The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington, established in 2000. It is dedicated to reducing global inequities by focusing on improving health, alleviating extreme poverty, and supporting educational initiatives. The foundation also engages in community giving within the Pacific Northwest, promoting strategies and programs that assist low-income families. With regional offices in Washington, D.C.; New Delhi, India; Beijing, China; and London, United Kingdom, the foundation is governed by its co-founders, Bill and Melinda Gates, along with trustee Warren Buffett. Its mission encompasses a wide range of global challenges, aiming to create lasting change through targeted grant-making and programmatic efforts.
Director, Global Health Discovery and Translational Sciences
Keith Klugman
Director
Trevor Mundel
President, Global Health
Rob Nabors
Director, North America
Lynda Stuart
Deputy Director
Mark Suzman
President, Global Policy and Advocacy
Chris Wilson
Director
Past deals in Genetics
Tessera Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2024
Tessera Therapeutics is an early-stage life sciences company focused on pioneering Gene Writing technology, which allows for the permanent modification of the human genome. This innovative approach enables scientists and clinicians to introduce therapeutic messages into the genome, offering a potential cure for diseases at their source. By building on recent advancements in gene therapy and gene editing, Tessera Therapeutics aims to address significant limitations in these areas, enhancing their applicability and effectiveness. Founded by Flagship Pioneering, the company is positioned to transform genetic medicine and improve patient care through its groundbreaking technology.
Snipr Biome
Grant in 2024
Snipr Biome ApS is a biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, focusing on the development of CRISPR technology for the treatment of microbial diseases. Established in 2017, the company aims to revolutionize how such diseases are addressed by leveraging the adaptive immune system to create medicines that selectively target and eliminate harmful bacteria based on their specific DNA sequences. By utilizing a novel approach that subverts elements of the endogenous bacterial CRISPR machinery, Snipr Biome provides health professionals with innovative tools for targeted microbiome engineering, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of treatments for bacterial infections.
Nanite
Grant in 2024
Nanite is a biotechnology company focused on non-viral gene delivery through the development of programmable polymer nanoparticles. Utilizing an artificial intelligence-driven platform, Nanite combines advanced high-throughput experimental and computational methods to create tailored delivery vehicles. These vehicles are designed to effectively transport a wide range of genetic materials with specific targeting capabilities, facilitating research in functional chemistry and enhancing the design of therapeutically relevant gene delivery systems.
Ginkgo Bioworks
Grant in 2024
Ginkgo Bioworks is a biotechnology firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in designing, engineering, and developing custom microbes and organisms for various applications. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on discovering and licensing molecules used in flavors, sweeteners, cosmetic ingredients, crop treatments, and pharmaceuticals. In addition to these capabilities, Ginkgo Bioworks provides probiotic bacteria that help protect against infections and creates extensive libraries of molecules. The firm operates across multiple markets, including cultured ingredients, carbon mitigation, probiotics, and natural product discovery. It has reorganized its operations into two primary segments: Cell Engineering and Biosecurity, with a significant portion of its revenue generated from biosecurity-related data analytics and services.
Phase Genomics
Grant in 2024
Phase Genomics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing innovative technology for genome assembly and metagenome deconvolution, focusing on its ProxiMeta Hi-C platform. This platform empowers researchers in various fields, including agriculture, human health, and industrial biology, by enabling the cultivation-independent assembly of bacterial genomes. By exploiting the structure of DNA, Phase Genomics aims to provide scientists with the most complete and accurate genomes and metagenomes possible, facilitating transformative discoveries and advancements in their respective areas of study.
Molecular Loop
Grant in 2023
Molecular Loop is a biotechnology company focused on DNA sequencing. It offers a unique approach to sequencing through its Molecular Loop targeting technology, which eliminates the need for a separate library preparation process. The company's method involves designing amplicons that tile across each target on both strands, providing sequence data with minimal additional work and cost. Molecular Loop also provides custom assays tailored to user specifications, alongside expanded and customizable carrier screening panels and SARS-CoV-2 research panels. This enables healthcare professionals and researchers to access efficient systems for production-scale targeted sequencing applications.
