NEW TECH FOODS

Enduro Genetics, a synthetic biology start-up, has successfully raised €12 million in Series A funding, aimed at enhancing the biomanufacturing industry – currently valued at approximately €400 billion.

The funding round, backed by Supernova Invest, Noon Ventures and Sandwater, will support the expansion of Enduro’s innovative platform and accelerate the commercialisation of its patented technology.

Biomanufacturing relies heavily on genetically engineered microorganisms to produce a range of products, including industrial enzymes, biodegradable materials, alternative proteins and pharmaceuticals. However, a persistent challenge in the industry has been the declining productivity of these microorganisms at industrial scales.

This decline often results from environmental conditions that promote mutations, leading to 'cell-to-cell variation' where non-productive cells outcompete their more efficient counterparts. This phenomenon can significantly diminish yields and impact profitability.

Enduro Genetics aims to tackle this issue with its proprietary technology, known as Enduro Sense. Developed by founder and chief scientific officer Peter Rugbjerg, this technology employs a method referred to as 'synthetic addiction'. By integrating a genetic plug-in into microbial production hosts, Enduro Sense aligns the health and growth of cells with their productivity. As a result, only high-producing cells can thrive, effectively eliminating less productive variants.

The potential applications of Enduro Sense extend across various sectors, including food and beverage manufacturing. The technology is designed to enhance existing production processes and facilitate the development of new products.

With its ability to stabilise microbial communities, Enduro Sense promises to improve yield consistency and operational efficiency, allowing manufacturers to produce high-quality ingredients at scale.

As industries increasingly seek sustainable alternatives to fossil-based products, Enduro’s technology is timely. It positions itself as a solution for manufacturers looking to decarbonise and innovate within their supply chains, particularly in the production of bio-based fuels, bioplastics, speciality chemicals and alternative proteins.

Enduro Genetics has already established collaborations with leading players in the biomanufacturing sector, including organisations in biopharma and food production. The recent funding brings the total capital raised by Enduro to €18 million, which includes support from the BioInnovation Institute and the European Innovation Council accelerator grant.

CEO Christian Munch commented: "It is a testament to the team and the impact potential of our technology. This investment will allow us to enhance our commercialisation efforts and expand our technology for use in biopharmaceutical expression systems."

Peter Rugbjerg highlighted the broader implications of their work, adding: "Solving the cell-to-cell biomanufacturing challenge has plagued academia and industry for decades. Our technology aims to redefine bioprocesses, unlocking the full potential of biotechnology."

Investors have expressed strong confidence in Enduro's approach. Romain Sautrau, investment director at Supernova Invest, remarked that Enduro’s technology could be pivotal in reducing the cost barriers associated with biosolutions in the food and chemical industries. Theis Malmborg, general partner at Noon Ventures, reiterated this sentiment, emphasising the transformative potential of Enduro’s cell reprogramming technology.

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