Singapore's Biotech Boom: 7 Startups Shaping the Industry in 2025.

Singapore’s journey toward becoming a global biotech powerhouse began in 2000, when it designated biomedical research as a strategic economic pillar under its National Biomedical Science Strategy. This vision took shape with the launch of Biopolis in 2003, a dedicated biomedical R&D hub. Two decades and billions of dollars in investment later, the city-state is now a major biotech hub in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in research and development, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, and commercial operations.

Although global firms play a key role in the local landscape, Singapore continues to cultivate homegrown biotech talent and startups. Powered by leading universities and research institutions, a dynamic wave of new biotech companies is emerging across the island. Here are seven standout biotech startups spearheading innovation in Singapore in 2025:

1. Albatroz Therapeutics:

Albatroz Therapeutics is developing therapeutic antibodies that target a novel protein complex involved in degrading the extracellular matrix (ECM)—a process implicated in solid tumors and arthritis. The target, discovered by CEO and scientific co-founder Fred Bard at A*STAR’s Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, becomes exposed following glycosylation and is uniquely activated in diseased tissue.

In April 2023, Albatroz secured $3 million in seed funding and became the first recipient of Amgen’s ‘Golden Ticket’ in Singapore, granting it free residency at NSG Biolabs. By August 2024, it joined Johnson & Johnson Innovation’s JLABS Singapore, further boosting its path toward clinical development.

2. Allozymes:

Synthetic biology startup Allozymes is revolutionizing enzyme development through microfluidics-based ultra-high-throughput screening. Capable of testing up to 10 million enzymes daily, its technology significantly accelerates the discovery of sustainable alternatives to polluting chemical manufacturing methods.

Allozymes collaborates with GenScript to provide enzyme screening services across industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. In May 2024, the company raised $15 million in Series A funding to support its expansion into Europe.

3. Engine Biosciences:

Engine Biosciences uses machine learning and high-throughput CRISPR biology to uncover genetic interactions in complex diseases. Its platforms—NetMAPPR and CombiGEM—enable rapid identification and validation of oncology targets and biomarkers.

The company’s oncology-focused pipeline includes one clinical-stage biomarker. In October 2023, Engine secured a $27 million Series A extension to further advance its therapeutic development efforts.

4. Gero:

Focused on longevity science, Gero aims to slow aging and address the root causes of chronic diseases. Its AI-powered platform, GERO.AI, analyzes real-world health data and exome sequences to uncover targets applicable to multiple conditions. Gero also offers GeroSense, a digital biomarker tool for tracking health changes via smartphone.

In early 2023, Gero entered a research partnership with Pfizer to identify targets for fibrotic diseases. Later that year, it raised $6 million in Series A extension funding to scale its research and expand its presence in the U.S.

5. Hummingbird Bioscience:

Hummingbird Bioscience is developing precision antibodies for cancer and autoimmune diseases using its Rational Antibody Discovery platform. Its lead candidate, HMBD-001, is a monoclonal antibody targeting HER3—a protein that promotes tumor growth and drug resistance.

HMBD-001 is undergoing phase 1/2a trials in the UK and phase 1b trials in Australia, with promising safety data released in October 2023. The company also formed a clinical collaboration with Merck in May 2023 to explore combination treatments in lung cancer.

6. KBP Biosciences:

KBP Biosciences operates a drug discovery platform focused on organ protection and anti-infection therapies. Its extensive compound library and proprietary processes have yielded promising clinical candidates. The company’s new lead candidate, Zifanocycline, is in phase 1 trials for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.

In October 2023, Novo Nordisk acquired KBP’s previous lead asset, ocedurenone, for up to $1.3 billion, despite halting its phase 3 trial due to unmet endpoints.

7. RVAC Medicines:

RVAC Medicines, with operations in Singapore, Boston, and Shanghai, is advancing mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics. In 2023, it received regulatory approval to begin trials on three COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. That same year, RVAC began a research partnership with the University of Pennsylvania to develop mRNA therapies for autoimmune and allergic diseases.

In June 2023, CEPI awarded RVAC up to $3 million to improve mRNA manufacturing efficiency. Most recently, in February 2024, RVAC teamed up with A*STAR to develop local mRNA manufacturing and analytics capabilities.

Looking Ahead:

Singapore’s robust research infrastructure, consistent public investment, and vibrant startup culture position it as a rising force in the global biotech landscape. With market projections estimating an annual growth rate of 8% and the number of biotech firms expected to increase from 52 to 84 by 2032, the country’s biotech scene is poised for continued expansion and impact on the world stage.

Source:https://www.labiotech.eu/best-biotech/biotech-companies-singapore/

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.