Optimization of automatic cultivation processes

Digitization and automation are employed to make the overall R&D process more traceable, reproducible and efficient. The optimization of culture protocols follows   Design of Experiment (DoE) paradigms, aiming to make existing protocols more effective, focusing on functional aspects only, and not on the processes that present structural complexities as well, such as the biofabrication of tissues and organs for regenerative medicine. Structural aspects are dealt with in the design of structures for bioprinting, which do not deal with biological and functional aspects though.

Cultūrā is different from competitors for the type of impact it has on the biofabrication process, and for the degree of structural complexity of the products it targets. Mogrify computationally generates groups of factors for cell differentiation, but considering only functional aspects, while our solution also considers structural aspects, and manages the different phases of differentiation.

Ginko Bioworks modifies microorganisms to improve industrial biotechnological processes. It aims to improve the R&D process yet using a different strategy, based on genetic engineering.

Other computational approaches are solutions adjacent and potentially synergistic with ours, for example Synthace, partner of Microsoft Station B, a platform to digitize the entire experimental laboratory process, RoosterBio and Riffyne Orgenesis, which are automation services, relying on digitization and process design.

Cultūrā is a computational method to generate new, improved and suitable biofabrication protocols for complex products such as tissues and organs, starting from existing knowledge on the biological system and the culture process.

The resulting model allows to highlight both the properties emerging from the interaction of the different biological entities that make up the system, and the characteristics of the culture process. Through suitable models, the proposed method allows to automatically generate crop protocols aimed at achieving specific objectives.

Phase I –  MVP development

Present – 2021: IP Protection : Two Italian patent applications and one PCT extension (with the support of TTS Polito, DAUIN and SysBioGroup). Technological validationMVP Prototyping, proof-of-concept in silico, in vitro validation. Business Validation: Market analysis, customer validation with original data and pre-acceleration. Go-to-market strategy: Target segment selection, positioning, networking with potential partners and future customers

Phase II – Pre-launch: 2021 – 2023. IP Protection: Strengthening IPR strategy around the final MVP and product design. Product development: Increase of product TRL with joint development activities with partners in the regenerative medicine market and in vitro tests on laboratory and industrial processes. Business development: Network solidification and marketing campaign.

Phase III – Launch: From 2024. Marketing campaign: Expansion of the network to potential customers and execution of the marketing campaign for the target segment. Go-to-market: Market entry and start of sales activities. Adaptation to the market: Flexible organizational structuring in response to market demands.