Biotechnology is a field that can often seem complex and difficult to grasp. However, recent events, particularly the pandemic, have highlighted the critical importance of investing in and developing solutions that benefit both human well-being and the health of our planet. IndieBio, a biotech and science accelerator managed by the venture capital firm SOSV, experienced a year of significant challenges and high stakes as a result.

The biotech accelerator is currently hosting its semi-annual demo day, taking place today and tomorrow.

Since its establishment in 2015, IndieBio has been dedicated to supporting founders who are tackling intricate problems through biotechnology, ranging from alternative protein sources to advancements in sustainability. Throughout its history, the accelerator has cultivated a portfolio of biotech companies with a combined valuation exceeding $3.2 billion. Notable examples include Memphis Meats, focused on the development of cultured meat; NotCo, a brand specializing in plant-based foods; and Catalog, which explores the use of biological organisms for data storage.

As part of the program, each participating company receives $250,000 in funding, along with a range of additional services and access to laboratory facilities. In July, Arvind Gupta, the founder and former head of IndieBio, transitioned to a new position at Mayfield. While remaining an advisor, Po Bronson assumed the role of managing director.

Bronson quickly faced new responsibilities. This year, the program broadened its reach beyond San Francisco, establishing a new cohort in New York City. Furthermore, the number of companies receiving investment was doubled, resulting in a cohort of 20 companies.

Initially, pandemic-related lockdowns caused delays in essential laboratory work for the founders. However, they were ultimately able to collaborate with universities, contract research organizations, and other biotech accelerators to resume their research, according to Julie Wolf, head of investor relations at SOSV. The New York City cohort was offered complimentary lab space starting in November.

These circumstances make this particular group of companies especially noteworthy.

The New York stream can be viewed here, scheduled for Tuesday October 27 from 1:00-3:00pm ET.

The San Francisco stream can be viewed here, scheduled for Wednesday October 28 from 10:00-12:00pm PT.

A complete list of all the companies presenting in New York and San Francisco over the next two days is available for those unable to attend the live streams.

San Francisco cohort

Reazent: Sumit Verma founded Reazent, a company that has developed and patented a method for enhancing crop growth by influencing soil bacteria. Their technology is applicable to 116 different crop types, ranging from kale to potatoes, and the company aims to serve the organic agriculture sector.

Kraken Sense: Nisha Sarveswaran established Kraken Sense, which has engineered an automated, in-line device for measuring pathogen concentrations in large-volume food and water systems. This product is designed for use on farms and in commercial kitchens and utilizes disposable, refillable cartridges.

Advanced Microbubbles: Under the direction of Jameel Feshitan, this startup has developed a platform to facilitate targeted drug delivery to complex and challenging tumors. The company’s work, conducted in collaboration with NIH NIDA, employs unique bubbles to administer chemotherapeutic agents. Currently, Microbubbles is focused on developing solutions for neuroblastoma and pancreatic cancer.

Cybele Microbiome: Nicole Scott, CEO, has launched a direct-to-consumer skincare product line centered around the use of prebiotics. The formulations are designed to work harmoniously with the skin’s natural microbiome, and even stimulate the production of natural fragrances.

Ivy Natal: Ivy Natal is pioneering a technique for deriving viable human egg cells from skin cells. CEO Colin Bortner’s work is geared towards addressing infertility and providing a path to biological parenthood for individuals who are unable to conceive through conventional methods.

Microgenesis: Gabriela Gutierrez leads Microgenesis, a company that has created a unique testing method and accompanying nutraceutical regimen – including probiotics – to assist women experiencing infertility in achieving pregnancy. A study involving 287 mothers showed that over 75% of patients became pregnant while using the company’s product.

AsimicA: Nikolai Mushnikov heads Asmicia, which has innovated a new approach to delivering stem cells to microbes. This technology has the potential to increase and accelerate yields in biomanufacturing processes, and the company is currently seeking a suitable fermentation partner.

Liberum: CEO Aidan Tinafar is working to revolutionize the recombinant protein market, estimated at a potential $400 billion. Liberum has developed a protein printer capable of reducing the production time for custom recombinant proteins from weeks to just hours.

Khepra: Julie Kring leads Khepra, a company utilizing fuel production as a means of storing surplus renewable energy. The company is constructing reactors that can convert waste materials like plastic bottles and cardboard into chemicals and fuels, which can then be sold to refineries.

Carbix: Led by Quincy Sammy, Carbix captures and transforms enriched CO2 into raw materials for use in various industrial applications.

Spintex: Alex Greenhalgh, CEO, is developing a novel, scalable method for producing silk. The company’s process mimics natural spider spinning, utilizing a protein-based approach to create a product considered superior to conventional silk.

New York cohort

Biomage: CEO Adam Kurkiewicz is focused on increasing the availability of single-cell sequencing data to support biological research. This technology has the potential to assist scientists in studying human cells, ultimately leading to advancements in medical treatments and the development of new drugs.

Diptera.ai: Vic Levitin is developing a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally responsible solution for controlling mosquito populations and the illnesses they spread.

Cayuga Biotech: Damien Kudela, the CEO of Cayuga Biotech, has developed a pharmaceutical compound designed to promote blood clotting and halt dangerous bleeding.

Brightcure: Chiara Heide, CEO of Brightcure, has formulated a bioactive cream that utilizes naturally occurring bacteria to rebalance a woman’s natural microbial ecosystem.

Multus Media: CEO Cai Linton is creating a component intended to lower the costs and improve the accessibility of cultivated meat production.

BioFeyn: The company is applying nanotechnology, inspired by human medicine, to deliver essential nutrients and disease prevention to fish populations. CEO Timothy Bouley aims to establish a sustainable approach to consuming healthy fish.

Halomine: Ted Eveleth, CEO, is working to transform any surface into one with antimicrobial properties. Halomine’s Halofilm product can be used alongside standard household bleach cleaners to improve disinfection processes.

Allied Microbiota: Lauralynn Kourtz, CEO of Allied Microbiota, is dedicated to utilizing natural microbes for the removal of hazardous waste. The company employs bacteria to remediate contaminated land.

Scindo: Led by Gustaf Hemberg, Scindo is employing enzymes to facilitate the biodegradation of plastics.