WT Faba Catalyst: Bridging Science and Business in Life Sciences WT Faba Catalyst, a pioneering initiative of the ‘Whale Tank FABA Life Science Fund’, is redefining how Indian innovation in life sciences reaches global markets. Born from the vision of seasoned veterans and mission-driven leaders, it provides not just capital—but clarity, confidence, and capability—to life science startups poised to transform human health, agriculture, and nutrition. With ‘strategic partnerships’ that already include Revelations Biotech’, ‘ATGC Biotech’, and ‘Utopia Therapeutics’, Whale Tank has become a cornerstone of support for startups navigating the demanding path from the lab bench to the marketplace. **Our Origin Story: Built by Experts, For Innovators** Whale Tank was founded by a group of **industry veterans** with a shared mission: **to resolve the systemic challenges faced by deep-science startups** in India and the global South. From their work in pharma, agritech, biotech, and venture capital, these leaders understood a core reality—**innovation alone isn’t enough**. Scientific breakthroughs often stall due to fragmented business planning, unclear market access, and limited investor guidance. To change this narrative, Whale Tank was established as a **science-first catalyst** with business-savvy DNA, offering tailored support to help life sciences ventures scale impact and unlock commercial potential. — ### **Strategic Partnerships that Amplify Innovation** Whale Tank doesn’t just fund ideas—it backs missions. Our growing portfolio features strategic collaborations with: #### **Revelations Biotech** An innovative force in **natural sweeteners and prebiotics**, Revelations is redefining food and nutrition science with cutting-edge products like **Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)**, **Brazzein**, and **Allulose**. Whale Tank invested $2 million in this high-growth venture, facilitating: – Global partnerships with **Kellogg’s**, **PepsiCo**, **Nestlé**, **Britannia**, and **Unilever** – Scale-up of production infrastructure (fermentation and spray-drying facilities) – Market penetration across **North America**, **Europe**, and **Asia-Pacific** Revelations reflects Whale Tank’s belief that **science-driven startups can reshape public health, when supported with strategic capital and mentorship**. #### **ATGC Biotech** As a biotechnology pioneer in **sustainable agriculture and pest management**, ATGC has developed eco-friendly technologies that improve crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Under the leadership of **Dr. Markandeya Gorantla** and **Rolando Alegria**, ATGC: – Specializes in bio-rational solutions using behavioral ecology using pheromone based mating disruption technology – Has filed multiple patents and gained regulatory approvals – Has scaled distribution through private sector and public procurement models Whale Tank and ATGC share a common DNA: commitment to **science-backed sustainability** and **farm-to-fork innovation**. #### **Utopia Therapeutics** Founded by **Dr. Uday Saxena**, Utopia is a drug discovery and therapeutics startup with a focus on **neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders**. Utopia’s leadership—rooted in big pharma —guides startups in navigating clinical validation, regulatory frameworks. Whale Tank’s synergy with Utopia provides its portfolio companies with strategic insights into **drug development lifecycles**, **FDA compliance**, and **venture pathways. — ### **Mission-Driven Investment Philosophy** At its core, **Whale Tank is a catalyst, not just a fund**. Our mission is to: – **Fuel Innovation** through strategic, milestone-based capital – **Bridge Science and Business** with real-world execution models – **Accelerate Commercialization** across agriculture, biotech, diagnostics, and therapeutics – **Empower Indian Science** by building platforms for global impact We understand that scientific excellence must be matched with **business discipline** and **market readiness**—so we provide both. — ### **Our Values: The Whale Tank Ethos** Our approach is guided by unwavering principles that reflect our commitment to lasting impact: #### Integrity as a Foundation of Trust We uphold the highest standards of transparency and ethical governance, ensuring alignment between founders, investors, and stakeholders. #### Collaboration for Greater Innovation We believe that breakthrough ideas flourish in collaborative ecosystems. Whale Tank connects innovators with world-class mentors, global partners, and technical experts to foster innovation at scale. #### Commitment to Continuous Improvement The life sciences landscape evolves fast—and so do we. From regulatory updates to tech advancements, we equip our portfolio with the latest tools to stay competitive and compliant. — ### **Our Differentiators: The Whale Tank Advantage** Whale Tank delivers a full-spectrum support model that integrates: | Service | Description | |——–|————-| | **Visionary Capital** | Flexible seed and Series A funding, aligned to product-market readiness | | **Mentorship Network** | Access to 50+ domain experts in biotech, drug development, clinical trials, and regulatory science | | **Business Alchemy** | Go-to-market, licensing, pricing, and distribution support | | **IP & Legal Advisory** | End-to-end