Mosquitoes Beware: NuFund Invests in Synvect’s Groundbreaking CRISPR Solution
SAN DIEGO, CA – September 06, 2024 – NuFund Venture Group is thrilled to announce its recent investment in Synvect, a startup that is leading the charge in eradicating mosquitoes and blocking transmission of mosquito-borne diseases through revolutionary bioengineering solutions. This strategic investment is part of a broader funding round supporting Synvect’s mission to harness CRISPR technology for eco-friendly, sustainable, and scalable mosquito control. The move aligns with NuFund’s commitment to backing disruptive, high-impact innovations in biotech and public health.
Synvect has developed a pioneering approach to mosquito control by making male mosquitoes sterile and female mosquitoes incapable of flight, effectively reducing populations of dangerous mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti. This species is responsible for the transmission of deadly diseases like Dengue, Zika, Yellow Fever, and Chikungunya, which affect billions worldwide.
“We’re excited to back Synvect as they transform the landscape of mosquito-borne disease prevention,” said Akash Pai, Deal Lead and NuFund Member who advocated for the investment. “Their groundbreaking technology is precisely the kind of innovation that aligns with our vision of supporting startups that are not only disruptive but have the potential to make a profound global impact.”
A Breakthrough in Mosquito Control
At the heart of Synvect’s technology is next-generation Sterile Insect Technique (ngSIT), a method that leverages CRISPR gene knockout to produce sex-sorted and sterile male mosquitoes from eggs released into the environment. Only female mosquitoes bite and transmit diseases. Synvect’s sterile males mate with wild female mosquitoes and suppress wild populations. The company’s innovative egg-based distribution model makes their solution cost-effective and scalable compared to traditional methods, which have struggled with high costs and inefficiencies.
The company has already raised over $22 million in funding from prominent organizations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, DARPA, USDA, and NIH, and is eight months into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval process.
Local Impact and Global Reach
While mosquito-borne diseases are often associated with regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, Synvect’s technology is designed for both global and local applications. The company’s target mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti, have become invasive in regions like Southern California, where they are commonly known as “ankle-biter” mosquitoes. Synvect’s solution not only mitigates the spread of diseases but also offers relief from mosquito bites, making it an attractive alternative to traditional pesticides.
“By eliminating female mosquitoes through our process, we are offering a product that can replace toxic pesticides, providing safer, eco-friendly, and yet cost-efficient and effective mosquito control solutions,” said Nikolay Kandul, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Synvect. “Our mission is to deliver accessible and sustainable mosquito control to communities globally, whether it’s preventing bites in U.S. backyards or combating deadly diseases in tropical regions.”
A Vision for the Future
With regulatory approval anticipated in the coming years, Synvect plans to begin pilot programs as early as 2025, followed by a full-scale global launch. The company’s technology platform is also adaptable to other insect vectors, opening up new opportunities for large-scale pest control.
As part of this investment, NuFund will support Synvect’s commercialization efforts and expand its reach to private landowners, local mosquito control boards, and government entities seeking effective mosquito population suppression solutions.
About Synvect
Founded in 2022, Synvect is a UC San Diego spin-out dedicated to eradicating mosquito-borne diseases through CRISPR-based solutions. The company has developed an innovative bioengineering platform that integrates CRISPR technology with traditional Sterile Insect Techniques to create safe, eco-friendly, scalable, and effective mosquito control methods. For more information visit Synvect Website.
About NuFund Venture Group
NuFund Venture Group represents a new wave of angel investors, pioneering a novel fund model focused on emerging technology leaders. NuFund was formerly known as Tech Coast Angels – San Diego (TCA-SD), and the organization is one of the largest, most active, and most successful early-stage investor groups over the past 20+ years. We continually strive to foster a culture that is friendly, innovative, engaging, rewarding, and fun for all stakeholders. For more information, please visit NuFund Website.