Spore.Bio raises $23M to apply machine learning to microbiology testing

Revolutionizing Microbiology Testing: Spore.Bio

Food contamination incidents can spell disaster for companies in the food and beverage industry. Beyond hefty fines and damages, the reputational fallout can linger for years. Recognizing this pressing need,paris-based deeptech startup Spore.Bio is reimagining microbiology testing to proactively address potential crises.

A Speedy Solution for a Time-Consuming Process

Traditional microbiology testing in the food industry is a lengthy process, often taking several days to yield results. Food samples must be sent to offsite labs for analysis using petri dish-based techniques, which require careful handling to avoid contamination. Incubation periods further extend the wait time.

“Imagine this,it’s 2022,everything is hyper-optimized,lean manufacturing rules – every step is measured in minutes to ensure efficiency.Yet, in the heart of this hyper-optimization, you have a 5-day unpredictable test in the agri-food sector, and a 14-day test in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics – a stark contrast to the rapid pace of modern manufacturing,” explains Amine Raji, co-founder and CEO of Spore.Bio.

Spore.Bio tackles this challenge head-on with a groundbreaking technology.

Harnessing the Power of Light and Deep Learning

The company employs a unique approach that analyzes samples using light at specific wavelengths. This spectral signature is captured and analyzed by a pre-trained deep learning algorithm, enabling rapid detection of bacteria and pathogens within minutes. This model is the cornerstone of Spore.Bio’s success,built on a partnership with the renowned Pasteur Institute,providing access to its extensive collection of bacteria samples.

A Vision of On-Site Testing

Spore.Bio envisions a future where on-site testing is commonplace in factories. Thier plan is to develop user-friendly testing machines that empower manufacturers to perform microbiology analysis directly within their facilities.This shift promises a game-changer in the industry,streamlining processes and considerably reducing testing times.

Beyond the Food Industry

While Spore.Bio initially focused on the food industry,the potential applications of its technology extend far beyond.The cosmetics industry, looking to eliminate preservatives, finds a solution in spore.Bio’s rapid detection capabilities. The pharmaceutical sector, grappling with the short shelf life of innovative treatments like gene and cell therapy, also sees immense value in this technology.

Funding Fuels Expansion

Spore.Bio’s recent $23 million Series A funding round, led by Singular, underscores the significant market interest in their disruptive technology. Returning investors, including LocalGlobe, No Label ventures, and famille C, further solidified their belief in Spore.Bio’s potential.

This funding will fuel the company’s ambitious growth plans. With a current team of 30,Spore.Bio aims to expand to 50 employees by the end of 2025, accelerating the development and deployment of their innovative testing solutions.

A Glimpse into the Future

Spore.Bio is poised to revolutionize microbiology testing,paving the way for safer,more efficient food production and ushering in a new era of on-site analytics across various industries. Their commitment to innovation and rapid development promises a future where contamination risks are minimized, and products reach consumers with greater speed and assurance.

How will Spore.Bio work to make its rapid microbiology testing solutions more affordable and accessible for smaller manufacturers?

Archyde News | Revolutionizing Microbiology Testing with Spore.Bio

Interview with Amine Raji,Co-Founder & CEO,Spore.Bio

Amine Raji, the brain behind the innovative deeptech startup Spore.Bio, sat down with archyde to discuss the company’s groundbreaking approach to microbiology testing, with potential to transform the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries.

Speeding up a Lengthy Process

Amine Raji (AR):

Traditional microbiology testing is a bottleneck in today’s fast-paced manufacturing world. Its absurd that in 2022, we’re still waiting for days to get test results.We saw this as a glaring inefficiency that needed to be addressed.

Spore.Bio’s solution? A rapid, on-site testing method that uses light and deep learning to detect bacteria and pathogens within minutes.

Light and Learning: The Spore.Bio Method

AR:

Our technology uses specific wavelengths of light to analyze samples. Think of it like a fingerprint – every bacteria has a unique spectral signature. We’ve trained our deep learning model on an extensive database of bacteria samples, thanks to our partnership with the Pasteur Institute. Now,our model can identify bacteria in minutes,not days.

A Vision of On-Site Testing

AR:

Imagine a future where factories have their own testing machines. That’s what we’re aiming for. Empowering manufacturers to perform on-site testing will significantly streamline their operations and reduce testing times.

from Food to Pharma: Spore.Bio’s Broader Impact

AR:

While we started in the food industry, our technology has applications elsewhere. Cosmetics companies looking to eliminate preservatives, and pharma companies struggling with short shelf lives of innovative treatments – we can definitely help them, too.

Funding and Expansion: Fueling Growth

AR:

Our recent Series A funding, led by Singular, is a testament to the market’s interest in our technology. With this backing, we’re expanding our team to 50 by 2025, accelerating our innovation and deployment.

Thought-Provoking Question

Archyde: Can you share one challenge you’re eager to overcome as you continue to revolutionize microbiology testing?

AR:

One challenge we’re keen to tackle is increased accessibility. while our technology is rapid and accurate,it needs to be accessible to all. We’re continuously striving to make our solutions more affordable and user-kind, especially for smaller manufacturers.

This interview was conducted by Yoru Name, Archyde News editor.