guidance on patents, exclusivity, and data rights | | **Infrastructure Scaling** | Support for facility design, tech transfer, and manufacturing scale-up | | **Exit Strategy Navigation** | IPO prep, M&A, and secondary share sale pathways | This framework has empowered startups to **reduce time-to-market**, **attract global partners**, and **build sustainable revenue models**. — ### **Governance, Structure & Investor Value** ### **Impact Snapshot: Delivering Results that Matter** Beyond numbers, our true impact is in lives touched, diseases addressed, and ecosystems enhanced. Whether it’s **healthy nutrition**, **sustainable farming**, or **precision medicine**, Whale Tank empowers science that serves society. — ### **Vision for the Future: Scaling Science for Global Good** Whale Tank is now building a **pipeline of next-gen ventures** across: – **Synthetic Biology** – **Microbiome Therapeutics** – **Agricultural Biocontrols** – **Climate-Resilient Crop Technologies** – **Affordable Diagnostics and Functional Foods** Our goal is to create **India’s first science-forward unicorns** that are not just financially successful—but mission-aligned and globally relevant. — ### **Join the Movement: Let’s Build the Future of Life Sciences** We invite researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to partner with us. Whether you’re developing the next sugar alternative, breakthrough therapy, or agricultural bioinnovation—**Whale Tank will help you get there.** For partnerships and investment inquiries, contact: **Dr. Jagadeesh Gandla** Chief Operating Officer, Whale Tank FABA Life Science Fund **info@whaletank.in** — **WT Faba Catalyst isn’t just a fund. It’s a movement.** A movement to **empower ideas**, **bridge discovery with delivery**, and **build India’s life sciences future**—one transformative startup at a time. Let’s catalyze the change.
TAMASERV GmbH
TAMASERV is dedicated to advancing scientific research through developing and providing cutting-edge tools around RNA modifications. Our expertise lies in epitransriptomic solutions for RNA-based applications, supporting biotech and academics in unlocking new frontiers in molecular biology. With a strong commitment to precision and efficiency, we collaborate with partners around the globe to enhance RNA research and therapeutic developments. Expanding our vision, we have recently launched an ambitious crop yield improvement project. Leveraging our RNA modification expertise we are taking a dive into agricultural productivity and resilience. Recent high-profile research suggests that specific RNA modifications can serve as molecular predictors of crop resilience and yield. By integrating these insights with advanced analytics, we aim to develop novel strategies for improving agricultural products, particularly in regions with changing climate conditions. Partner with us in shaping the next generation of biotechnological advancements through unlocking the potential of RNA Modifications.
SigutLabs s.r.o.
SigutLabs, a contract research organization (CRO) located in Prague, Czech Republic, helps businesses from small start-ups to pharmaceutical giants overcome their chemistry challenges. Our agile PhD chemists specialize in custom synthesis, scale-up, and contract research across organic, bioorganic, and medicinal chemistry, with a focus on nucleotide and nucleoside chemistry, ADC linkers, and advanced applications. We excel at developing novel synthetic routes for undescribed compounds and custom synthesis of known molecules, also offering dedicated FTE chemists. We have a lean team of up to 10 employees with every chemist holding a PhD degree, which is an industry-leading scientific staff ratio. All our experts studied at prestigious universities and have extensive experience in organic and medicinal chemistry from top international institutions. Our cutting-edge labs prioritize a sustainable future with eco-friendly practices and invest in top-tier equipment to handle your most complex projects. Products from our inventory are available for purchase through our e-shop, ensuring super-fast and secure delivery worldwide. Founded in 2011, SigutLabs has grown from a small lab to a partner of choice for leading pharmaceutical and Silicon Valley companies. We played a major role in the fight against COVID-19 by developing a new synthetic pathway of remdesivir for research in just four months, and were recognized for our achievements with the 2023 Company of the Year award (Central Bohemia region). Fueled by a vision to build on the legacy of Czech chemistry, exemplified by Prof. Antonín Holý and his groundbreaking molecule tenofovir, we aim to re-establish the Czech Republic’s position on the global chemistry map. We can tackle your toughest challenges with our team’s diverse chemistry experience, including: ADC linkers Heterocyclic chemistry Palladium-catalyzed reactions Organometallic chemistry Nucleoside/nucleotide chemistry Fluorine chemistry Photochemistry Supramolecular chemistry Total synthesis of natural products Modification of enzyme substrates/inhibitors Visit our website at www.sigutlabs.com to see how SigutLabs frees hands, saves costs, and accelerates your projects with our outsourced chemistry expertise. Follow us on LinkedIn to see the latest news. | x
Setsuro Tech Inc.
