1849 bio
YC S24San Francisco, US · Founded 2024 · 3 employees · 3 known investors
1849 bio engineers microorganisms to make metal extraction from low-grade copper and gold ores economically viable for mining operations. The company applies advanced bioengineering techniques to develop microbes capable of processing ore types that existing biomining processes cannot handle, targeting the hundreds of billions of dollars in copper currently considered uneconomical to extract.
Advanced ManufacturingBiotechClimate TechHard TechSynthetic BiologyClimateMiningUnited States of AmericaAmerica / Canada
Founders & leadership· Y Combinator alumni (S24)
1849 bio was founded in 2024 by Jai Padmakumar and Yongjin Park.
JP
Jai PadmakumarinCo-FounderHe studied microbiology and applied mathematics at the University of Washington and earned a PhD from MIT in synthetic biology. Prior to 1849 bio, he co-founded another startup while in graduate school and led its early scientific work.
YP
Yongjin ParkinFounder, CSOHe holds a degree in chemical engineering from KAIST and a PhD in biological engineering from MIT, where he developed technology for engineered probiotics in clinical development. He has worked in biotech roles focused on microbial product development.
Investors · 3
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Frequently asked questions
- What does 1849 bio do?
- 1849 bio engineers microorganisms to make metal extraction from low-grade copper and gold ores economically viable for mining operations. The company applies advanced bioengineering techniques to develop microbes capable of processing ore types that existing biomining processes cannot handle, targeting the hundreds of billions of dollars in copper currently considered uneconomical to extract.
- Who founded 1849 bio?
- 1849 bio was founded by Jai Padmakumar, Yongjin Park in 2024.
- Who are 1849 bio's investors?
- 1849 bio's investors include SBXi, Sunna Ventures, Y Combinator.
- Where is 1849 bio headquartered?
- 1849 bio is headquartered in San Francisco, US.