Imperial spinout raises $19 million to trial innovative way of controlling harmful insects

Insects modified to be less fertile can reduce the size of populations in the wild able to spread human disease or to damage crops.

Imperial spinout Biocentis has raised $19 million (£14.5 million) to further develop its method of controlling harmful insects in the wild. Its first targets include a mosquito responsible for transmitting human diseases such as dengue fever, Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya, and a highly invasive fruit fly that threatens global fruit production. 

The funding, which comprises $13 million in seed equity investment and a $6 million award from Wellcome, will allow Biocentis to begin field trials across the US, Brazil and other key markets, while further expanding its technology to new applications. 

Genome engineering now allows us to manage harmful insect populations with a level of precision that simply wasn’t possible before. Dr Andrew Hammond Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Biocentis

Biocentis was formed in 2022 by Imperial researchers in partnership with experts in venture creation and management to create a more effective and sustainable alternative to pesticides. This involves using genome engineering techniques to develop insects with reduced fertility within a target species. When released, these insects mate with the wild population, reducing its size while leaving other species and the environment unaffected. 

The aim is to tailor this approach to insects that carry disease, destroy crops or threaten ecosystems by driving out native species. 

“Genome engineering now allows us to manage harmful insect populations with a level of precision that simply wasn’t possible before,” said Dr Andrew Hammond, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Biocentis, whose PhD research in the Department of Life Sciences helped start the company. “By embedding carefully designed genetic traits within targeted harmful pest species, we can reduce their capacity to cause harm while preserving the integrity of surrounding ecosystems.”

Meanwhile, to support the use of this kind of biological control, Biocentis has employed artificial intelligence to build digital twins that simulate how biological systems perform, which can help decision-makers anticipate emerging insect-borne risks.

“Our approach combines exceptional effectiveness with true sustainability,” says Giorgio Rocca, co-founder and Chief Executive of Biocentis. “Our insects instinctively seek out and mate with others of their own species, ensuring precision and high efficacy. Our software allows us to predict outcomes and build confidence among stakeholders, helping them foresee and manage future challenges.”

Since this approach does not use toxic substances, humans and other species remain unharmed. “It’s a smarter, safer, and integrated approach to tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges,” Mr Rocca said.

The seed investment round was led by the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment in the US and Algebris Investments in Europe, with participation from Neurone, Corbites, Novaterra and angels.

Main image: Biocentis scientists examining a cage of genetically modified mosquitoes.