Ginkgo Bioworks
Grant in 2023
Ginkgo Bioworks is a biotechnology firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in designing, engineering, and developing custom microbes and organisms for various applications. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on discovering and licensing molecules used in flavors, sweeteners, cosmetic ingredients, crop treatments, and pharmaceuticals. In addition to these capabilities, Ginkgo Bioworks provides probiotic bacteria that help protect against infections and creates extensive libraries of molecules. The firm operates across multiple markets, including cultured ingredients, carbon mitigation, probiotics, and natural product discovery. It has reorganized its operations into two primary segments: Cell Engineering and Biosecurity, with a significant portion of its revenue generated from biosecurity-related data analytics and services.
STRM.BIO
Grant in 2023
STRM.BIO is a biotechnology company focused on enhancing gene therapy delivery through the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These natural carriers, which transport nucleic acids and proteins, offer innate targeting capabilities and can be mass-produced efficiently. By leveraging EVs, STRM.BIO aims to create a new class of therapeutics that not only introduces novel treatments but also improves the effectiveness of existing therapies. The company's approach seeks to simplify and enhance the safety of gene therapy delivery directly to patients, fulfilling the potential of this innovative medical field.
A-Alpha Bio
Grant in 2023
A-Alpha Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, established in 2017. The company specializes in synthetic biology, offering a platform known as AlphaSeq, which assists pharmaceutical companies in the development of drugs that interact with multiple targets. A-Alpha Bio provides cell-based tools for high-throughput and quantitative measurements of protein interactions, facilitating target discovery, library screening, and preclinical drug characterization. Its proprietary technology enables the mapping of protein-protein interactions at a large scale, allowing for the identification and quantification of interactions among thousands of protein pairs simultaneously. By delivering detailed maps of these interactions, A-Alpha Bio helps researchers identify potential drug targets and understand disease mechanisms, thereby streamlining the therapeutic discovery process and improving the efficiency of drug development. The company comprises a team of experts in synthetic biology, structural biology, and next-generation sequencing, focused on overcoming challenges in the drug development pipeline.
Aegis Life
Grant in 2023
Aegis Life is a biotechnology company focused on advancing nucleic acid delivery technology, specifically through its proprietary platform known as fusogenix PLV. This technology, developed over two decades, is designed to facilitate the rapid development and commercialization of vaccines and therapeutics aimed at preventing and treating infectious diseases. Aegis Life's innovative approach supports the pharmaceutical industry in accelerating the discovery, clinical development, and manufacturing processes for vaccines and treatments, particularly in response to emerging health threats such as COVID-19.
Kallyope
Grant in 2023
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.
Sherlock Biosciences
Grant in 2022
Sherlock Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative molecular diagnostic solutions. The company utilizes advanced engineering biology tools, such as CRISPR and synthetic biology, to create diagnostic platforms capable of delivering accurate and rapid results. Its notable technologies include SHERLOCK, a method for detecting and quantifying specific genetic sequences, and INSPECTR, which is designed for versatile, easy-to-use diagnostics. Sherlock Biosciences aims to serve various applications, including precision oncology, infectious disease identification, food safety, at-home testing, and general disease detection. Founded in 2018, the company is committed to providing affordable diagnostics suitable for diverse settings, including those with low-resource environments.
Touchlight Genetics
Grant in 2022
Touchlight Genetics Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Leatherhead, United Kingdom, specializing in DNA therapies and technology. Founded in 2007, it has developed the proTL synthetic DNA platform, which allows for the production of doggybone closed linear DNA without the need for bacterial fermentation. This innovative approach supports various applications, including veterinary vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, cancer and gene therapies, allergy treatments, RNA interference therapies, and stem cell reprogramming. The company boasts a skilled scientific and drug development team, led by founder and CEO Jonny Ohlson, and includes experienced professionals such as Clive Dix and John Tite. Touchlight has established partnerships with several leading academic institutions, including Imperial College London and the University of Pennsylvania, to advance its research and development efforts. The company has successfully patented its synthetic DNA platform and demonstrated therapeutic proof-of-principle through collaboration with these academic partners.
Adapsyn Bioscience
Grant in 2022
Adapsyn Bioscience Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Hamilton, Canada, focused on the discovery and development of novel medicines derived from organic biomolecules, particularly those produced by microorganisms. Founded in 2016, the company utilizes an advanced bioinformatics platform that incorporates proprietary algorithms and artificial intelligence to analyze genomic and metabolomic data. Its key products include various tools such as PRISM, which identifies biosynthetic gene clusters in microbial genomes; GARLIC, which defines gene clusters for natural product drug variants; the GRAPE algorithm, which reveals evolved drug fragments; and CLAMS, which matches gene clusters to compounds identified through mass spectrometry. By leveraging these innovative technologies, Adapsyn aims to uncover small molecules with unique biological activities, thereby enhancing drug discovery efforts in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.
