Stephanie Michelsen, Co-Founder and CEO of Jellatech: How Her iGEM Experience Helped Her Build Jellatech
From iGEM Participant to Biofounder
Stephanie Michelsen, founder and CEO of Jellatech, started her journey as a student participating at the iGEM Competition in 2018 with the University of Copenhagen. Fast forward to 2021, she founded Jellatech, a biotech startup producing high-value human proteins using synthetic biology, based in the United States.
Jellatech focuses on producing high-quality, functional collagen without relying on animals. Traditional collagen production depends on livestock, raising ethical and environmental concerns. Recognizing this challenge, Jellatech developed a novel approach using cellular agriculture and synthetic biology to create native collagen, offering a sustainable and consistent alternative for biomedical and cosmetic applications. Read more about Jellatech here.
“Once an iGEMer, Always an iGEMer”
For Stephanie, iGEM was more than just a competition, it was the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey. The experience helped her develop crucial skills beyond the lab, including networking and fundraising. “Our team wasn’t really sponsored by a university at the time, so we had to go out, apply for grants, and raise money,” she shared. “That’s a big part of building a startup.” These early lessons in securing funding and leveraging connections proved invaluable when she later founded Jellatech. “The network I built through iGEM actually helped me start my company,” she added.
People, the Hidden Challenge in a Startup
Being a CEO involves more than just developing groundbreaking science. Stephanie points out that the hardest part for her wasn’t the technical aspects like company registration or taxes—areas where resources are available or tasks can be outsourced—but rather the real challenge of managing people, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of leadership: “The hardest thing is managing people. When do you hire? When do you fire? How do you keep your team motivated?”
Learning how to build, lead, and sustain a strong team has been one of the most complex yet essential parts of growing Jellatech. As Stephanie points out, the biggest challenge for her isn’t just the technical aspects—it’s knowing how to manage people effectively. From hiring the right talent to keeping the team motivated, leadership is an ongoing learning process. For aspiring founders, mastering these skills is just as important as scientific innovation, as a company’s success depends on the strength of its team.
Mentorship & Networking Tips for Early-Stage Founders
Beyond the core team that turns scientific breakthroughs into a successful startup, the journey is also shaped by the people who guide and support the venture—mentors, investors, and industry connections. Building strong networks and seeking mentorship can provide invaluable guidance, unlock new opportunities, and help founders navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Stephanie emphasizes the role of mentors in her journey. Early on, she connected with people who later introduced her to investors, one of whom remains a key mentor today. Her advice to aspiring founders? Don’t be afraid to reach out: “If you find someone interesting, just ask them for advice. The worst they can say is no.” Now, as an advisor herself, Stephanie is committed to supporting the next generation of biofounders.
What’s Next for Jellatech?
Ethics and transparency are at the heart of Jellatech’s mission. Stephanie emphasizes that open communication about the benefits and challenges of biotech innovation is crucial for success: “For any biotech company to succeed, you have to be transparent and authentic,” she shares.
Jellatech is currently scaling up its operations, raising a Series A round, and expanding its focus to human health and longevity applications. With a new facility and a growing team, the company is set to make a significant impact in the biotech industry.
Join the Next Generation of Biofounders
People often say that growth happens outside of your comfort zone, and Stephanie Michelsen is living proof of that. “I hated public speaking. So I forced myself to do it.” Public speaking and networking didn’t always come naturally to her, but instead of shying away, she leaned in, challenging herself to improve.
Stephanie’s journey from iGEM participant to biotech CEO shows that the iGEM experience is more than a competition, it’s a launchpad for developing the diverse skills needed in SynBio, whether in academia, industry or entrepreneurship.
Are you an iGEMer who just wrapped up your project and wants to take your idea to market? Or do you have an early SynBio idea you want to validate? Join the Venture Foundry Program, a pre-accelerator designed for iGEMers and the greater SynBio community. Our Venture Creation Lab, is a four-week program that runs from April 21 through May 16, 2025. It will help you turn your groundbreaking SynBio idea into a real-world solution!
👉 Apply by April 6 through – http://bit.ly/Biofounder25 and read more about the program at: startups.igem.org.
