Bridging discovery and investment.
Funding the gap between the lab and the market.
Promising university science often stalls after early research grants run out and before investors are ready to commit. Y-BIO is an independent foundation that closes that gap with non-dilutive funding for focused, milestone-driven projects.
Every funded team works with a dedicated Y-BIO liaison for intellectual property, business and legal questions, and industry introductions, so the science reaches a proof of concept investors can act on.
What's in the name
Biological Innovation Opportunity
The "Bio" in Y-BIO stands for Biological Innovation Opportunity. We fund promising ideas from across the life sciences, from medicine to agriculture, research tools and beyond, that aim to reach the market and make a lasting difference for humankind.
How Y-BIO supports your work
Funding, hands-on guidance, and a community of people who have built careers in the life sciences. All aimed at moving your science toward the market.
The Bridge Award
Needs-based grants for faculty–trainee teams at partner institutions, paid in milestone-linked tranches.
- Projects of up to 24 months
- Paid 50/40/10 against one midpoint milestone
- No equity, IP or licensing share
Hands-on support
Every funded team works with a dedicated Y-BIO liaison from kickoff to proof of concept.
- A kickoff to define success
- Quarterly check-ins with your liaison
- Help with IP, customer discovery and pitches
Donors and liaisons
Y-BIO is supported by people who have succeeded in the life sciences and choose to give back.
- Fund the next generation of bioinnovation
- Mentor teams or serve as a liaison
- Partner with Y-BIO on future cycles
Contact
Questions about eligibility, the application or getting involved? Send us a note and we will get back to you.