Bio, a pioneering deeptech startup based in Paris, is making significant strides in microbiology testing to prevent potential public relations crises in the food industry. By developing an innovative model called Spore, Bio aims to drastically reduce the time required for microbiological tests. Traditionally a process that takes days, Spore has the potential to deliver results in mere minutes. This breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for industries ranging from agri-food to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
To bring this technology to the forefront of manufacturing, Bio is currently engaged in producing testing machines that can be deployed directly within factories. The startup has already secured several commercial contracts, potentially covering up to 200 factories. This strategic move is part of Bio's broader vision to eliminate preservatives from food products while addressing the challenge of short shelf life—sometimes as brief as seven days.
“Manufacturers need to get rid of preservatives due to customer demands, environmental concerns and other reasons. Except that preservatives are bacteria-killing preservatives,” – Raji
Bio’s partnership with the esteemed Pasteur Institute grants access to an extensive biobank of bacteria samples, further enhancing its research capabilities. With a current team of 30 employees, Bio plans to expand its workforce to 50 by the end of 2025, fueled by substantial financial backing. The startup has secured an €8 million pre-seed round and an impressive $23 million Series A round of funding, setting the stage for significant growth and innovation.
“There is a growing need, especially for innovative therapies, such as gene and cell therapy,” – Raji
One of Bio’s key ambitions is to address the requirements of lean manufacturing environments, where efficiency and optimization are paramount. The company's advanced testing machines are designed to seamlessly integrate into these settings, providing rapid results that enable swift decision-making and process adjustments.
“Picture this, we’re in 2022, everything is hyper-optimized. You’ve got lean manufacturing everywhere, every step is optimized and counted in minutes to get a result, to move from one step to the next,” – Amine Raji
Bio's efforts reflect a growing necessity for innovative solutions across various industries. By tackling the issues related to preservatives and short product shelf lives, Bio positions itself as a crucial player in enhancing product safety and sustainability. The startup's technology is poised to revolutionize how manufacturers approach microbiological testing, promising faster, more accurate results that align with modern manufacturing demands.
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