Manus Bio
Grant in 2022
Manus Bio Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in recreating plant processes in microorganisms to produce natural ingredients through advanced fermentation technology. Founded in 2011 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes a combination of metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and systems biology to develop microbes capable of generating a variety of plant-based ingredients. These ingredients have diverse applications, including flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, cosmetics, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. Manus Bio operates manufacturing facilities in Cambridge and Augusta, Georgia, and has established a strategic partnership with BBGI Public Company Limited. The company was previously known as Manus Biosynthesis, Inc. before changing its name in June 2018.
Phase Genomics
Grant in 2022
Phase Genomics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing innovative technology for genome assembly and metagenome deconvolution, focusing on its ProxiMeta Hi-C platform. This platform empowers researchers in various fields, including agriculture, human health, and industrial biology, by enabling the cultivation-independent assembly of bacterial genomes. By exploiting the structure of DNA, Phase Genomics aims to provide scientists with the most complete and accurate genomes and metagenomes possible, facilitating transformative discoveries and advancements in their respective areas of study.
Yemaachi Biotechnology
Grant in 2022
Yemaachi Biotechnology is focused on advancing the diagnosis and treatment of cancer through innovative therapeutic technologies. The company employs immunogenomics, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence to enhance the development of effective cancer detection and treatment strategies. By leveraging these advanced methodologies, Yemaachi aims to lower the economic burden of cancer and improve patient outcomes through more accurate and efficient therapeutic solutions.
Reithera Srl
Grant in 2021
Reithera Srl is a company devoted to develop and produce biopharmaceutical products based on gene delivery technologies for advanced therapies, in order to prevent and treat several serious or life-threatening diseases.
CRISPR Therapeutics
Grant in 2020
CRISPR Therapeutics AG is a biotechnology company based in Zug, Switzerland, dedicated to developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This revolutionary gene-editing platform allows for precise changes to genomic DNA. The company's portfolio includes therapeutic programs targeting hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine, and rare diseases. Their lead product candidate is CTX001, a gene-edited therapy for transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia or severe sickle cell disease, which has been approved as Casgevy in collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, CRISPR Therapeutics is developing CTX110, an allogeneic CAR-T therapy targeting CD19-positive malignancies, and other programs like CTX120 for multiple myeloma and CTX130 for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The company also engages in regenerative medicine programs for diabetes and genetic disease treatments such as glycogen storage disease Ia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis. CRISPR Therapeutics has strategic partnerships with Bayer Healthcare LLC, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, and ViaCyte, Inc.
A-Alpha Bio
Grant in 2020
A-Alpha Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, established in 2017. The company specializes in synthetic biology, offering a platform known as AlphaSeq, which assists pharmaceutical companies in the development of drugs that interact with multiple targets. A-Alpha Bio provides cell-based tools for high-throughput and quantitative measurements of protein interactions, facilitating target discovery, library screening, and preclinical drug characterization. Its proprietary technology enables the mapping of protein-protein interactions at a large scale, allowing for the identification and quantification of interactions among thousands of protein pairs simultaneously. By delivering detailed maps of these interactions, A-Alpha Bio helps researchers identify potential drug targets and understand disease mechanisms, thereby streamlining the therapeutic discovery process and improving the efficiency of drug development. The company comprises a team of experts in synthetic biology, structural biology, and next-generation sequencing, focused on overcoming challenges in the drug development pipeline.
BioNTech
Post in 2019
BioNTech is a Germany-based biotechnology company that specializes in developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer and other serious diseases, as well as vaccines for infectious diseases, including COVID-19. The company’s oncology pipeline includes a range of drug classes, such as mRNA-based drugs that encode antigens and neoantigens, cell therapies, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates. BioNTech has established partnerships with several major pharmaceutical companies, enhancing its research and development capabilities. Its COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty, represents its first commercialized product, demonstrating the company's commitment to addressing urgent health challenges through advanced therapeutic approaches.
