INNOVATION
Quantic’s Weekly Roundup – December 2020 (1)
Quantic’s Weekly Roundup is a satisfying mix of the latest breaking news, business, STEM and social science stories. Here are your headlines for this week:
Pivot! A buzzword synonymous for start-ups is making its way into the shared vocabulary for small businesses. Smaller companies are finding new ways of operating and reaching new consumers in an increasingly competitive space. Business founders are learning lessons from entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and other tech hubs. These start-up skills are helping them streamline their processes and in many cases, boosting profits.
Good genes: The UK-based startup, Bit Bio, is aiming to recreate every human cell type in the body. Not only will this be a monumental scientific milestone, but access to human cells would also accelerate the development of cell-based therapies. Quantic alum, Grant Belgard, is the Head of Bioinformatics at Bit Bio. The company’s cell reprogramming platform only needed three weeks to raise $41.5 million in a Series A funding round that will be used to support this company’s goal.
Green machine: There’s never been a greater push for sustainable products and technologies than there is today. We’ve reached a critical point with regards to climate change, and many global innovators and businesses are stepping up to the plate to build a greener future. From smog vacuum cleaners, robotic bees, and edible cutlery, here are some of the incredible examples of sustainable innovation that could change the world as we know it.
Shape up your social accounts: A start-up, Lifebrand, is now using AI and machine learning technology to scrub users’ social media accounts for “harmful” posts. Their software boasts that it can scan your social media accounts (if permitted), and flag potentially inappropriate or harmful posts so you can review and/or delete them. The company was the winner of a pitch competition with more than 1,000 competing companies, hosted by investing company, StartEngine with Kevin O’Leary. Executive MBA student, Dr. Chris Kager, has been an investor and a close advisor for Lifebrand. Chris recently helped the company raise the majority of their $1.6 million seed round.
