Jushu Bio Secures Over RMB 60 Million in Angel Funding to Advance Data-Driven Mammalian Cell Synthetic Biology

Jushu Bio and its core team members include top scientists and industry professionals from the fields of ultra-high-throughput and automated breeding, big data analytics and machine learning, and engineered cell preservation. Jushu Bio will combine CRISPR-based high-throughput genotype construction with droplet microfluidics-based ultra-high-throughput phenotyping technologies to conduct genome-wide genotype-phenotype association analyses in engineered cells. This approach aims to deeply mine unknown associated genes and their loci across the entire genome—areas that are difficult to access using traditional molecular biology methods—thereby capturing datasets of genes associated with industrial phenotypes in engineered cells. The goal is to establish a standardized, integrated, and reusable thematic database to break down data silos.

Furthermore, by integrating data science approaches such as genome-scale metabolic network models and deep learning, we will establish a data-mechanism hybrid-driven intelligent design platform for engineered cells. This platform will circumvent the limitations of current rational design knowledge, thereby enabling customized design and construction of engineered cells.

Taking mammalian cell lines as an example, Jushu Biologics is actively developing an integrated workflow for engineered mammalian cell line construction that combines high-throughput genomic CRISPR editing, high-throughput phenotypic and process screening, and multi-omics data modeling. By conducting in-depth development across the entire genome of mammalian cell lines, the company aims to obtain next-generation CHO cell lines with independent intellectual property rights, thereby overcoming the critical bottleneck facing China’s cell line industry.

To further enhance the efficiency of engineered cell development, Jushu Bio will build upon its ultra-high-throughput “small-scale” platform to establish automated “large-scale” facilities for engineered cell construction, testing, and pilot-scale translation. This initiative aims to achieve rapid iterative optimization of chassis cells and accelerate the application of synthetic biology in biopharmaceuticals, bio-based chemicals/materials, bio-agriculture, and future foods. To date, Jushu Bio has established technical R&D and industrial collaborations with multiple publicly listed companies and research institutions.

Head of Jushu Biostated: “In the future, Jushu Bio will leverage a series of continuously iterated novel synthetic biology tools, combined with China’s production capacity advantages and industrial foundation in the bioeconomy, to build itself into a product-based, data-driven leading enterprise in next-generation biomanufacturing.”

Kang Pei, Partner at Capital Management“The ultra-high-throughput genotype-to-industrial-phenotype association map developed by Jushu Biology represents a strategic direction born from the research team’s years of achievements in ultra-high-throughput screening, combined with their industry expertise and insights. We are honored to collaborate with the Jushu team to advance the synthetic biology industry toward greater product diversity, higher yields, and lower costs, establishing it as a future-oriented mode of production.”

Sun Lue, Investment Director at Bencao Capitalstated: “Through its ultra-high-throughput microfluidic ‘small-scale facilities,’ Jushu Biology enables more efficient and in-depth gene-phenotype data mining and cell line optimization compared to the ‘large-scale facilities’ represented by robotic arms and automated laboratory equipment. These ‘small-scale facilities’ are not intended to replace ‘large-scale facilities’; rather, they can seamlessly integrate with existing systems to achieve a more efficient synthetic biology development workflow. It is an honor to participate in Jushu Biology’s growth journey and support the successful implementation of the company’s projects.”

Yu Junhan, Managing Partner at Heli Investment Management“The founding of Jushu Bio was nurtured by the academic leaders’ deep expertise in synthetic biology. We are highly optimistic about Jushu Bio’s capacity for future industrial commercialization as a platform-based technology company. Leveraging its platform built on disruptive ultra-high-throughput genotype-to-industrial-phenotype screening technologies and biosensing technologies, the team has developed a closed-loop model integrating an experimental platform, a data platform, and a design platform. This approach seamlessly merges scientific research with commercialization, ensuring the effective translation of technological achievements into practical applications.”