Manus Bio
Grant in 2019
Manus Bio Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in recreating plant processes in microorganisms to produce natural ingredients through advanced fermentation technology. Founded in 2011 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes a combination of metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and systems biology to develop microbes capable of generating a variety of plant-based ingredients. These ingredients have diverse applications, including flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, cosmetics, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. Manus Bio operates manufacturing facilities in Cambridge and Augusta, Georgia, and has established a strategic partnership with BBGI Public Company Limited. The company was previously known as Manus Biosynthesis, Inc. before changing its name in June 2018.
Phase Genomics
Grant in 2019
Phase Genomics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing innovative technology for genome assembly and metagenome deconvolution, focusing on its ProxiMeta Hi-C platform. This platform empowers researchers in various fields, including agriculture, human health, and industrial biology, by enabling the cultivation-independent assembly of bacterial genomes. By exploiting the structure of DNA, Phase Genomics aims to provide scientists with the most complete and accurate genomes and metagenomes possible, facilitating transformative discoveries and advancements in their respective areas of study.
Lyell Immunopharma
Series A in 2018
Lyell Immunopharma Inc is a clinical-stage cell therapy company focused on developing innovative treatments for patients with solid tumors through T cell reprogramming. The company aims to overcome significant challenges in adoptive T cell therapy, specifically T cell exhaustion and loss of durable stemness, which impede effective and lasting responses in cancer treatment. Utilizing its proprietary platforms, Gen-R and Epi-R, Lyell is working to enhance the proliferative capacity, self-renewal, and differentiation abilities of T cells. The company's product pipeline includes several candidates, such as LYL797, LYL119, and LYL845, all designed to deliver improved and potentially curative outcomes for patients suffering from solid tumors.
Evolve Biosystems
Series C in 2018
Evolve Biosystems, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Davis, California, focused on developing and marketing probiotic-based biotherapeutics aimed at establishing, restoring, and maintaining a healthy human microbiome. The company specializes in addressing gut dysbiosis across the human life cycle, particularly in newborns during their first six months of life. Evolve Biosystems utilizes a platform that combines specific probiotic bacteria with prebiotic oligosaccharides to create effective delivery systems. Their products include consumer-directed solutions for home use as well as specialized formulations for neonatal intensive care units. In addition to human health, the company also applies its discovery platform to address similar microbiome issues in production animals. Evolve Biosystems was incorporated in 2011.
Scripps Research
Grant in 2018
Scripps Research, established in 1924, is a prominent, not-for-profit biomedical research institution with campuses in La Jolla, CA, and Jupiter, FL. Employing around 3,000 people, it's renowned for its contributions to science and health, including breakthroughs in cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and hemophilia treatments. The institute, which ranks among the top ten for its graduate program in biology and chemistry, is led by distinguished scientists, including Nobel laureates. Its drug discovery and development division, Calibr, collaborates with scientists to expedite the delivery of innovative medicines to patients. Scripps Research is recognized as a leader in biomedical innovation, ranking No.1 by the Nature Index.
Manus Bio
Grant in 2018
Manus Bio Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in recreating plant processes in microorganisms to produce natural ingredients through advanced fermentation technology. Founded in 2011 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes a combination of metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and systems biology to develop microbes capable of generating a variety of plant-based ingredients. These ingredients have diverse applications, including flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, cosmetics, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. Manus Bio operates manufacturing facilities in Cambridge and Augusta, Georgia, and has established a strategic partnership with BBGI Public Company Limited. The company was previously known as Manus Biosynthesis, Inc. before changing its name in June 2018.
AgBiome
Grant in 2016
AgBiome, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, that focuses on developing biological products to address significant challenges in agriculture, particularly soil-borne diseases affecting greenhouse and major row crops. Utilizing advanced genomics and screening technologies, AgBiome identifies plant-associated microbes that can enhance plant health, improve pest resistance, and increase crop yields. The company operates a state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facility and collaborates with prominent agricultural firms to expedite its research and product development. AgBiome's offerings include fungicides that protect crops from various diseases and a platform for capturing and screening diverse microbes for agricultural applications. Established in 2012, AgBiome aims to provide sustainable solutions that support global food production and address critical agricultural issues such as insect and nematode control.
Batavia Biosciences
Grant in 2016
Batavia Biosciences is a biotechnology company that specializes in accelerating the development of biopharmaceutical products, including viral and bacterial vaccines, recombinant proteins, antibodies, and gene therapy products. The company offers a comprehensive range of services that encompass candidate selection, production of research materials, and both upstream and downstream process development. Additionally, Batavia Biosciences provides assay development, product characterization, and clinical manufacturing. By leveraging unique technologies such as STEP® protein expression technology and SCOUT® high throughput process technology, the company aims to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the early stages of product development. This focus allows Batavia Biosciences to help clients complete their preclinical phases more quickly while improving the likelihood of success in transitioning to clinical trials.
