Global economies face rising difficulties ranging from fossil-fuel-induced climate change to pandemics and food scarcity. Innovations in bioengineering provide solutions to these issues through breakthroughs like CRISPR-Cas9 for precise gene editing, biodegradable materials, and bioartificial organs. The benefits of these advancements include environmental sustainability, food security, improved healthcare outcomes, and the potential cures for intractable diseases.
Top 10 Trends in Bioengineering (2024)
- Gene Editing & Modification
- Alternative Proteins
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
- Personalized Medicine
- Biosensors
- Bioactive Materials
- Microbial Fermentation
- Bioprinting
- Bioinformatics
Innovation Map outlines the Top Bioengineering Trends & 20 Promising Startups
For this in-depth research on the Top Bioengineering Trends & Startups, we analyzed a sample of 1177 global startups & scaleups. This data-driven research provides innovation intelligence that helps you improve strategic decision-making by giving you an overview of emerging technologies in the bioengineering industry. In the Bioengineering Innovation Map, you get a comprehensive overview of the innovation trends & startups that impact your company.
These insights are derived by working with our Big Data & Artificial Intelligence-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering 3 790 000+ startups & scaleups globally. 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.
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Tree Map reveals the Impact of the Top 10 Trends in Bioengineering (2024)
Based on the Bioengineering Innovation Map, the Tree Map below illustrates the impact of the Top 10 Bioengineering Trends. In gene editing and modification, CRISPR-based technology offers high precision in altering DNA for disease treatment. Alternative proteins like lab-grown meat and plant-based substitutes address food sustainability and ethical concerns. Additionally, regenerative medicine enables tissue repair and organ regeneration with tissue engineering making 3D-printed scaffolds for organ reconstruction. Besides this, personalized medicine is being transformed through AI-driven diagnostics, tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles.
Biosensors are now more capable of monitoring health parameters non-invasively and together with bioactive materials, like self-healing polymers promote better healthcare. Microbial fermentation is crucial in producing biofuels and pharmaceuticals more sustainably. Bioprinting further accelerates the creation of complex tissue models for research, and bioinformatics, with its advanced computational tools, decodes vast biological data, enhancing drug discovery and genomic research.
Global Startup Heat Map covers 1177 Bioengineering Startups & Scaleups
The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights the global distribution of the 1177 exemplary startups & scaleups that we analyzed for this research. Created through the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, the Heat Map reveals high startup activity in the US and Western Europe, followed by India.
Below, you get to meet 20 out of these 1177 promising startups & scaleups as well as the solutions they develop. These bioengineering startups are hand-picked based on criteria such as founding year, location, funding raised & more. Depending on your specific needs, your top picks might look entirely different.
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Interested in exploring all 1100+ bioengineering startups & scaleups?
Top 10 Bioengineering Trends for 2024
1. Gene Editing & Modification
Precise targeting and efficiency are lacking in many gene editing and modification technologies, which is especially troublesome in treating complex genetic illnesses. Innovations in CRISPR-Cas9 address these issues by enhancing accuracy in gene editing while overcoming off-target mutations and ensuring safe, targeted gene therapy. Besides, advanced delivery systems, such as nanoparticle-based vectors, improve the delivery of gene-editing tools to specific cells, minimizing unintended alterations.
Additionally, AI and machine learning algorithms predict and identify optimal gene editing sites to reduce errors and increase treatment success rates. These technologies result in more effective and safer treatments of genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Huntington’s disease, and more.
Primera Therapeutics advances mtDNA Gene Editing
US-based startup Primera Therapeutics develops gene therapies for mitochondrial diseases by targeting mutations in the mitochondrial genome. The startup uses a gene editing platform, utilizing a transcription activator-like effector (TALE)-based system to precisely target and repair mutant mitochondrial DNA.
The technology enables precision gene editing at the mitochondrial level that targets renal progenitor cells in patients with the m.A3243G mutation, commonly associated with chronic kidney failure. Moreover, the startup’s technology addresses a range of mitochondrial disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other metabolic diseases, many of which currently lack effective treatments.
Affini-T Therapeutics specializes in Precision Genome Engineering
Affini-T Therapeutics is a US-based startup that advances precision genome engineering, focusing on T-cell therapies for cancer treatment. The startup’s TAILOR platform identifies optimal T-cell receptors (TCR) for oncogenic driver mutations, enhancing TCR-T cell therapy development. TUNE, another platform, engineers T cells to persist in challenging tumor environments, improving efficacy against solid tumors.
