UK Forge Genetics Secures £2M Funding

The funding was provided by Midlands Engine Investment Fund II via its fund manager, Mercia Ventures. The company plans to use the capital to expand commercial development of bacterial strains for pharma and biotech, and adapt its gene-editing tool for human and animal cells.

Founded by Professor Nigel Minton, Dr. Chris Humphreys, and Dr. Craig Woods from the University of Nottingham, later joined by Dr. Lisa Thomas, Forge has created a novel gene-editing tool with advantages over CRISPR.

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Its precision increases bacterial cell survival, works across more strains, and may offer safer human cell editing by detecting and removing unwanted DNA mutations.

Forge has been using its gene-editing tool for contract research and, in under two years, has already secured over £2.2M in business. Based at the University of Nottingham, the company aims to grow its team from 10 to 20 within the next two years.

“Barnaby asks questions that so quickly get to the crux of the problem or opportunity and is immensely useful in clarifying my thinking on how to scale Forge Genetics” Says Dr Craig Woods CEO

Founded in 2023 Forge Genetics is a University of Nottingham spin-out specializing in advanced gene-editing technology. Its Forge Editing platform enables precise bacterial strain modification, bypasses CRISPR patents, and offers contract research and licensing opportunities, aiming to advance DNA-editing methods for the therapeutics and biotechnology markets.

About Forge Genetics

Forge Genetics is a biotech startup transforming gene editing with its proprietary technology, making precision genetics simpler. They provide tailored contract research services to help develop and modify bacterial strains for various applications.