Moderna
Grant in 2016
Moderna, Inc. is a biotechnology company established in 2010 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company specializes in developing therapeutics and vaccines using messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, which provides instructions for cells to produce proteins essential for various biological functions. Moderna has a diverse pipeline, with numerous programs targeting infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. As of September 2024, it has 40 mRNA development candidates in clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas. The company's mRNA technology gained significant recognition with the authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020. Moderna maintains strategic alliances with various organizations, including major pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, to enhance its research and development efforts.
AgBiome
Series B in 2015
AgBiome, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, that focuses on developing biological products to address significant challenges in agriculture, particularly soil-borne diseases affecting greenhouse and major row crops. Utilizing advanced genomics and screening technologies, AgBiome identifies plant-associated microbes that can enhance plant health, improve pest resistance, and increase crop yields. The company operates a state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facility and collaborates with prominent agricultural firms to expedite its research and product development. AgBiome's offerings include fungicides that protect crops from various diseases and a platform for capturing and screening diverse microbes for agricultural applications. Established in 2012, AgBiome aims to provide sustainable solutions that support global food production and address critical agricultural issues such as insect and nematode control.
Genocea Biosciences
Grant in 2014
Genocea Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on the discovery and development of innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines. Utilizing its proprietary ATLAS platform, the company profiles patients' CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to identify potential antigens in tumors. Genocea is advancing several immuno-oncology programs, including GEN-009, an adjuvanted neoantigen peptide vaccine currently in phase I/IIa clinical trials, and GEN-011, a neoantigen adoptive T cell therapy. Additionally, the company has developed GEN-003, an immunotherapy aimed at treating genital herpes, and is working on personalized cancer vaccines through its pre-clinical immuno-oncology program. Established in 2006, Genocea aims to address significant unmet medical needs with its targeted therapeutic approaches.
TetraGenetics
Grant in 2013
TetraGenetics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic proteins and vaccines for the biopharmaceutical industry. Established in 2004 and based in Arlington, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary TetraExpress system to produce recombinant human ion channel proteins and other complex biologics. TetraGenetics specializes in the production of eukaryotic membrane and secretory proteins, which are often difficult to express using conventional systems. Among its products is IchVax, a recombinant subunit vaccine aimed at preventing white-spot disease in freshwater fish. The company is also engaged in a strategic research and development collaboration with Imbrium Therapeutics L.P., aiming to address autoimmune diseases and provide solutions for ion channel-related conditions. TetraGenetics' technology enables rapid production of properly folded, functional transmembrane proteins, positioning the company as a valuable player in the development of novel therapeutics and vaccines for both human and animal health.
Genocea Biosciences
Series C in 2012
Genocea Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on the discovery and development of innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines. Utilizing its proprietary ATLAS platform, the company profiles patients' CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to identify potential antigens in tumors. Genocea is advancing several immuno-oncology programs, including GEN-009, an adjuvanted neoantigen peptide vaccine currently in phase I/IIa clinical trials, and GEN-011, a neoantigen adoptive T cell therapy. Additionally, the company has developed GEN-003, an immunotherapy aimed at treating genital herpes, and is working on personalized cancer vaccines through its pre-clinical immuno-oncology program. Established in 2006, Genocea aims to address significant unmet medical needs with its targeted therapeutic approaches.
TetraGenetics
Grant in 2009
TetraGenetics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic proteins and vaccines for the biopharmaceutical industry. Established in 2004 and based in Arlington, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary TetraExpress system to produce recombinant human ion channel proteins and other complex biologics. TetraGenetics specializes in the production of eukaryotic membrane and secretory proteins, which are often difficult to express using conventional systems. Among its products is IchVax, a recombinant subunit vaccine aimed at preventing white-spot disease in freshwater fish. The company is also engaged in a strategic research and development collaboration with Imbrium Therapeutics L.P., aiming to address autoimmune diseases and provide solutions for ion channel-related conditions. TetraGenetics' technology enables rapid production of properly folded, functional transmembrane proteins, positioning the company as a valuable player in the development of novel therapeutics and vaccines for both human and animal health.
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