Gearbox Biosciences, a startup developing novel protein production technology, raised half a million euros

The group of investors led by Specialist VC and UniTartu Ventures have invested €380,000 in Gearbox Biosciences, a company founded by researchers. With grants, the total funding amounts to over half a million euros.

Gearbox Biosciences is developing a novel technology that enables the production of proteins using industrial biotechnology, without antibiotics. The company thus helps reduce the use of antibiotics outside medicine and alleviate the risk of the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The company’s technology can be used to produce, for example, the diabetes drug insulin. This cannot be done without live cells, and the process usually involves using large quantities of antibiotics. The new approach, however, makes it possible to do without antibiotics and increase production efficiency.

“We believe that Gearbox Biosciences is one of the most capable early-stage companies in the field of deep technology in Estonia. What made them stand out was the strong team of founders, long-term research background and the steps taken towards the commercialisation of the technology,” said Riivo Anton, the Co-founder and Fund Manager of Specialist VC. “The company has submitted patent applications and issued a license for its technology to their first customer.”

With half a million euros, the company plans to develop the technology further so that customers can use it in small-scale production. Also, they have a plan to create a stable customer base.

Arvi Jõers, the CEO and Co-founder of Gearbox Biosciences, said that the company’s journey has been fascinating. “Over four years, our research project has grown into a technology protected by two patent applications and a startup company based on it. This journey will continue at an accelerating pace,” Jõers added.

According to Mart Maasik, Head of Entrepreneurship at the University of Tartu and Investment Director of UniTartu Ventures, Gearbox Biosciences operates in biotechnology, a highly promising field for Estonian startups. “Arvi Jõers, together with his research team, has shown that it is possible to take a discovery to real customers within just a few years. Gearbox Biosciences is doing a commendable job in introducing Estonian health technologies to the world, and I am pleased that investors have also noticed them,” Maasik added.

Gearbox Biosciences was founded by Arvi Jõers, Marje Kasari and Villu Kasari, researchers at the University of Tartu and inventors of the technology the company is developing.

The company has completed the Sparkup Incubator programme of Tartu Science Park and the Health Technologies Research Accelerator programme. This spring, the company ranked in the top five in the Startup Day pitching competition finals and won a €10,000 prize from Swedbank.