BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA, AUGUST 2026: Izote Biosciences has been awarded a $304,950 U.S. National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant to conduct research and development on oxygen-independent fermentation.
Industrial fermentation often depends on large volumes of air and constant mixing to provide oxygen. Izote is developing a system that gives microbes another way to breathe, with the goal of making fermentation easier to run at scale. Phase I funding will support foundational research to test and develop that approach.
“This award gives us room to focus on the core science, build strong evidence, and learn where oxygen-independent fermentation can make the biggest practical difference.”
Victor Reyes-Umaña, PhD, founder and CEO of Izote Biosciences
“NSF accelerates the translation of emerging technologies into transformative new products and services. We take great pride in funding deep-technology startups and small businesses that will shape science and engineering results into meaningful solutions for today and tomorrow.”
Erwin Gianchandani, NSF Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships
About the NSF program
Proposals submitted to the NSF SBIR/STTR program, also known as America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF, undergo a rigorous merit-based review. A Phase I award makes a small business eligible to apply for Phase II funding and additional supplements. Learn more at seedfund.nsf.gov ↗ or view Izote’s official award record ↗.
America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF awards more than $200 million annually to startups and small businesses working to turn scientific discovery into products and services with commercial and societal impact. The program supports research and development across nearly all areas of science and technology.
About Izote Biosciences
Based in Berkeley, California, Izote develops oxygen-independent fermentation technology and fermentation routes to specialty molecules.
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