Colossal Biosciences Spins Out Three Companies to Leverage De-extinction Technology
Colossal Biosciences, known for its de-extinction efforts, has launched three separate companies to commercialize its underlying technology in areas like AI-driven research, plastic degradation, and genetic data platforms.
Colossal Biosciences, a company aiming to resurrect extinct species like the woolly mammoth and moa, has established three new independent companies to capitalize on its core technologies. These ventures aim to translate Colossal's research and development into distinct commercial applications.
The newly formed entities include Form Bio, which is developing an AI-enhanced platform to accelerate scientific research; Breaking, a startup focused on plastic degradation using genetically engineered microbes; and Astromech, a genetics data platform company. Astromech is building models to predict threats to biological systems, such as disease risk and ecosystem responses to climate change.
Astromech has raised approximately $60 million to date and has mapped 46 genes related to cellular maintenance, cancer resistance, and longevity. Form Bio has also secured significant funding to develop its software-based research acceleration tools. Breaking plans to scale the use of a microbe designed to break down hydrocarbons.
While Colossal's headline-grabbing de-extinction projects continue, the establishment of these subsidiary companies represents a strategic move to diversify its impact. CEO Ben Lamm has stated a vision of gaining "true dominion over life," encompassing both reintroduction of lost species and ecological management. These ventures suggest Colossal is building a broader bioscience enterprise beyond its initial focus.