaking up areas ranging from 3D cell cultures, AI-powered neural tech, de-centralized diagnostics and genomics to eco-fashion made from novel biomaterials and in human augmentation.

I bet you can’t wait to know: Who are the companies? They shall be revealed!

The 10 startups:

Encelo Laboratories — Universal access to stem cells

June (previously Corticare) — Personalised molecular health tracking anywhere and anytime

AlgiKnit — Transforming the apparel ecosystem with rapidly renewable bio-based textiles

Daekitech — Non invasive devices to diagnose and monitor chronic diseases, such as diabetes, with a disposable test strip that only uses saliva

Neurocreate — Neurofeedback and artificial intelligence to augment human cognition and achieve ‘Flow’ neurological states for peak performance and stress alleviation.

Visusnano — A novel medical device that will revolutionise cataract surgery

VivoKey Technologies — Your unforgettable digital identity solution

Chronomics — Epigenetic testing A.I platform to drive the future of personalised wellness

Magellan Life Sciences — Exploring new frontiers in sweet taste — the next generation non-caloric protein sweetener

Biomimetic Solutions — Developing innovative nanomaterials for regenerative medicine and 3D cell culture applications

Cohort V with the team at Imperial Cohort White City Incubator

Originally published at rebelbio.co on January 15, 2018.