The Triumph of Innovation: MagGenix Takes Center Stage at iGEM Startups' Grand Jamboree
The iGEM 2023 Grand Jamboree's Startup Showcase was a burst of energy, featuring 17 dynamic startups from around the world at the #WorldExpoSynBio. Judges, seasoned in the field, were impressed by the ventures' potential in shaping the future bioeconomy.
We were delighted to host Richard Traherne (Capgemini Invent Global Leadership Team), John Cumbers (Founder of SynBioBeta), Austin Che (Head of Strategy and Co-Founder of Ginkgo Bioworks), Sara Holland (Partner at Potter Clarkson), and Lipsa Nag (from Paris-based Marble Studio) on the 2023 Startup Showcase judging panel.
Richard Traherne, from Capgemini Invent’s Global Leadership Team, expressed his excitement, saying, "It’s great to see diverse startups tackling societal issues in a compelling way." Austin Che, Head of Strategy and Co-Founder of Ginkgo Bioworks, also one of the Startup Showcase judges shared "As a judge, I was impressed by these very early teams; they had already made a lot of progress and promise for the future." We were delighted to host John Cumbers, Founder of SynBioBeta, Sara Holland, Partner at Potter Clarkson, and Lipsa Nag from the Paris-based Marble Studio on our judging panel at the iGEM 2023 Grand Jamboree.
Founders, Joshua Devier and Sreeni Eadara triumphantly pitched their idea in Paris, securing the $10,000 grand prize.
On November 4th, the spotlight was on the amazing Startup Showcase, and MagGenix, a groundbreaking startup based in Baltimore, United States at Johns Hopkins Medicine University, secured the grand prize. Specializing in a magnetogenetic cell therapy platform, MagGenix's breakthrough allows for the electromagnetic activation of engineered cells across clinical, industrial, and research settings.
Founders, Joshua Devier and Sreeni Eadara triumphantly pitched their idea in Paris, securing the $10,000 grand prize. Looking ahead, they shared their next milestones, "Our next step is getting our full eukaryotic implementation back in our lab space off our campus, Johns Hopkins Medicine. We are in the process of filing full patent applications and are excited about potential partnerships, speeding up our technology's journey to clinics."
Specializing in a magnetogenetic cell therapy platform, MagGenix's breakthrough allows for the electromagnetic activation of engineered cells across clinical, industrial, and research settings.
The field of cell and gene therapy is set for remarkable growth, with a projected CAGR of 63% from 2021 to 2026. CMOs and bio-manufacturers are strategically ramping up production capacities,with new in-vivo and in-vitro therapies planned to launch in the coming years.
Cell and gene therapies continue to drive healthcare innovation, being the fastest-growing areas of therapeutics. According to McKinsey Analysis, clinical trial applications are on the rise, with over 50 phase-three trials planned for launch in 2024 based on the United States FDA. As we celebrate MagGenix's triumph, we eagerly anticipate the ripple effects of their success shaping the future of these cutting-edge industries.
For a deeper dive into MagGenix's journey, visit maggenix.wordpress.com, where Joshua Devier, Sreeni Eadara, Maya Zhang, and Joshua Zhou provide insights into their groundbreaking work.
Ready to be the next MagGenix? The 2024 Startup application is now open!
Dive into the world of bioventure. Apply here!
Interested in mentoring the startups and meet amazing mentors from diverse backgrounds, be it industries, founders, VCs or scientists - Apply as a mentor
To learn more about all the amazing startups from the iGEM Startups 2023 Cohort that made it to the finale, check out our previous Blog Post!
A special shout-out to our other finalists, Buzz Biolabs (USA) and BioSpi (Argentina).
