Leipzig-based biotech start-up Primogene GmbH has secured €4.1 million in funding to bring nature’s complex bioactive molecules to market at scale – with potential benefits for infant health

Founded in Leipzig in 2023, Primogene has pioneered an enzyme-based technology with which it can produce biomolecules that are identical to their natural counterparts. For example, the start-up has developed scalable processes for human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). These complex molecules play a vital role in infant nutrition, specifically for premature babies that rely on formula. They help protect against infections, support gut development, and shape a healthy microbiome. Baby formula typically contains only a few types of HMOs (and in lower amounts) than breast milk, since they are difficult to make at scale with existing methods like fermentation.

Primogene’s enzymatic platform solves the problem of producing these molecules sustainably, cost-efficiently, and at industrial scale. Their proprietary technology extends well beyond infant nutrition, with the company serving markets from adult health to pharmaceutical raw materials and personal care. The new capital will be used to expand Primogene’s IP portfolio, strategic partnerships, and production capacities. The seed round is led by High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), with additional support from Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen (TGFS), better ventures, Sächsische Beteiligungsgesellschaft (SBG), Golzern Holding GmbH, FS Life Science Investment GmbH, and Dr. Marc Struhalla (founder and CEO of c-LEcta GmbH).

Find out more at: primogene.bio