Innovations in biotech are transforming the healthcare, food, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. One of the most significant advancements in this area is the development of gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, which enable scientists to modify specific genes in living organisms. This technology has the potential to treat genetic diseases and enhance crop yields in agriculture. Additionally, synthetic biology creates new biological systems and molecules for medical and industrial applications. This finds use in biofuel, enzyme, and pharmaceutical production. Lastly, AI and machine learning in biotech workflows enable researchers to analyze vast amounts of biological data and gain valuable insights into disease mechanisms and potential drug targets. This technology also allows researchers to design more effective clinical trials and accurately predict drug efficacy and safety. Let’s now dive into 20 emerging BioTech startups to watch in 2024 that are contributing to these innovations and much more!
20 BioTech Startups to Watch in 2024
- Hera Biotech – Non-Surgical Endometriosis Diagnosis
- ATANIS Biotech – Functional Allergy Screening
- Andson – Mass Spectrometry Workflow
- metaBIX – Pathogen Risk Detection
- MxT Biotech – Microfluidic Gene Editing
- Entomal – Mobile Bio-Conversion System
- Home Algae – Algae-derived Ingredients
- Quantis – Human Bioidentical Proteins
- Aclid – Gene Synthesis Security Platform
- LatchBio – Cloud-based Bioinformatics Platform
- Sumatrix Biotech – Biofabricated Materials
- PharmAla Biotech – Clinical Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
- Glyphic – Next-Generation Protein Sequencing
- RAGE Biotech – Chronic Inflammatory Diseases Treatment
- HHV Biotech – Biofilm-related Therapeutics
- Optieum – Antibody-based Cancer Therapies
- Gate2Brain – Therapeutic-Peptide Shuttles
- Lumatix Biotech – Antibody Manufacturing
- HydRegen – Sustainable Chemical Synthesis
- NewFish – Microalgae-based Superfoods
Global Startup Heat Map highlights 10 BioTech Startups to Watch in 2023
Through the Big Data & Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering over 3 790 000+ startups & scaleups globally, we identified 3447 BioTech startups. The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights the 20 BioTech startups you should watch in 2024 as well as the geo-distribution of all BioTech startups & scaleups we analyzed for this research.
Based on the heat map, we see high startup activity in the USA and Western Europe, followed by India. These BioTech startups work on solutions ranging from biofabricated materials and clinical drugs to next-generation protein sequencing and sustainable chemical synthesis.
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As the world’s largest resource for data on emerging companies, the SaaS platform enables you to identify relevant technologies and industry trends quickly & exhaustively. Based on the data from the platform, the Top 5 BioTech Startup Hubs are in London, New York City, Cambridge, San Francisco & Boston. The 20 hand-picked startups highlighted in this report are chosen from all over the world and develop solutions for sustainable manufacturing, cancer treatment, protein sequencing, superfoods, and more.
Explore 20 BioTech Startups to Watch in 2024
Hera Biotech introduces Non-Surgical Endometriosis Diagnosis
Hera Biotech, a USA-based startup, develops MetriDx, a revolutionary non-surgical technique for the early detection and staging of endometriosis. This method utilizes single-cell, microfluidic analysis to identify specific biological markers of endometriosis, thereby enabling accurate diagnosis at any stage.
The diagnostic procedure involves obtaining an endometrial sample from the patient using a uterine brush biopsy during a routine office visit. The MetriDx system then analyzes single cells from this sample to provide definitive diagnostic and staging information. By accurately determining the status and stage of a patient’s endometriosis, the startup reduces costs associated with misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions. Furthermore, in cases of infertility, it assists in customizing treatments to enhance success rates.
ATANIS Biotech enhances Functional Allergy Screening
German startup ATANIS Biotech has pioneered the development of a unique mast cell line for their Functional Allergy Screening Test by Passive Sensitization (FAST-PASE). This test utilizes patient-derived blood serum for the detection of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). The process encompasses passive sensitization and subsequent allergen challenge, with cell activation quantitatively measured by flow cytometry.
Designed for high throughput measurement, FAST-PASE incorporates fluorescent cellular barcoding to enhance sample throughput. This makes it an optimal choice for screening large patient cohorts or identifying potential candidate molecules. The startup prioritizes patient safety, advocating for the replacement of traditional in vivo allergy tests with more reliable, standardized in vitro assays. This test closely mimics patients’ in vivo responses while prioritizing safety.
Andson accelerates Mass Spectrometry Workflow
USA-based startup Andson Biotech offers DynaCHIP + DynaMARK, an innovative biosensor platform that transforms mass spectrometry workflows. This platform facilitates rapid insights into cell-based bioprocesses and provides dynamic feedback for biotech and biopharma workflows.
DynaCHIP, a benchtop device, interfaces directly with any mass spectrometer. It features a microfluidic chip design that simplifies sample preparation, making it fast and highly repeatable. DynaMARK, a SaaS module, complements DynaCHIP by offering deep insights into advanced therapy processes and biomarker discovery. It uses an intuitive interface and advanced visualization tools for bioanalytic insight. The startup collaborates with biopharmaceutical leaders and advanced therapy developers to characterize next-generation therapies.
metaBIX enables Pathogen Risk Detection
Uruguayan startup metaBIX develops predictive technology for the identification of emerging pathogens and microbiological risks from environmental samples. Its AI-powered software processes field-measured data using specialized methods and hardware. It transforms complex information into simplified reports that assist professionals in making efficient decisions. The software utilizes validated sampling methodologies tailored to specific industry processes, enabling personalized predictions based on an industry’s baseline.
