Annually the Japanese magnificence firm Shiseido holds its annual Fibona Open Innovation programme startup competitors for corporations throughout the globe.
For this yr’s problem, the main focus was ‘sustainable solar care’ – exploring improvements in UV filters and new components that prioritise sustainability in addition to solar security.
The winner was an Italian startup, Bacfarm, which can now have its bacteria-based UV safety ingredient realised as a ‘proof of idea’ for Shiseido’s microbiome-based skincare model, Gallinée.
Bacfarm is a biotechnology startup and junior spin-off of the College of Cagliari that was launched by three founders, Giulia Guadalupi, Samuele Antonio Gaviano and Davide Emilio Lobina in 2020, however was primarily based on twenty years of analysis that has been accomplished earlier than this.
New molecules extracted from micro organism
By leveraging particular know-how and its patents, Bacfarm commercialises new molecules extracted from micro organism which have potential makes use of as each beauty and nutra components.
In response to the startup, the versatile components boast excessive antioxidant, filtering, colouring, and different properties and might tackle the rising international demand for uncooked supplies sourced from various and sustainable sources.
“We’re actually honoured to be chosen by the Shiseido Group as a part of its open innovation program. To have the chance to arrange and pitch our product in entrance of a panel of business consultants actually pushed us to the subsequent degree.” commented Giulia Guadalupi, CEO and co-founder of Bacfarm.
“To have the ability to carry Bacfarm’s thought to a proof-of-concept with Gallinée is not going to solely carry visibility to our work, but additionally assist us find out about how we will commercialise our data and analysis to take it to a large viewers. Gallinée is a model that has impressed us from day one, so working along with Dr Marie Drago will probably be a improbable alternative.”
Dr Marie Drago, who’s chief artistic officer at Gallinée, famous the competitors is a chance to create the great thing about the long run. “There may be a lot taking place within the ingredient area, and the race for higher solar filters is on the forefront of it. Partnering with fellow founders, and the subsequent technology of innovators is all the things Gallinée is about!”, she defined.
Potential use in solar safety NPD
Solar safety is a quickly rising class, as extra individuals perceive the assorted the explanation why they should shield their pores and skin from UVA and UVB rays.
On the similar time, this class has confronted a lot scrutiny when it comes to sustainability and potential hurt to the atmosphere, specifically to marine life, which will be impacted by topical solar safety merchandise infiltrating ocean water.
Bacfarm’s new innovation is a UV safety product that’s derived from micro organism and makes an attempt to discover a resolution to the instability of the chemical filters used as we speak.
It’s extracted from Deinococcus radiodurans, which Bacfarm dubs “essentially the most radiation-resistant organism ever.”
“Via our know-how we wish to exploit the ability of this bacterium to supply a brand new sustainable resolution for solar safety that may win the belief of customers,” defined Guadalupi.
“We give attention to extremophiles, that are micro organism that thrive in excessive environmental circumstances. Their pure resilience makes them excellent candidates for our technological improvements, searching for new components that discover functions in several sectors.”
In response to Guadalupi, the innovation “helps that there aren’t any compromises on human well being or product efficacy.”
“The robustness of those extremophiles allows us to introduce a product that is not simply an alternate however a leap in the direction of the subsequent frontier in beauty know-how. It’s about providing one thing that’s higher for each the planet and for customers,” she continued.
Exhibits promise for nutraingredients, in addition to cosmetics
The innovation additionally exhibits promise to be used in dietary supplements NPD too.
“Our extracts are wealthy in carotenoids, which we will purify,” defined Guadalupi. “Particularly, from Deinococcus radiodurans, we will isolate deinoxanthin, which is thought for its excessive antioxidant energy.”
The founder mentioned that is simply the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what is feasible for this innovation. “The potential functions for these pure components are huge, opening doorways to new and extremely focused makes use of in well being and wellness.”
Bacfarm is presently exploring all the probabilities with regards to deciding what merchandise the components can be utilized in, however Guadalupi is for certain of its versatility throughout product varieties and software.
The innovation can be primarily based on 20 years of scientific analysis. Though Bacfarm was formally based in 2020, the mission itself was the results of over 20 years of analysis carried out on the College of Cagliari by Professor Dario Piano and Dr Domenica Farci, which Guadalupi mentioned has “laid the muse for the cutting-edge options we’re creating as we speak.”
“Being a disruptive startup signifies that there aren’t any established fashions or precedents to information us,” continued Guadalupi.
Profitable the Shiseido Fibona prize has been an enormous honour for the Bacfarm crew. “It signifies that our resolution addresses an actual want available in the market. It’s a validation of our efforts and an amazing alternative to collaborate with Gallinée by Shiseido,” she mentioned.
“This recognition provides us a tangible likelihood to see our components make it to retailer cabinets, turning our imaginative and prescient into actuality.”
Going ahead, the startup will now proceed its analysis and growth efforts to scale the enterprise and produce its imaginative and prescient to life.
“Profitable the prize is just the start. We purpose to broaden our capabilities, discover new functions, and keep our dedication to innovation and sustainability. The street forward is about pushing boundaries and setting new requirements in biotechnology,” she concluded.
“We imagine that the ability of nature, mixed with cutting-edge science, can result in options which might be helpful for individuals and the planet. Our journey is about extra than simply enterprise. It is about pioneering a greater, extra sustainable future.”