Lastly, THRIVE produces T-cell therapies with gene editing modifications to maximize therapeutic impact in solid tumors. These platforms incorporate advanced gene editing and synthetic biology, targeting specific cancer mutations like KRAS. Through these technologies, Affini-T Therapeutic develops therapies for solid tumor cancers.
2. Alternative Proteins
The global food industry requires sustainable and scalable alternatives to traditional animal-based proteins that address both environmental concerns and global food security. Alternative proteins, particularly through cellular agriculture and plant-based technologies, provide solutions to the growing food scarcity. Techniques like precision fermentation produce proteins identical to animal proteins but with a significant reduction in environmental impact.
Besides, advances in bioreactors and cultivation methods are improving the efficiency and scalability of lab-grown meats, making them more commercially viable. The use of gene editing in plants further enhances the nutritional profile and taste of plant-based proteins. This bridges the gap between alternatives and their animal counterparts.
All G Foods provides Precision Fermentation
Australian startup All G Foods uses precision fermentation to create nature-identical dairy proteins without the need for animals. The startup utilizes precision fermentation to replicate dairy proteins, offering an alternative to traditional dairy production methods. Its biofoundry continuously operates with an AI-driven automation ecosystem that facilitates the design, construction, and testing of proteins. Moreover, All G Foods focuses on mirroring nature’s composition, ensuring the final products are identical to their natural counterparts.
LUX BIO creates a Bioluminescent Protein
Canadian startup LUX BIO specializes in engineering proteins to create bioluminescent light. The startup’s solution generates stable light for over 20 hours, activated by mixing a base powdered formula with water. Besides, the technology adheres to green chemistry standards and is safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
LUX BIO’s bioluminescent technology ensures sustainability through its bio-manufacturing technique that uses only renewable resources. Moreover, the technology is shelf-stable and more efficient at producing light compared to traditional chemical light sources. It finds applications to replace traditional chemical-based lighting in outdoor activities, and emergencies like search and rescue, commercial fishing, and defense.
3. Regenerative Medicine
One of the main challenges in bioengineering is tissue regeneration, particularly in achieving functional integration and vascularization of engineered tissues and organs. Regenerative medicine addresses this through advanced biomaterials and stem cell technologies. These innovations facilitate the integration of engineered tissues with host tissues, enhancing functionality.
Additionally, breakthroughs in stem cell research are enabling the generation of more specialized cell types crucial for organ regeneration. Techniques like microfluidic systems further improve vascularization in engineered tissues, ensuring adequate blood supply and nutrient exchange, vital for long-term viability.
iTolerance develops an Immune Tolerance Platform
US-based startup iTolerance specializes in an immune tolerance platform that enables regenerative medicine without lifelong immunosuppression. Its platform, iTOL-100, leverages a synthetic form of the protein FasL, in combination with a biotin-PEG microgel, to induce local immune tolerance. This technology allows implanted tissue, organoid, or cell therapy to function as a replacement for damaged native cells.
iTOL-100 operates by binding to the Fas receptor on activated T-cells, preventing rejection through apoptosis and generating T-regulatory cells for long-term localized immune privilege. The platform features broad applicability, suitable for allogeneic and stem cell-derived organoids across various diseases. Moreover, iTOL-100 represents a potential cure for conditions like Type 1 Diabetes and liver failure. Here, iTolerance works to transform regenerative medicine while offering a sustainable alternative to chronic immunosuppression.
Clock.bio advances Rejuvenation Biology
UK-based startup Clock.bio offers an aging model that accelerates aging in human iPSCs, triggering their self-rejuvenation mechanism. The model allows for aging-in-a-dish, providing insights on human aging and rejuvenation with unbiased CRISPR screens identifying genes relevant for cell rejuvenation and uncovering key drivers.
Clock.bio’s approach decodes the entire genome’s biology of human rejuvenation in a significantly shorter timeframe than traditional methods. This comprehensive decoding of rejuvenation biology creates novel treatment approaches for age-related diseases.
4. Tissue Engineering
Tissue engineering is complex and currently cost-prohibitive due to the intricacies of replicating the microenvironment of native tissues and ensuring their long-term viability. Addressing these, innovations in scaffold design incorporate biocompatible and biodegradable materials to mimic the natural extracellular matrix. They support cell growth and differentiation. Moreover, the integration of nanotechnology in scaffold fabrication is enhancing the mimicry of native tissue structures and functions.
