Meet Eden Bio: Pioneering the Biomanufacturing Revolution with AI and High-Throughput Engineering

Company: Eden Bio

Location: London, UK

Co-founders: Dr Rachel Shaw (CEO), Dr Christopher Reynolds (CTO) and Dr Evgenia Markova (CSO)

Tech summary:

The biomanufacturing industry is currently experiencing a ground-breaking transformation driven by the integration of AI and new technologies that make high-throughput engineering possible. This paradigm shift has not only pushed the boundaries of biological capabilities, but has also prompted several companies to challenge traditional biomanufacturing methods. Among them, Eden Bio stands out with its bold ambition to redesign and optimise the process for unprecedented efficiency. While various companies adopt different approaches, including protein design and manufacturing, Eden Bio takes a unique path. The company focuses on designing the microorganisms utilised by other companies to produce specific proteins of interest. By leveraging machine learning, Eden Bio endeavours to enhance protein yield, a crucial factor for commercial viability.

History:

With a rare background in both machine learning and synthetic biology, CTO Chris      previously co-founded Better Dairy, a company that pioneered alternative dairy production through precision fermentation. Recognising the need to apply machine learning across diverse verticals within biotech, Chris took the technology forward and launched Eden Bio in January 2022. CEO Rachel (former Research Information Manager at Cancer Research UK) and CSO Evgenia (formerly a founder at Entrepreneur First) complete the impressive founding team. The company's foundation was greatly influenced by Chris and Evgenia’s prior participation in Entrepreneur First, which provided invaluable insights into the challenges faced by startups. The initial months saw the team hopping between coffee shops, lacking a formal office space, until June 2022 when they secured an office and lab space in the White City's Scale Space.

Vision and progress:

Investors are currently bullish on the intersection of machine learning and biology, recognising its immense potential amid the intricate biological complexities of microorganisms. Rachel acknowledges that this initial interest has been pivotal for Eden but emphasises that there's more to their success than just riding a wave. It's not solely about employing AI, she says, it's about the transformative impact it has on the end product. Rachel attributes much of their success to the exceptional team whose expertise seamlessly integrate the wet and dry lab workstreams together. Looking ahead, Eden Bio is gearing up for a funding round in January 2024, aiming to complete their Seed Extension by July. The company sees potential applications of their technology as a vital solution to broader fermentation issues within biotechnology, and with an inspired team of eight individuals, all aligned with a shared vision, Eden Bio believes they have everything it takes to succeed.

Advice for new founders:

Despite the ongoing growth of the UK's machine learning landscape, there are still constraints on collaboration opportunities. Eden Bio envisions a vibrant startup ecosystem where like-minded companies come together, nurturing partnerships and mutual support in a manner resembling the academic community. For aspiring startups, CEO Rachel also shares valuable advice:

1. Embrace change and be willing to pivot your strategy.

2. Engage with as many people as possible, especially in the early stages.

3. Listen actively, not defensively, and be open to challenging the original idea with fresh perspectives.

With Eden Bio at the forefront of the biomanufacturing revolution, the future of biotechnology appears bright and ready for further triumphs.

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