Biocentis Raises $19M for Insect Control Through Programmable Biology

Biocentis, a pioneering life-science company specializing in genetic innovation, has announced the successful raising of $19 million to further its mission of safeguarding health, agriculture, and biodiversity against the increasing global threats posed by insects. “Advances in genetics now let us control harmful insect populations while preserving surrounding ecosystems,” stated Giorgio Rocca, Co-founder and CEO of Biocentis.

The funding comprises a $13 million seed equity investment led by the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment (US) and Algebris Investments (Europe), along with a $6 million award from Wellcome, a prominent global health foundation.

Originating from Imperial College London, Biocentis utilizes a proprietary genome engineering platform to create insects that carry genetic traits aimed at reducing fertility within targeted species. These engineered insects, once released, mate with wild populations, consequently decreasing their numbers without harming other species or the environment.

In addition, Biocentis employs AI technology to simulate the performance of biological systems in real-world environments, thereby expediting development and enabling the anticipation of emerging risks associated with insect-borne diseases.

While insects play an essential role in our ecosystem, certain species inflict significant harm. Disease-carrying insects infect hundreds of millions of individuals annually, leading to nearly a million fatalities. Agricultural pests account for the loss of up to 25% of global crop yields, and invasive insects threaten the extinction of native species. The challenges are exacerbated by rising temperatures and international trade, which expand the range of these pests, transforming localized issues into global crises.

“For over a century, we have relied on chemical pesticides, but insects evolve faster than chemical interventions, and the collateral damage to people and the environment continues to mount,” remarked Giorgio Rocca. “Advances in genetics now let us control harmful insect populations with precision while preserving the health of surrounding ecosystems.”

The initial solutions in Biocentis’ portfolio focus on a mosquito species that spreads diseases such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya (Aedes aegypti), as well as a fruit fly that poses a threat to global fruit production (Drosophila suzukii). This is merely the start, as Biocentis’ programmable biology platform is designed to address a wide range of harmful species.

With this new funding, Biocentis plans to advance its first solutions into field trials across the Americas and beyond while simultaneously expanding its platform for new applications.