The application of bioreactors for dynamic culture conditions improves the maturation and mechanical properties of engineered tissues. Advances in vascularization techniques, crucial for nutrient and oxygen supply, are now possible due to microfabrication and 3D printing technologies. This enables the creation of intricate vascular networks within tissues. These advancements thus play a key role in overcoming the complexities of tissue engineering.
Morphocell Technologies engineers Liver Tissues
Morphocell Technologies is a Canadian startup that creates stem cell-derived liver tissues to treat severe liver diseases. The startup’s allogeneic cell therapy, ReLiver, is implantable via minimally invasive surgery, and fully functional upon implantation. Derived from an unlimited stem cell source, ReLiver targets acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure, conditions currently reliant on liver transplantation.
Moreover, the engineered tissue does not require immunosuppression and is capable of cryopreservation for on-demand use. Morphocell Technologies’ tissue also maintains metabolic function for over an extended number of weeks and restores liver function in animal models of liver failure.
Biodimension simplifies Human Tissue Model Biofabrication
Biodimension is an Indian startup that specializes in the fabrication of human tissue models and bio-organoids for advanced bioengineering applications in personalized medicine and drug development. Its biofabricated models, including BioDEpi, BioDFT, and BioDCORE, replicate various human tissues like skin, corneal, and nasal epithelium. These models are crucial for drug screening, offering a more accurate representation of human physiology compared to traditional methods.
Biodimension’s bio-organoids, derived from patient tissues, mimic the structural and functional properties of human organs, enhancing precision medicine. These organoids are expandable, genetically stable, and suitable for large-scale screening and in vitro assays. Biodemsion also provides a platform for in vivo modeling of diseases and testing potential therapies.
5. Personalized Medicine
Most modern medical procedures do not address the influence of individual genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors, prolonging treatments. Startups address this issue through personalized medicine that leverages genomic sequencing, data analysis, and more. For example, high-throughput sequencing technologies enable rapid, cost-effective analysis of individual genomes and provide insights into genetic predispositions to various diseases.
AI and machine learning analyze vast datasets to identify patterns and predict individual responses to specific treatments. Additionally, health monitoring wearables provide real-time health data to tailor treatments. These innovations promote gene therapy for genetic disorders, custom organ transplants, personalized vaccines, bespoke prosthetics, and precision pharmacotherapy, all tailored to each patient’s unique requirements.
AttisLab advances 3D Organoid Technology
South Korean startup AttisLab makes personalized medicine through its core technology of 3D organoid culture. The technology enables the creation of self-organizing miniature organs from stem cells, closely resembling human microanatomy. The organoids provide a more accurate representation of the inner body environment, enhancing drug screening and disease modeling.
AttisLab also develops organoid cultures for various stem and cancer cell types, including hair follicle, liver, lung, and pancreatic stem cells. These organoids observe the direct effects of anticancer drugs and find applications in the development of disease models. The startup’s organoid culture platform has diverse applications, including cancer organ drug screening, personalized cell therapy, and more.
Genvida accelerates Parallel Fabrication of Nanopore Arrays
Chinese scaleup Genvida advances DNA sequencing with its SONAS (Solid State Nanopore Sequencing) technology. The system achieves massive and parallel fabrication of nanopore arrays with nanometer-scale accuracy, enabling wafer-scale mass production. SONAS combines semiconductor manufacturing processes with a proprietary sample preparation technique, gPrep, and an integrated bioinformatics suite.
The technology also features high throughput, fast sequencing speed, and long read length, drastically reducing per-base and per-run costs. Besides, Genvida’s SONAS technology includes gSeq, a disposable biochip, gCal, a portable DNA sequence analyzer, and gInfo, a bioinformatic software suite. Gendiva’s solutions enable physicians and patients to make more informed decisions about treatments.
6. Biosensors
The early identification of diseases is difficult due to the lack of real-time monitoring or precise detection of biological markers. As a result, many serious diseases, such as cancer, are only identified in the later stages, making treatment highly difficult. To overcome this, startups are developing biosensors with high sensitivity, specificity, and portability. Advanced nanomaterials and microfabrication techniques create biosensors with increased surface area and improvements to electrical properties, ensuring better sensitivity and faster response times.
Besides these, wireless technology and smartphone connectivity promote user-friendly biosensors for at-home monitoring and real-time data transmission to healthcare providers. Further, the application of machine learning algorithms is improving the accuracy of biosensors in distinguishing between normal and pathological samples, reducing false positives and negatives.
