Prolific Machines
Prolific Machines is pioneering the use of optogenetics and AI-driven bioprocess optimization to revolutionize biomanufacturing. Their mission is to illuminate biology’s limitless potential for a healthier tomorrow by enabling the production of next-generation therapeutics and broadening patient access to life-altering medicines. Founded in 2020, the company has developed a unique Photomolecular™ platform that uses light to precisely control cellular functions, boosting yields, improving quality, and enabling the manufacture of complex biotherapeutics. With a focus on strategic partnerships, Prolific Machines collaborates with innovators in biopharma and advanced nutrition, offering flexible, scalable solutions and in-house cell line development up to 200-liter pilot scale. The company is recognized for its commitment to safety, innovation, and a collaborative, diverse team culture.
Industries
Nr. of Employees
small (1-50)
Products
Add-on illumination systems for bioreactors
Modular illumination hardware to deliver configurable light wavelengths, intensities, and patterns to cell cultures across benchtop, single-use, and pilot stainless-steel reactors.
Optogenetic toolkit and engineered cell lines
A suite of engineered light-inducible promoters, receptor-control constructs, and cell lines enabling tunable expression, metabolic optimization, and receptor regulation for bioproduction.
AI-driven controller software
Software that models pathway dynamics and acts as a controller to continuously sense activation and adjust illumination via model-predictive algorithms.
Add-on illumination systems for bioreactors
Modular illumination hardware to deliver configurable light wavelengths, intensities, and patterns to cell cultures across benchtop, single-use, and pilot stainless-steel reactors.
Optogenetic toolkit and engineered cell lines
A suite of engineered light-inducible promoters, receptor-control constructs, and cell lines enabling tunable expression, metabolic optimization, and receptor regulation for bioproduction.
AI-driven controller software
Software that models pathway dynamics and acts as a controller to continuously sense activation and adjust illumination via model-predictive algorithms.
Expertise Areas
- Optogenetic cell line engineering
- Light-driven bioprocessing
- Bioreactor illumination system design
- AI-driven closed-loop process control
Key Technologies
- Optogenetics (light-sensitive protein systems)
- Light-controlled gene expression
- Model predictive control
- Closed-loop sensing and control software
Key People
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder
Chief Data Officer & Co-Founder
Senior Director, Technical Operations
Chief Financial Officer
Chief of Staff
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder
Chief Data Officer & Co-Founder
Senior Director, Technical Operations
Chief Financial Officer
Chief of Staff
News & Updates
Prolific’s Photomolecular platform recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024.
Received a grant from the Gates Foundation to develop an antibody therapeutics platform for improving global access to lifesaving drugs.
Completed construction of pilot facilities at Emeryville HQ, unlocking 200-liter production capacity—the world’s largest optogenetics scale to date.
Produced the world’s first meatball grown with light, outperforming animal- and plant-based meatballs in blind taste tests.
TIME recognizes Prolific Machines’ photomolecular platform as one of the Best Inventions of 2024.
Article in Grow Everything about Prolific’s approach to using light for cellular control.
Prolific’s Photomolecular platform recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024.
Received a grant from the Gates Foundation to develop an antibody therapeutics platform for improving global access to lifesaving drugs.
Completed construction of pilot facilities at Emeryville HQ, unlocking 200-liter production capacity—the world’s largest optogenetics scale to date.
Produced the world’s first meatball grown with light, outperforming animal- and plant-based meatballs in blind taste tests.
TIME recognizes Prolific Machines’ photomolecular platform as one of the Best Inventions of 2024.
Article in Grow Everything about Prolific’s approach to using light for cellular control.