Setsuro Tech Inc. is a biotech startup that originated from Tokushima University and was founded in 2017. The company’s mission is to “create industries that solve your and the planet’s problems by harnessing from the potential of living organisms”. Our company provides innovative genome editing technology and contributes to the advancement of industry and human health and well-being. We use proprietary technologies to provide contract genome editing R&D services to researchers in academia and industry. Our goal is to provide genome-edited organisms broadly available to society and to advance the genome editing industry. The name of our service, PAGEs, stands for Platform App(lication) using Genome Editing by Setsuro Tech. We named it with the idea that “genome editing will add new pages to all industries worldwide and bring about a revolution in the genome editing industry”. With PAGEs, Setsuro Tech’s genome editing technology can be used to develop new traits in a wide range of species and produce useful and valuable substances. Regardless of the size of the company or the scope of the business or industry, Setsuro Tech’s PAGEs are creating breakthroughs in current production systems and providing solutions to social and environmental problems.
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University is a Tier 1 research university offering a full range of degrees in Engineering, Biotechnology, Agriculture and Medicine | Oklahoma State University is a land grant institution, focused on improving our quality of life by bringing new technologies, processes, research, and medicines to the marketplace. OSU is showcasing several technologies that are at the right stage for partnering at BIO International. Cowboy Enterprises is the orange-plated, premium conduit for Industry and Oklahoma State University engagement. Meeting needs for research, technology transfer, lab & research facilities, research park, as well as mutually beneficial collaborations, Cowboy Enterprises would like to show you how OSU Orange is the answer. Our mission runs parallel with that of Oklahoma State University’s land grant mission of taking university research from “CAMPUS TO COMMUNITY”. Collaborating with research Cowboy Innovations and OSU’s researchers to identify technologies that have commercial interest and viability, and progress them to later stages of development that will meet market needs. The College of Veterinary Medicine is a major research center on campus. We have invested in state of the art laboratory facilities to accomplish our mission of service to companion animal, livestock, and human health and well-being. These laboratories are designed to the highest standards for conduct of infectious disease and toxicology research and meet all federal and state regulatory guidelines. OSU-CHS Tulsa (Center for Health Sciences) has just brought on-line a new facility that is centrally managed for FDA Clinical Trials (non-ontological). OSU-CHS has conducted clinical trials since the early 2000’s with an average of 10 to 15 clinical trials a year. Over the last four years, there have been a total of 16 FDA-regulated clinical trials. It is important to note that the clinical trials range in time frame from 1 to 15 years (thus overlapping between the years for the total number of trials). The OSU-CHS clinical trials unit supports clinical trial operations for our investigators in Tulsa, within our outpatient clinical practice areas. Active clinical trials include Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Internal Medicine specialty services (Ryan White Center). Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases (OCRID) OCRID is a focal point for expanding respiratory infectious disease research in Oklahoma. OCRID engages in critical research on respiratory infectious diseases with a focus on the influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and respiratory bacterial and fungal infections, and now COVID-19. The interdisciplinary projects in OCRID cover therapeutics, vaccine, diagnostics, disease pathogenesis, nutrition, and bioengineering. OCRID provides training and mentoring to junior faculty and the next-generation of scientists, promotes collaboration among scientists throughout the region, recruits new faculty to member institutions, and strengthens biomedical research infrastructure. Institute for Translational and Emerging Research in Advanced Comparative Therapy (INTERACT) Located in the College of Veterinary Medicine, INTERACT leads the one-health mission of OSU by bringing together clinicians, scientists and researchers involved in fundamental discovery, industry and foundations under one roof. INTERACT is endowed with state-of-the art research and clinical infrastructure, and dedicated personnel. We are currently running several clinical trials. We welcome researchers from across the nation to collaborate and participate in our preclinical projects or clinical trials. The Center for Health Systems Innovation (CHSI) creates solutions to transform patient care with an intensive focus on rural primary care and communities. We design, test, and implement solutions to clearly defined problems in rural primary care clinics and hospital settings. Additionally, CHSI focuses on mental health and its impact on outcomes. The National Center for Wellness and Recovery (NCWR), part of Oklahoma State University Center for Health Services, is a leading medical educator and healthcare provider. Our vision is to eliminate addiction through research and excellence in patient care. The NCWR is looking for partners to advance the treatment and prevention of addiction along with innovative therapies for pain. Rural healthcare providers face patients with more chronic diseases than other populations of the same age. Therefore, we focus on the following diseases: Heart disease, Stroke, Hypertension, Diabetes, Respiratory, and Addiction. Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute (HPNRI) Oklahoma State University is harnessing the university’s cutting-edge research expertise in human performance and nutrition science, coupling it with advanced knowledge from our elite strength and conditioning staff and leveraging it with leading industry partner relationships to create a first-of-its-kind, university-based research institute. Oklahoma Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (OADDL) Promoting the overall well-being of animal health through veterinary diagnostic testing, instruction of professional students, and research in diseases of economic importance to Oklahoma and beyond. National Center for Veterinary Parasitology Launched in 2009, the National Center for Veterinary Parasitology (NCVP) at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is helping carry the fight against parasites and vectors, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and the organisms they transmit. These foes attack humans, animals and our food supply. The National Center for Veterinary Parasitology is the only one of its kind and began with the financial backing of the Kirkpatrick Foundation, Novartis Animal Health, Bayer Animal Health and Merial. Since many of these parasites are zoonotic and can cause disease in people, so identifying and treating the infections are particularly important. The center also provides egg per gram counts for horses and cattle, allowing veterinarians to tailor integrated parasite management programs and monitor treatment effectiveness. Comparative Metabolic Lab The Comparative Metabolism laboratory investigates glucose metabolism during metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes, insulin resistance and obesity) and novel metabolic therapeutic strategies that could benefit both veterinary and human patients. Diabetes and obesity, global epidemic diseases, are significant risk factors for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. One of the major pathogenic processes underlying these metabolic diseases results from a deficit of insulin production or action, with dysfunctional glucose uptake into insulin-sensitive tissues. Core Facilities Genomics and Proteomics Center: Providing DNA and Protein sequencing and genomic and proteomic analyses across the campus. DNA Protein Core Facility: The Facility performs specialized biochemical analysis, manages a battery of multi-user equipment including mass spec, provides technical expertise, and vends specialized biochemicals, to analyze structure and function of DNA and proteins. Oklahoma Statewide Shared Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility: NMR is an extremely versatile and robust spectroscopic method for studies of biomolecules in solution. Indeed, this is the only spectroscopic technique that provides detailed structural and dynamic information of a biomolecule in its native environment. The Facility allows users including faculty members, post-doctoral scientists, graduate and undergraduate students in all major academic institutions, 4-year undergraduate colleges as well as scientists working in industries in Oklahoma and the surrounding region (Kansas and Texas) to conduct research investigations. We welcome scientists from all parts of the country to take advantage of this state-of-the-art facility.
LigniLabs GmbH
LigniLabs is a spin-off from the Max Planck Institute For Polymer Research in Mainz which develops and produces new solutions in the field of bio-based encapsulation of active substances in the biopolymer lignin for targeted drug delivery and drug release in plants. LigniLabs enables the first bio-based micro- and nano-encapsulation of cargos in the wood’s own component lignin. Encapsulation in lignin makes it possible for the first time to reach pathogens in plants and release active substances via an enzymatic biosignal release mechanism, making previously incurable plant diseases curable. In addition, numerous other cargos such as fertilizers, attractants, repellents, flame retardants, dyes or enzymes can be successfully encapsulated, whereby different release mechanisms such as diffusion, temperature, pH value or enzymes can be used.
LABORATORIOS CASASCO
Laboratorios Casasco is a pharmaceutical manufacturing company headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was founded in 1876, making it one of the country’s oldest pharmaceutical companies. Our mission is to advance global health and well-being by developing pharmaceutical products of the highest quality, grounded in scientific excellence and ethical integrity. Our portfolio includes cardiovascular health, Urology, Neurology and psychiatry, Immunology, Endocrinology (e.g., diabetes), Anti-infectives, Gastrointestinal treatments, Women’s health, and preventive medicine. Born in the 19th century, walked along the 20th century, and entered the 21st century as an enduring Argentine endeavor through the centuries.