Furthermore, the startup develops methods for testing environmental samples for pathogens. This facilitates timely actions in various sectors, including the food, poultry, and pig industries. It supports the detection of pathogens such as listeria, salmonella, and African swine fever, thereby enhancing the industry’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to potential threats.
MxT Biotech enables Microfluidic Gene Editing
South Korean startup MxT Biotech offers Hydroporator, a microfluidic cellular engineering platform designed to expedite the discovery, development, and manufacturing of novel cell therapies. It introduces various external cargos, such as plasmid DNA, mRNA, proteins, CRISPR-Cas9 RNPs, and nanoparticles, into primary cells.
Hydroporator handles unlimited cargo types of large sizes and maintains cell viability and function. It also provides high efficiency, speed, and scalability from research and development to clinical applications. MxT Biotech’s Hydroporator effectiveness across a variety of cells and strong clinical applicability position it as a significant advancement in biotherapy.
Entomal builds Mobile Bio-Conversion System
Malaysian startup Entomal develops the Entomal Mobile Bio-Conversion (EMBC) System, an innovation in decentralized organic waste management. The EMBC system, housed within a shipping container, employs black soldier fly (BSF) larvae to convert food or organic waste into valuable resources such as insect protein and fertilizer. This system integrates technologies, machines, equipment, and IoT sensors within a cabin to efficiently process raw food waste.
The EMBC process includes waste input, collection, handling, and storage in the plant, followed by segregation and removal of foreign wastes. After grinding and treating with the F2W formulation, the treated waste serves as a feeding substrate for BSF larvae. The startup significantly reduces waste by decomposing organic, food, and agricultural waste into valuable resources. Additionally, the system contributes to carbon footprint reduction by converting carbon and nitrogen emissions from biomass waste.
Home Algae provides Algae-derived Ingredients
Taiwanese startup Home Algae specializes in the production of phycobiliproteins for various applications. It offers R-Phycoerythrin (R-PE), a product with maximum absorption and emission, making it suitable for a range of scientific applications. Allophycocyanin (APC), another product, is utilized in fluorescent labeling and other biotechnological applications.
In addition, the startup develops Rosy Illumi Algae (RIA), a cosmetic ingredient derived from self-cultivated red algae. RIA offers multiple biofunctions, including anti-oxidation, cell proliferation acceleration, and UVA ray absorption. Home Algae caters to the life science, cosmetics, food supplements, and drug development industries by providing algae-derived ingredients.
Quantis leverages Human Bioidentical Proteins
Brazilian startup Quantis develops medical devices that utilize human bioidentical proteins. Its key developments include QProtein for Dermal Filler, a human collagen dermal injectable. It stimulates neocollagenesis and tissue filling to restore the skin’s dermal matrix properties due to aging. QProtein for Joint Injection stimulates joint tissue regeneration and replaces damaged cartilage using crosslinked collagen.
QProtein for Wound Dressing stimulates dermal cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and neocollagenesis, restoring the skin’s dermal matrix properties with a biocompatible solution. Additionally, the startup develops QMod, a modified 3D bioplatform for hormones derived from human cells, offering a new generation of human hormones.
Aclid develops Gene Synthesis Security Platform
Aclid, a USA-based startup, specializes in gene synthesis security and compliance, offering a platform that automates compliance through real-time screening and customer verification. The platform provides threat assessments and risk profiles for large sequences, ensuring order monitoring and misuse prevention.
It also automatically verifies licenses, registrations, and biosafety guidelines, streamlining customer interaction. All compliance checks are completed at checkout, reducing order cancellations and delays. The platform also manages customer follow-up and consolidates data in one location to minimize false alarms, thereby enhancing the efficiency and security of gene synthesis processes.
LatchBio builds Cloud-based Bioinformatics Platform
USA-based startup LatchBio offers a cloud platform designed to expedite R&D processes in biotech. The platform is built on four key components: Data, Registry, Workflows, and Pods. The Latch Data component offers scalable storage solutions and access to public datasets. The Latch Registry ensures efficient data management by maintaining essential metadata for next-generation sequencing (NGS) files.
Further, the Latch Workflow Manager supports scalable analyses by allowing users to upload and self-serve various bioinformatics workflows. Lastly, Latch Pods provides access to a super-computer on-demand, promoting collaborative research and efficient use of computational resources.
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Sumatrix Biotech produces Biofabricated Materials
Turkish startup Sumatrix Biotech develops a biotechnological production process that transforms waste into high-value products. The startup utilizes microbial fermentation to convert glucose and nitrogen from waste sources into biocellulose. Sumatrix’s technology allows for the reproducible production of high-performance nanofiber biomaterials.
