Business Fortune
Beneath the surface of every ecosystem, a silent symphony of microbes orchestrates life’s balance, defending against pathogens and cleansing the environment with remarkable precision. Yet, in research laboratories, scientists face a formidable barrier: the vast majority of these microorganisms remain unculturable, their potential locked away by the limits of traditional science. This untapped reservoir holds answers to some of humanity’s greatest challenges—antibiotic resistance, agricultural sustainability, and environmental restoration. Bactobio emerges as a trailblazer in this uncharted territory, wielding cutting-edge genomics, machine learning, and synthetic biology to unlock the secrets of the microbial world. With a bold vision to create a safer and greener future, Bactobio is redefining biotechnology, turning nature’s smallest allies into powerful solutions for global progress.
A Mission Inspired by Nature’s Genius
Bactobio was founded on a profound appreciation for the intricate networks of microbes that thrive in nature, working together to produce chemistries that combat invaders and degrade pollutants. Recognizing that 99% of these microbes have eluded traditional culturing methods, the company has made it its mission to harness their untapped potential. By integrating breakthroughs in genomics, data science, and bioengineering, Bactobio has developed a pioneering platform that brings these elusive microorganisms into the laboratory, unlocking novel compounds that are both effective and environmentally sustainable.
The company’s approach is defined by its refusal to settle for the status quo. Instead of relying on conventional techniques, Bactobio combines interdisciplinary innovation with a deep commitment to real-world impact. Its primary focus is the discovery of novel antimicrobials for healthcare and agriculture, addressing urgent global needs while paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Transformative Solutions through Microbial Expertise
Decoding Microbial Networks with Genomic Precision
Bactobio’s revolutionary work begins with next-generation sequencing (NGS), a powerful tool that allows the company to unravel the complex interactions within microbial communities. By mapping the genetic profiles of these ecosystems, Bactobio identifies which microbes thrive in synergy, revealing the mechanisms behind their protective and restorative abilities. This genomic insight has enabled the company to culture over 1,800 novel microbial species, accounting for 8% of all microbial species ever cultured—a landmark achievement that expands the frontiers of scientific discovery.
Optimizing Growth Through Data and Automation
To bring these novel microbes into the laboratory, Bactobio employs Design of Experiments (DoE), automation, and advanced data science. This systematic approach optimizes growth conditions, enabling the company to cultivate microorganisms that were once considered unculturable. Automated high-throughput systems streamline this process, accelerating the pace of discovery while maintaining precision. By leveraging data-driven insights, Bactobio ensures that its microbial cultivation platform is both efficient and scalable, delivering results that push the boundaries of biotechnology.
Synthetic Biology: Engineering Nature’s Potential
Synthetic biology is a cornerstone of Bactobio’s innovation, allowing the company to isolate and grow novel microbes in controlled environments. By engineering these microorganisms to thrive in the laboratory, Bactobio unlocks their ability to produce valuable compounds. This capability transforms once-inaccessible microbes into powerful tools for developing new chemistries, tailored to address specific challenges in healthcare and agriculture. The company’s synthetic biology expertise ensures that its solutions are both cutting-edge and practical, bridging the gap between nature and application.
Targeted Screening for High-Impact Antimicrobials
Bactobio’s microbial collection is a vast repository of potential, with each novel species producing thousands of compounds. To identify those with the greatest promise, the company uses advanced bioinformatics to screen for microbes likely to yield novel antimicrobials. These compounds are designed to target human and plant pathogens, offering solutions to critical issues like antibiotic resistance and crop disease. By focusing on biodegradable and specific chemistries, Bactobio ensures that its innovations contribute to a healthier planet and safer communities.
To isolate the most effective antimicrobial compounds, Bactobio employs analytical chemistry and chemoinformatics, paired with sensitive, miniaturized assays. These assays, automated for high-throughput screening, enable the company to quickly identify and characterize novel chemistries with real-world applications. This streamlined pipeline ensures that Bactobio can translate microbial discoveries into practical solutions with remarkable efficiency, delivering impactful results for researchers and industries alike.
The Path Ahead
Bactobio’s achievements speak to the power of its vision. By culturing over 1,800 novel microbial species, the company has significantly expanded the known microbial landscape, creating a foundation for groundbreaking discoveries. Its focus on novel antimicrobials addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from combating drug-resistant pathogens to enhancing agricultural sustainability. Each step of Bactobio’s process—from genomic analysis to high-throughput screening—is designed to maximize impact, ensuring that its innovations reach the world with speed and precision.
The company’s success is driven by a team of visionary scientists and engineers who embody a spirit of collaboration and ingenuity. Bactobio fosters a culture where creativity and problem-solving thrive, empowering its team to push the limits of what’s possible. With every novel microbe cultured and every new chemistry discovered, Bactobio is shaping a world where the power of microorganisms drives innovation, protects lives, and restores the planet.
Dr. Daniel Hansen | Co-founder & CEO
Daniel has been working on bringing technology and business together for most of his adult life. Daniel completed his bachelor's at the University of Oxford and PhD at Imperial College London. His PhD project focused on cultivating unculturable bacteria and screening them for antibiotics.
Daniel has an MSc in Finance from IE Business School Madrid and worked in investment banking for Barclays Capital before helping Albion Ventures evaluate spinouts from UCL.
Daniel speaks three languages, has lived in six countries, and loves exploring new cultures and ideas - especially if the ideas will drag the world towards something greener and safer.