INDIA PAVILION
Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises – ABLE is a not-for-profit pan-India forum that represents the Indian Biotechnology Sector. It was launched in April 2003, after industry leaders felt a need to form an exclusive forum to represent the Indian Biotechnology Sector. ABLE has over 400 members from all across India representing all verticals of the sector like Agribiotech, Bio-pharma, Industrial biotech, Bioinformatics, Investment banks and Venture Capital firms, leading Research and Academic Institutes and Law Firms and Equipment Suppliers. The primary focus of ABLE is to accelerate the pace of growth of the Biotechnology sector in India, through partnering with the Government in their biotechnology initiatives to deliver optimal policies and create a positive regulatory environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and investment in the sector, providing a platform for domestic and overseas companies to explore collaboration and partnerships, forging stronger links between academia and industry and showcasing the strengths of the Indian biotech sector. | Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises – ABLE is a not-for-profit pan-India forum that represents the Indian Biotechnology Sector. It was launched in April 2003, after industry leaders felt a need to form an exclusive forum to represent the Indian Biotechnology Sector. ABLE has over 400 members from all across India representing all verticals of the sector like Agribiotech, Bio-pharma, Industrial biotech, Bioinformatics, Investment banks and Venture Capital firms, leading Research and Academic Institutes and Law Firms and Equipment Suppliers. The primary focus of ABLE is to accelerate the pace of growth of the Biotechnology sector in India, through partnering with the Government in their biotechnology initiatives to deliver optimal policies and create a positive regulatory environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and investment in the sector, providing a platform for domestic and overseas companies to explore collaboration and partnerships, forging stronger links between academia and industry and showcasing the strengths of the Indian biotech sector. ABLE showcases India’s biotech sector through events like BioEconomy Conclave, Voice for BT public speaking contest, brings out India BioEconomy Report, BioEconomy Reports for states like Karnataka and sets up the India Pavilion at the BIO International event in the USA annually. ABLE Council of Presidents, that comprises of all past presidents of the organization, provides valuable inputs for the growth of the Biotech business ecosystem, leveraging their multi-sectoral expertise. ABLE thus catalyses a symbiotic interface between the industry, the government, academic and research institutes and domestic and international investors. | Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises – ABLE is a not-for-profit pan-India forum that represents the Indian Biotechnology Sector. It was launched in April 2003, after industry leaders felt a need to form an exclusive forum to represent the Indian Biotechnology Sector. ABLE has over 400 members from all across India representing all verticals of the sector like Agribiotech, Bio-pharma, Industrial biotech, Bioinformatics, Investment banks and Venture Capital firms, leading Research and Academic Institutes and Law Firms and Equipment Suppliers. The primary focus of ABLE is to accelerate the pace of growth of the Biotechnology sector in India, through partnering with the Government in their biotechnology initiatives to deliver optimal policies and create a positive regulatory environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and investment in the sector, providing a platform for domestic and overseas companies to explore collaboration and partnerships, forging stronger links between academia and industry and showcasing the strengths of the Indian biotech sector. ABLE showcases India’s biotech sector through events like BioEconomy Conclave, Voice for BT public speaking contest, brings out India BioEconomy Report, BioEconomy Reports for states like Karnataka and sets up the India Pavilion at the BIO International event in the USA annually. | Stop by the booth to learn more! | Government of India/Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has established the Cruise Bharat Mission Secretariat under the aegis of the Indian Ports Association. Cruise Bharat Mission focuses on three cruise segments- Ocean & Harbour Cruise, River & Inland Cruise and Island Cruise.
BIO3S Co., Ltd
BIO3S Co., Ltd. is a biotechnology company specializing in antiviral solutions and specimen collection systems. With proprietary plant-derived virus-binding technologies, BIO3S develops products that ensure safe hygiene and accurate diagnostics, including the NORO-X Foaming Hand Soap and OralMax® Oral Specimen Collection Kit. BIO3S is a trusted supplier to public institutions and is expanding into digital healthcare. Virus-Binding Protein Technology for Hygiene and Diagnostics – BIO3S’s Dual Application in Hand Hygiene and Oral Diagnostics At the heart of BIO3S’s innovation lies its proprietary virus-binding lectin protein, extracted from sword beans (Canavalia gladiate), which demonstrates strong affinity for viral surface proteins. This powerful natural compound serves as the foundation for two of BIO3S’s flagship products: the NORO-X Foaming Hand Soap and the OralMax® Oral Specimen Collection Kit—each tailored to a different phase of viral control, from prevention to detection.