Algocell, an Israeli startup focused on AI-driven bioprocess optimization, has raised $2.8 million in pre-seed funding to advance its platform for accelerating the scale-up and efficiency of cell-based manufacturing. The funding round was led by Good Company VC (GCVC) and includes a non-dilutive grant from the Israel Innovation Authority, with participation from several angel investors with sector-specific expertise.
AI-powered bioprocess optimization
The startup, founded in 2023, specializes in developing an AI-powered Digital Twin platform designed to optimize bioprocess development in industries such as cultivated meat, precision fermentation, biofuels, and cosmetics. This platform leverages machine learning models to improve experimentation speed, process control, and product consistency, even with small datasets.
Omri Schanin, CEO and co-founder of Algocell, noted the need for more efficient approaches in cell-based product manufacturing. “When we started the company, we set ourselves a target: no more overreliance on trial and error, slow and unsuccessful scale-up, or poor process efficiency. From now on: data-driven decisions, targeted model-based experiments, and optimized processes – from small scale to full manufacturing,” Schanin stated.
With the newly acquired funding, Algocell plans to expand its team and enhance its platform’s predictive capabilities. The company intends to roll out commercial pilot programs with manufacturers across multiple sectors, including food, agriculture, therapeutics, and industrial materials. These efforts aim to address core challenges in bioprocessing, such as cost reduction, scale-up, and technology transfer, which often hinder industry progress.
Solving core bioprocessing challenges
The company’s approach is designed to tackle recurring issues faced by industries relying on bioprocessing, such as precision-fermented dairy proteins and recombinant yeast strains for insulin production. By improving the efficiency of scale-up and process optimization, Algocell aims to accelerate the commercialization of emerging biotechnologies and reduce production costs for manufacturers.
Arnaud Lorie, Venture Partner at Good Company VC, who will also join Algocell’s board of directors as part of the investment, expressed confidence in the company’s potential. “From my first meeting with Omri and Eyal, their clarity, grit, and long-term mindset stood out. They’re exactly the kind of founders this space needs, and we’re proud to be backing them on this journey,” Lorie said.
