DNA is the information molecule for life. The production of genomic DNA is key to unlocking the full potential of synthetic biology. Our long-term vision is simple: create a DNA synthesis platform capable of manufacturing genomes on-demand.
Nuclera is developing a next-generation DNA synthesis and automation platform based on engineered terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferases (TdT) to enable the production of gene and genome libraries. Our TdT enzymes are proven to quantitatively incorporate a wide variety of reversibly terminating nucleotide triphosphates of all four nucleobases. We are the only enzymatic DNA synthesis company capable of sequence-specific oligonucleotide production.
Founder and CTO
Michael has nine years experience in academic research, from nucleic acid chemistry to protein expression and crystallography, resulting in seven published papers. Alongside a key role in protein engineering and technology development, he ensures Nuclera's scientific strategy serves its business strategy. Michael holds a BSc in Chemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge.
Founder and CCO
A molecular biologist by trade, Jiahao has coordinated multi-national collaborative projects and experienced first hand the limitations of the current provision of DNA. This intimate knowledge of user requirements enable him to guide Nuclera's commercial operations towards creating the right product for the right market. Jiahao holds a BSc from the University of California, Berkeley, and a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Cambridge.
Founder and CSO
Originally a synthetic chemist before moving into chemical biology, Gordon has extensive experience in applying chemical methodology to solve a wide range of problems. He is passionate about developing Nuclera's next-generation synthesis platform, to enable exciting new lines of research in the life sciences. Gordon holds an MSci in Natural Sciences and a PhD in Chemistry, both from the University of Cambridge.
George Church is Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and Director of PersonalGenomes.org, which provides the world's only open-access information on human Genomic, Environmental & Trait data (GET). His 1984 Harvard PhD included the first methods for direct genome sequencing, molecular multiplexing & barcoding. These led to the first genome sequence (pathogen, Helicobacter pylori) in 1994 . His innovations have contributed to nearly all "next generation" DNA sequencing methods and companies (CGI-BGI, Life, Illumina, Nanopore). This plus his lab's work on chip-DNA-synthesis, gene editing and stem cell engineering resulted in founding additional application-based companies spanning fields of medical diagnostics & synthetic biology / therapeutics ( Joule, Gen9, Editas, Egenesis, enEvolv, WarpDrive ). He has also pioneered new privacy, biosafety, ELSI, environmental & biosecurity policies. He is director of an IARPA BRAIN Project and NIH Center for Excellence in Genomic Science. His honors include election to NAS & NAE & Franklin Bower Laureate for Achievement in Science. He has coauthored 453 papers, 105 patent publications & one book (Regenesis).