These biomaterials serve multiple functions from simple additive to complex composite foams as well as ultrathin coatings and thick films with integrated properties. Jellylose is a type of nanocellulose made using this process. It acts as a sustainable source of raw materials in the medical, cosmetic, paper, food, and textile industries.
PharmAla Biotech offers Clinical MDMA
Canadian startup PharmAla Biotech focuses on the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of MDMA for clinical research. The startup offers clinical-grade LaNeo MDMA and substituted methylenedioxyphenethylamine (MDXX) substances. Its proprietary process avoids the burden of process development and regulatory restraints for the manufacturing of controlled substances. PharmAla thus improves the safety properties of these molecules and allows their use to treat a diverse range of disorders.
Glyphic Biotechnologies enables Next-Generation Protein Sequencing
US-based startup Glyphic Biotechnologies develops a next-generation protein sequencing platform that generates insights into human biology and diseases. The startup’s process utilizes a proprietary chemical fluid that untangles the protein into single strands of amino acids.
Another chemical reagent then binds to terminal amino acids, which in the presence of a binder fluoresce in a specific color. The subsequent repetitions of these steps reveal the identity of each amino acid in the protein strand. This way, the platform enables the development of novel therapeutics and diagnostics through proteomic insights.
RAGE Biotech advances Chronic Inflammatory Diseases Treatment
Australian startup RAGE Biotech offers novel therapeutics for patients with difficult-to-treat inflammatory diseases. The startup’s proprietary ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics and peptide technologies facilitate the development of drugs targeting the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE).
These RNA therapeutic drugs involve splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) that up-regulate a naturally occurring, anti-inflammatory splice form of RAGE (‘esRAGE’) in inflamed tissues. RAGE Biotech’s inhibitor thus improves the lives of people with chronic inflammatory conditions.
HHV Biotech offers Biofilm-related Therapeutics
Dutch startup HHV Biotech specializes in the creation and development of biofilm-focused therapeutics for the treatment of biofilm-related disorders. Quorum sensing (QS) is the chemical mechanism that allows microbes to communicate with each other based on the constant secretion of signaling molecules to the environment.
The startup develops antimicrobial therapy by disrupting this chemical communication between bacteria. The interference in microbial communication avoids the formation of biofilms and, in turn, combats biofilm-related disorders. This includes chronic and acute infections as well as tackles antimicrobial resistance at its root cause.
Optieum Biotechnologies develops Antibody-based Cancer Therapies
Japanese startup Optieum Biotechnologies offers innovative single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody-based therapies for the treatment of cancer patients. The startup’s proprietary platform technology, Eumbody System, enables the development and detection of next-generation scFv antibodies.
It permits the generation of new scFv-expressing chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) with greater proliferation capacity and longevity. This enables superior reactivity against advanced tumors and minimizes adverse effects. As a result, Optieum facilitates therapies for patients in the chronic stages of cancer.
Gate2Brain makes Therapeutic-Peptide Shuttles
Spanish startup Gate2Brain provides a peptide-based technology platform that supports therapeutics that efficiently cross biological barriers like the blood-brain barrier. The G2B Therapeutic-Peptide Shuttle conjugates include new chemical entities, permeable, non-antigenic, stable, receptor-specific, soluble, non-invasive, and cost-effective products. These peptide-based products are capable of crossing biological barriers. Gate2Brain’s solution thus enhances drug delivery to the brain while avoiding side effects and other complications.
Lumatix Biotech advances Antibody Manufacturing
German startup Lumatix Biotech makes a light-controlled affinity matrix for effective and rapid isolation of antibodies. The startup advances antibody manufacturing by enabling the specific isolation of any Fc-containing antibody derivative or Fc fusion proteins, especially with pH-sensitive payload. Its proprietary concept increases product quality and process productivity simultaneously. Additionally, the smaller footprint of the system significantly aids the economics of antibody manufacturing.
HydRegen facilitates Sustainable Chemical Synthesis
UK-based startup HydRegen manufactures biotechnological catalysts and processes that enable sustainable chemical synthesis and manufacturing. The startup’s technology replaces toxic, heavy-metal catalysts and promotes operations under mild reaction conditions, minimizing waste and operating in continuous flow. These bio-based manufacturing technologies, primarily for the fine chemicals and pharmaceutical sectors, improve the agility, speed, and predictability of processes. HydRegen’s technology, in this way, ensures low-cost, high productivity, and reproducibility while improving the process.
NewFish formulates Microalgae-based Superfoods
New Zealand-based startup NewFish utilizes microalgae technology to create highly nutritious, protein-packed food products. Microalgae require a fraction of the water, land, and time as other protein sources and emit a fraction of greenhouse gases. NewFish’s products have a complete amino acid profile, offering protein and nutritional ingredient solutions for sports and active lifestyles. This way, the solution enables the sustainable use of ocean and water resources for economic growth while maintaining a circular ecosystem.
Discover All Emerging BioTech Startups
The BioTech startups showcased in this report are only a small sample of all startups we identified through our data-driven startup scouting approach. Download our free BioTech Innovation Report for a broad overview of the industry or get in touch for quick & exhaustive research on the latest technologies & emerging solutions that will impact your company in 2024!