EVO4HP aids in Myoskeletal System Monitoring
EVO4HP is a Greek startup that provides personalized athlete performance monitoring and structural analysis of the myoskeletal system using artemYs, an AI-powered bioengineering tool. It features advanced knowledge in biomechanics and inverse dynamics, providing deeper insights into muscle tissue conditions.
The tool also offers a comprehensive assessment of workload, demarcated in personalized zones, and detects excessive stress loads per muscle unit. EVO4HP’s solution provides risk signals, with a high degree of accuracy and detects injury incidents before their occurrence, enhancing athlete performance and injury prevention.
LifeSigns manufactures a Wireless Biosensor
LifeSigns is an Indian startup that produces wireless biosensor technology for real-time patient monitoring solutions. Its Intelligent Monitoring System (iMS) is a wearable vital sign monitor that provides continuous heart rhythm and blood pressure monitoring. The device also has regulatory clearances globally including FDA clearance and operates in various settings, offering real-time, continuous monitoring.
The biosensor patch adheres to the patient’s chest and wirelessly captures and transmits vital signs such as heart rate, skin temperature, blood pressure, and more. In addition to this, LifeSigns reduces CAPEX for hospitals by configuring hospital networks after deploying the iMS and transforming conventional wards into ICUs.
7. Bioactive Materials
Many bioactive or bio-based materials suffer from issues with biocompatibility, safety, and high production costs. Additionally, the diversity of human biology creates challenges from potential long-term unknown side effects. Innovations in bioactive materials are addressing them by creating substances that actively influence cellular behavior and promote healing. For instance, smart bioactive materials respond to physiological conditions, such as pH or temperature, to release therapeutic agents precisely.
Additionally, advances in scaffold technology using bioactive materials are enabling better support for tissue growth and regeneration. These scaffolds mimic the natural extracellular matrix to support cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. The incorporation of nanotechnology in bioactive materials is also improving their interaction with biological tissues, leading to more effective and biocompatible implants and prosthetics.
Green Bioactives specializes in Plant Cell Culture Technology
Green Bioactives is a UK-based startup that produces plant-derived ingredients using plant cell culture technology. Its technology enables the cultivation of plant cells without harming trees or habitats, offering a sustainable method for ingredient production that utilizes plant primary vascular stem cells from leaves. Its cultivation in solid and liquid media increases bioactive molecule yields and purity, suitable for large-scale production, with enhanced stress resilience.
The startup’s products include GBL-Memory¹ which improves memory and cognition, GBL-Skin¹ which promotes skin brightening, and GBL-Skin², an emulsifier for use in cosmetic products. Green Bioactives’ approach to plant cell culture provides a sustainable, economical, and reliable route for natural ingredient production, especially for the cosmetics industry.
Biomedit creates Microbiome-derived Bioactives
BiomEdit is a US-based startup that provides microbiome-derived bioactives and engineered microbial medicines for animal health. BiomEdit’s discovery platform generates products like probiotics, bioactive compounds, and engineered microbial medicines. The probiotics are selected from microbial atlases for specific functions, offering more efficiency and effectiveness than traditional strains.
Each probiotic strain is fully characterized and sequenced for complete confidence in its performance. Moreover, BiomEdit addresses unmet needs in animal health by leveraging microbiomes to improve farm animal productivity and food security.
8. Microbial Fermentation
Fermentation finds application in the creation of products for food, pharma, and other industries but faces a range of issues. They include the complexity of scaling up from laboratory to industrial levels, control of fermentation conditions and environmental parameters, mutation or loss of productivity of microorganisms, and more. Microbial and precision fermentation technologies solve these issues through advanced genetic engineering that enhances the metabolic pathways of microorganisms.
Continuous fermentation processes, coupled with real-time monitoring and control systems, are increasing the efficiency and scalability of production. Additionally, the development of novel bioreactors, designed for optimal microbial growth conditions, is improving overall productivity and reducing costs.
ASIMICA offers Microbial Stem Cell Technology
US-based startup Asimica specializes in its Microbial Stem Cell Technology (MiST) which involves the asymmetric division of microbial cells into a stem cell and a factory cell, enhancing bioreactor productivity. The technology addresses the challenge of non-productive cheater-mutants in bioproduction by maintaining a population of rapidly dividing young cells.
Asimica’s technology significantly increases the number of factory cells, leading to a substantial increase in product yields. Moreover, MiST increases yields, especially for cytotoxic molecules, and is advantageous for products that are challenging to produce in large quantities using conventional methods.
