8 innovative biotech companies in healthcare and bioeconomy are winners of the Gene.iO program

Selected for the disruptive nature of their innovation and their market potential, eight young biotech companies have joined the 3rd Gene.iO promotion, a one-year program designed to accelerate the success of their first fundraising round or first commercial agreement.
The award-winning innovations have an impact on Genopole’s two major sectors: human and animal health, and the bioeconomy.

Gilles Trystram, CEO Genopole :
“We are delighted to welcome these eight new companies, full of astonishing and promising ideas for innovative therapies and more environmentally friendly food! Six of these companies have emerged from the Shaker program, in which the winners were given the technological and human resources they needed to develop their proof of concept and build their start-up. They have successfully met this initial challenge and are now ready to embark on a new phase of development. Our mission is to continue working alongside them to stimulate their growth and give their innovation every chance of attracting industrialists and investors, so that it can reach the market“.

Presentation of the 8 winning companies

• Healthcare

🏆 Alga Biologics, headed by Muriel Bardor and Catherine Gallot, produces therapeutic antibodies using an innovative bioproduction system based on microalgae. The patented technology reduces production costs, improve antibodies quality and environmental footprint compared with current production methods

🏆  Alt Biotech, headed by Sakina Elkassouani and Jade Pellet (former Shaker program laureates), has developed an innovative bioproduction method for recombinant proteins that accelerate cell cultures. The process is scalable, environmentally friendly and offers high-quality products at more affordable prices.

🏆 BioHive, headed by Cécile Nait Meddour (former Shaker program laureate), is a service company offering a new in vitro skin model for reliable, realistic testing of new molecules of pharmaceutical and cosmetic interest.

🏆 Felome, run by Laina Frayer and Thomas Aubin (former Shaker program laureate), offers the first DNA sequencing service for pets in France. The company markets a DNA kit that enables owners to search for predispositions to disease (endocrine, metabolic, dermatological disorders) and hereditary traits in their pets, primarily cats.

🏆 SE Therapeutics, headed by Daniel Hamaoui (former Shaker program laureate), has developed a patented method to facilitate the entry of gene editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 into a broad spectrum of cells. The aim is to accelerate the development of innovative therapies to treat uncurable diseases.

🏆 Vitropep, headed by Christophe Tarabout (former Shaker program laureate), offers a patch of soluble microneedles made from therapeutic peptides for pain-free, dangerous waste-free and effortless intradermal injection. The aim is to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes.

• Bioeconomy

🏆 AuraLip, headed by Laetitia Halbeisen and Marine Messant (former Shaker program laureate), creates new 100% natural proteins by fermenting hemp, to meet the needs of producers of meat alternatives.

🏆 Fungu’it, co-founded by Anas Erridaoui and Jeanne Baudevin, produces protein-rich and functional ingredients by solid fermentation of fungi, valorizing agricultural by-products. These ingredients are intended for the food industry, to bring more naturality and reduce ultraprocessing in their products.

• About Genopole

  A French biocluster dedicated to genetic research and biotechnologies applied to health and the environment, Genopole brings together 65 companies, 17 academic research laboratories, 25 technology platforms and university training courses (University of Evry, Paris Saclay).

  Its aim is to encourage the emergence and growth of biotechnology companies, the transfer of innovations to the industrial sector, and the development of research and higher education in the life sciences. Headed by Gilles Trystram, Genopole is mainly supported by the French government, the Ile-de-France Region, the Essonne Department, the Grand Paris Sud conurbation, the town of Evry-Courcouronnes and the AFM-Téléthon.

Article posted on 18 October 2023

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