Microbyre

About Microbyre

MicroByre operates within the biotechnology sector, focusing on the domestication and genetic engineering of non-model bacteria for industrial applications. Founded in 2017 by Sarah Richardson, Jeff Anderson, and Margaret Brown, the Berkeley-based company aims to displace petrochemical-based manufacturing by providing biological alternatives.

The company's core technology is a platform that identifies and cultivates naturally occurring bacteria, which are typically considered difficult to grow and genetically modify. This process, which they term "domestication," involves creating genomic toolkits and using machine learning and robotics to pinpoint bacteria that meet specific industrial criteria. MicroByre then applies minimal genetic modifications to enhance their capabilities. This approach allows for the development of microbes that can convert unused biomass and waste products into valuable chemicals, enzymes, and other commodities. As of June 2023, the company stated its computational platform could engineer these microbes at a cost ten times lower than the industry average.

The founding team's expertise is central to the company's strategy. CEO Sarah Richardson holds a Ph.D. in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins University and was a Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow in Genomics at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Her extensive background in computational and molecular biology, particularly in genome design and synthetic biology, directly informs MicroByre's scientific direction. Co-founder Jeff Anderson serves as President.

MicroByre's business model appears to be centered on licensing its proprietary, engineered bacterial strains to companies in various sectors for use in fermentation processes. These clients can then produce bio-derived chemistries more economically and sustainably than through traditional petrochemical methods. The key benefits offered to clients include the ability to utilize cheaper feedstocks like agricultural waste, potentially reduce nutritional additives, and improve resistance to contamination. By focusing on bacteria that naturally consume waste, MicroByre provides a more profitable and environmentally friendly manufacturing alternative. The company has secured significant venture capital, raising a total of $20.5M, including a $15M Series A round in January 2022 led by Lowercarbon Capital. However, some sources from mid-2024 indicate the company may no longer be active.