Mark Anderson
The biotechnology sector in the UK is booming with an influx of exciting and innovative start-ups setting the pace and breaking new ground with their pioneering work. These start-ups are exploring revolutionary technology and industry-defining products and services to cater to a plethora of consumer needs. This article highlights a selection of these companies born in 2020 or later in the UK, that are making strides in the biotechnology industry, all based in the city of Durham. We’ll take a look at their invaluable contributions to the industry and the unique solutions they’re formulating to address crucial issues in modern healthcare.
These start-ups are engaged in a variety of activities, from pharmaceuticals to health tech, personal health, and healthcare industries. They are reimagining and redefining the rules of the biotechnology game, providing a glimpse into the future of this dynamic, ever-evolving industry. From companies leveraging quantum computing and artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical drug design to those orchestrating breakthrough medical devices using targeted light stimulation, the spectrum of innovative techniques and technology is broad and impressive.
Here are the companies who are paving the way in Durham’s biotechnology scene, providing exciting new solutions and contributing to the overall growth of the industry in the UK.
Avicenna Biosciences
Founded by Pieter Burger, Avicenna Biosciences optimizes drug candidates using ensemble-based machine learning approaches to assist pharmaceutical companies in minimising drug deficiencies.
Polaris Quantum Biotech
Polaris Quantum Biotech, founded by Bill Shipman and Shahar Keinan in 2020, merges quantum computing with AI and precision medicine to revolutionise drug design. Their expansive chemical library search capabilities identify potential disease-targeting drugs.
Incyclix Bio
Founded by Patrick Roberts, Jay Strum, John Bisi, and Fred Eshelman in 2020, Incyclix Bio aims at developing inhibitors for the treatment of advanced and resistant cancers.
BIOMILQ
Founded by Leila Strickland and Michelle Egger, BIOMILQ uses patent-pending technology to produce nutritionally equivalent breastmilk from cultured human mammary cells. They aim to facilitate recommended breastfeeding while optimising the climate impact of infant formulas.
EmitBio
EmitBio is redefining life sciences with their revolutionary medical device. Their unique product stimulates physiological signals that initiate healing by utilising engineered light.
Vizma Life Sciences
Vizma Life Sciences, founded by Thomas Theis, develops next-generation molecular imaging and chemical analysis solutions.
Avalo
Founded by Brendan Collins and Mariano Alvarez, Avalo is a plant biology start-up that uses interpretable machine learning, genomic discovery and evolutionary theory to design crops for the future of agriculture in a non-GMO, eco-friendly manner.
Mycologics
Founded by Anindya Chanda, Mycologics aims to create biocontrol agents to defend against harmful fungal infections in plants, animals, and humans. Through research, communication, and outreach, they work to extend public health solutions.
Novabiosis
Novabiosis, a Durham-based biotechnology start-up, is making headways in the biotechnology, e-commerce, and medical fields.
Myodenovo
Founded by George Engelmayr in 2022, Myodenovo is focused on curating nutritious, sustainable scaffolds nature offers and delivering meat aficionados the gastronomic delight of succulents.
Melico Sciences Ltd
Melico Sciences Ltd., founded by Elaine Holmes, Gary Frost, and Isabel Garcia-Perez, bases its services on personalised dietary recommendations derived from an individual’s urine sample. These insights can aid in improving physical performance and minimising illness risk.
Looking at the amazing work these businesses are doing, it’s clear that Durham is a hotbed of innovation and industry leadership in the field of biotechnology. These start-ups are addressing the important issues of the present while paving the way for the future of the industry, all while cementing Durham as a city of innovation at the forefront of the UK’s biotech boom.