Bluestem manufactures Bio-based Commodity Chemicals
Bluestem Biosciences is a US-based startup that focuses on the biomanufacturing of commodity chemicals through sustainable and efficient production methods. Utilizing advanced bioengineering techniques such as programmable biology and anaerobic fermentation, the startup develops bio-based chemical platforms.
Moreover, its biological tools, maximize anaerobic metabolism which reduces CAPEX and OPEX costs. Bluestem Biosciences’ chemical platform also decarbonizes agricultural economies and chemical-dependent supply chains by providing a replacement for oil-derived products.
9. Bioprinting
The lack of organs is a continuous problem for the medical and healthcare sectors. Further, producing synthetic complex and functional biological structures is not feasible with traditional manufacturing methods. Innovations in bioprinting leverage advanced printers to handle multiple cell types and biomaterials simultaneously. This allows for the creation of more intricate and heterogeneous tissue structures.
The integration of live-cell imaging and computer-aided design also enables real-time adjustments during printing, enhancing the accuracy and viability of printed tissues. Additionally, developments in bio-inks, which are crucial for maintaining cell viability and function, are improving the structural and functional properties of printed tissues. These advancements in bioprinting technology aid in the creation of more realistic tissue models for research and also pave the way for the future of organ transplantation.
Smart Tissues manufactures Bioinks
Japanese startup Smart Tissues creates bioinks and bioprinting technologies that combine cells, growth factors, and biomaterials to fabricate 3D living structures. Its bioinks act as a support for cells to grow and produce an extracellular matrix, closely mimicking natural tissues. Smart Tissues’ bioprinting technique, based on 3D printing principles, deposits bioink layer-by-layer to create living tissues.
This technology addresses the critical shortage of transplant organs, offering a potential solution to long transplant waiting lists. Moreover, by using a patient’s own cells, Smart Tissues eliminates the need for donor organs, paving the way for personalized organ transplants.
Viabio offers 3D Bioprinting Software
Latvian startup Viabio develops 3D bioprinting software to enhance the viability of bio-printed tissues and organs. Its main product is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application for modeling physical processes within printed organic structures to find optimal designs.
The software allows for real-time adjustment of the bioprinting process using computer vision control and modeling of bioprinting physics. Viabio’s software modules optimize bioprinting, combining physical modeling with viability optimization, and are adaptable for a wide range of bioprinters, making them versatile for various bioprinting applications.
10. Bioinformatics
One of the main challenges in bioengineering is managing and interpreting the vast amounts of biological data generated by modern research, particularly in fields like genomics and proteomics. For this reason, startups develop computational algorithms and machine learning techniques, to efficiently process and analyze large datasets, extracting meaningful insights from complex biological information.
Cloud and distributed computing handle the storage and computational demands of large-scale bioinformatics analyses while AI further enhances the predictive capabilities of bioinformatics tools. This enables more accurate modeling of biological systems and drug interactions. Bioinformatics solutions, in this way, streamline research processes and accelerate the discovery and development of new therapeutic strategies.
NaturalAntibody advances Antibody Discovery
Polish startup NaturalAntibody provides a comprehensive antibody database that integrates data from various sources like GenBank, therapeutic antibodies, and structural information from the Protein Data Bank. The database accelerates research by offering easy access to standardized antibody data. In addition, NaturalAntibody’s antibody analytics solutions deliver data-driven insights into antibody developability, immunogenicity, and binding features.
These tools enable researchers to quickly identify the advantages of individual candidate antibodies and stratify next-generation sequencing or phage display outputs. The startup’s sequence engineering module also optimizes molecule developability, combining computational scoring with structural modeling for antibody lead optimization.
DeBio Network offers a Decentralized Biomedical Network
DeBio Network is a Singapore-based startup that creates a decentralized biomedical network that delivers anonymous-first medical and bioinformatics services and data. Its platform allows individuals to sample and sequence their genome, and receive genetic reports anonymously.
DeBio Network also features a second opinion marketplace, where users anonymously contact healthcare professionals with their health records for feedback and advice. Additionally, the platform includes a menstrual calendar for private tracking of menstrual cycles, ensuring data security against abortion law violations.
Discover all Bioengineering Trends, Technologies & Startups
In the near future, innovations in synthetic biology will create artificial cells that mimic biological processes, offering new ways to produce pharmaceuticals. Additionally, nano-robotics for targeted drug delivery are able to navigate the human body to deliver medication directly to diseased cells. This minimizes side effects and increases treatment efficacy.
The Bioengineering Trends & Startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of trends that we identified during our data-driven innovation & startup scouting process. Identifying new opportunities & emerging technologies to implement into your business goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage.
