Cardinal Biocraft

Based in Menlo Park, California, Cardinal Biocraft operates at the intersection of synthetic biology, machine learning, and automation to advance the biomanufacturing of molecules. The company's core activity involves engineering microbes to serve as cellular factories, enabling the rapid prototyping and scalable production of various compounds. Their approach is structured around a three-step process: understanding microbial cells, rewiring their genetic pathways, and ultimately, producing desired molecules within these cells.

The company's platform integrates algorithm-assisted design of enzymes and pathways with efficient genetic part assembly, genome editing, and high-throughput screening. This technological fusion allows for the creation of optimized microbial strains for specific manufacturing purposes. Cardinal Biocraft is comprised of a multidisciplinary team that includes machine learning engineers, synthetic biologists, and bioinformaticians. The business model centers on leveraging this proprietary platform to develop and deliver custom microbial strains for clients, likely within the pharmaceutical, chemical, or agricultural sectors, who seek sustainable and efficient production methods.

Many of the team's specialists have ties to Keio University's Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), a prominent Japanese research institute known for its work in cutting-edge biotechnologies. The IAB focuses on comprehensively measuring and analyzing cellular activity to apply findings across medical, environmental, and food sciences, aligning with Cardinal Biocraft's mission. This connection suggests a foundation built on deep academic research and expertise in metabolomics and systems biology. Job postings indicate a hands-on, collaborative environment where scientists and engineers work together to meet project timelines for strain delivery. The process involves a range of molecular biology techniques, microbial cultivation, and data analysis to refine their engineered organisms.

Keywords: synthetic biology, biomanufacturing, microbial engineering, machine learning, automation, enzyme design, pathway engineering, genome editing, high-throughput screening, metabolic engineering, cellular factories, sustainable manufacturing, microbe engineering, bioinformatics, molecular biology, Keio University, bio-manufacturing, sustainable chemistry, genetic engineering, strain development, cell factory