Food safety and contamination incidents have become critical concerns for manufacturers, leading to significant financial and reputational risks. With conventional microbiological tests often requiring extended timeframes for results, industries reliant on strict quality control are seeking faster alternatives. Spore.Bio, a microbiology testing startup, aims to address these concerns with its on-site, AI-powered testing technology. By securing $23 million in Series A funding, the company is positioning itself to scale operations and deploy its rapid testing solutions more broadly across food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.
Previous investments in microbiological detection technologies have primarily focused on laboratory-based methods that require samples to be sent off-site, delaying results and increasing costs. Spore.Bio differentiates itself by offering real-time analysis directly within manufacturing environments. Its recent acquisition of Greentropism, a competitor specializing in similar technology, further strengthens its expertise and intellectual property portfolio. The company’s partnership with the Pasteur Institute also enhances its research capabilities, allowing access to valuable microbiological databases.
How Does Spore.Bio’s Technology Work?
The company has developed an AI-driven device that measures bacterial concentrations in products such as food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Unlike conventional tests that can take several days to yield results, this system provides near-instant insights, allowing manufacturers to respond to contamination risks more rapidly. Paired with a digital dashboard, the device offers continuous monitoring and enhanced traceability for manufacturers.
Who Is Behind Spore.Bio’s Growth?
Founded in 2023, the company is led by CEO Amine Raji, a former Nestlé engineer who identified inefficiencies in traditional microbiological testing firsthand. Chief Technology Officer Maxime Mistretta, a microbiology specialist from the Pasteur Institute, contributes scientific expertise, while Chief Operating Officer Mohamed Tazi brings business management experience from his previous venture, Gymlib. Their combined experience has accelerated the development and validation of Spore.Bio’s testing system, with early prototypes already deployed in factory settings.
Spore.Bio plans to expand its workforce from 25 to 50 in 2025, focusing on industrial-scale production and commercial rollout. The company’s funding round included contributions from Point 72 Ventures, 1st Kind Ventures, and LocalGlobe, among others. Investors see potential in the technology’s ability to streamline testing across multiple industries, reducing reliance on external laboratories.
“AI is nice for chatbots and LLMs, but some amazing, niche applications are paving the way of deep changes in certain industries, especially science-related industries. We are proud of being an example of it, while having developed in only one year our proprietary AI-based technology that manages to do what existing technologies couldn’t for two centuries. We will keep on fighting to pursue our one and only goal: make every consumer product safe all around the world using our technology.”
The company’s expansion aligns with a broader industry shift toward automation and rapid-response quality control methods. With increasing regulatory scrutiny and rising costs associated with product recalls, companies are looking for more efficient ways to detect contamination. Spore.Bio’s approach integrates AI and machine learning to improve the accuracy and speed of microbiological testing, offering a potential solution to these pressing concerns.
As industries continue to emphasize safety and efficiency, advancements like Spore.Bio’s rapid testing device could play a crucial role in improving quality assurance. Traditional methods requiring lengthy off-site analysis may become less viable as real-time monitoring technologies gain traction. While the company still faces challenges in scaling production and ensuring widespread adoption, its funding and strategic partnerships indicate confidence in its ability to meet market demands. The success of Spore.Bio’s technology will ultimately depend on its ability to integrate seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes while maintaining reliability and regulatory compliance.
