Approach

01 /
Cure
genetic diseases

Stopping genetic diseases before they progress could prevent chronic suffering and give each of us the chance to live a full and healthy life.

The Challenge
There are over 10,000 monogenic human diseases. [1] One in every 50 people is affected by a single-gene disorder like sickle cell anemia. [2] Some genetic diseases are life-threatening, while others can cause severe health problems that significantly reduce quality of life.

Our Approach
We seek out platform-based solutions that could intervene at the gene level, with the aim to prevent metabolic diseases, degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, and blindness. We invest in companies working on breakthrough approaches, like using artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock 4 billion years’ worth of microbial evolution data and enable gene editing systems that would provide curative therapies. [3]

Ethics & Society
While genetic therapies hold vast potential to prevent or cure disease and ensure healthier lives, they raise difficult questions about where disease prevention ends, and augmentation begins. A lack of understanding and disinformation about genetic medicine and gene editing threatens the tremendous benefits society could achieve if these biotechnologies are handled responsibly. We believe greater public awareness of the perils and potential of genetic therapies is essential to make sure it is used to achieve equitable outcomes and uphold our highest values.

Category: health

Companies adressing this Leap:

[1] There are approx. over 10,000 human diseases that are known to be monogenic.
who.int

[2] 1 in 50 people is affected by a single-gene disorder, such as sickle-cell anemia.
wikipedia.org

[3] Metagenomi is working to reveal novel gene-editing systems that could treat uncurable genetic diseases. They are building an
expanded gene-editing toolbox, using artificial intelligence to unlock data from 4 billion years of microbial evolution.
metagenomi.co

02 /
Provide
sustainable organ and tissue replacement

Cell and gene therapies hold tremendous promise to restore health, reverse the course of degenerative diseases and prevent organ failure.

The Challenge
Most heart tissue, brain and nerve cells can’t regenerate themselves, neither can irreversibly damaged organs. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide [1] and approximately 550,000 US citizens are diagnosed with heart failure annually. [2] There are an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people [3] waiting for a donor organ globally, due to present-day organ supply shortage. Multiple genetic factors make it even more difficult to match an organ donor with a patient. [4]

Our Approach
Starting with one of the first Leaps investments, we continue to see great promise in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a platform with the potential to address a range of indications. We invest in companies that aim to overcome the virology and immunology obstacles and use xenotransplantation to create a sustainable supply of organs. We invest in companies working to restore heart muscles damaged by a heart attack, or neurons lost to Parkinson’s disease. Other companies leverage gene circuit technology that could optimize a range of cell and gene therapies or use AI and machine learning to combat fibrosis.

Ethics & Society
Regenerative cell technology could also prevent aging or generate muscle tissue in athletes and, in the extreme, fundamentally change humans. There is a line between using these technologies for therapeutic treatments versus human enhancement. We must carefully monitor how these technologies are evolving, ensuring equitable access and a clear curative focus.

Category: health

Companies adressing this Leap:

[1] Heart diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide.
ourworldindata.org

[2] 550,000 US citizens are diagnosed with heart failure.
emoryhealthcare.org

[3] It is estimated that there are between 1.5 to 2 million people on organ transplant waitlists globally.
repository.uchastings.edu pages 511-512

[4] Organ compatibility also complicates matters, as there are multiple genetic factors that make it difficult to match an organ donor with a patient.
nfb.org

03 /
Reduce
environmental impact of agriculture

From carbon sequestration to reducing land and water usage, innovation has the power to transform modern agriculture.

The Challenge
More than ever, we need to shift the paradigm in food production, moving from ‘more to better’ on a global scale. Agriculture currently consumes 50% of habitable land [1] and 70% of the earth’s fresh water [2] Plants naturally sequester carbon, so in theory, crop farming should be carbon negative; but significant disruption is needed to make agriculture a force in the fight against climate change.

Our Approach
We invest in companies that are driving a shift from ‘more to better’ in agriculture. This means better use of land and resources, more impactful sustainability practices, and better solutions for the diverse needs of people and our planet. We invest in companies that empower vertical farming, increasing access to produce in our cities while reducing the land [3] and fresh water [4] needed to grow it. Some of our portfolio companies engineer soil microbiomes, where nitrogen fixation technology could reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizer and the greenhouse gasses it generates. [5] Other companies innovate and develop cover crops that reduce tillage to advance precision farming and carbon sequestration. We seek out partners whose disruptive business approach yields better outcomes for people and the planet.

Ethics & Society
Everyone can agree that there is a need to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture but not everyone agrees on how. For example, innovations such as genetically modified crops could be further leveraged to make modern agriculture dramatically more sustainable but only if public misconceptions are addressed, and new solutions are communicated with full transparency.

Category: agriculture

Companies adressing this Leap:

[1] As a consequence of deforestation, 50% of the global habitable land is now being used for agriculture. In addition, 78% of ocean and freshwater pollution is caused by agriculture.
ourworldindata.org

[2] 70% of global freshwater is used for agricultural purposes.
worldbank.org

[3] Vertical farming uses only 10% of the land compared to conventional farming.
news.climate.columbia.edu

[4] Vertical farming requires 90% less water, compared to conventional farming.
eitfood.eu

[5] If JoynBio is successful at engineering the soil microbiome to achieve nitrogen fixation, we could dramatically reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizer, and the 3% of global annual greenhouse gases it generates.
joynbio.com

04 /
Prevent
and cure cancer

Biotechnology that leverages the immune system and other emerging platforms could make huge strides in the fight against cancer.

The Challenge
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. In developed nations, [1] 1 in 2 adults is at risk for developing it. [2] Current diagnostic methods lack the ability to provide early detection or predict the development of cancer, and treatments lack the ability to cure post metastasis.

Our Approach
We invest in companies working on important breakthroughs, like developing cell and gene-based therapies that could cure some of the most resistant cancers instead of simply putting them into remission. Others are working with next-generation immunotherapies that could make off-the-shelf cures possible and more accessible.

Ethics & Society
How can we ensure that next-generation cancer therapies are made accessible to the largest possible number of patients? We see it as our responsibility to not only work towards delivering breakthrough, curative therapies, but also supporting platforms that can reduce the cost curve. If cancer vaccines are developed, will people take them? The World Health Organization lists vaccine hesitancy as a top ten threat to global health [3] and the global pandemic seems to prove this. Skepticism could derail even something as groundbreaking as a cancer cure.

Category: health

Companies adressing this Leap:

[1] Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally.
who.int

[2] In developed nations like the US and UK, nearly 1 in 2 adults risk developing cancer.
www.cancer.org

[3] who.int

05 /
Protect
brain and mind

Neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease along with mental health disorders represent a massive and growing unmet need with no simple solutions available.

The Challenge
Mental health disorders and neurodevelopmental/neurodegenerative diseases affect more than 1 billion people globally and cause 7% of all burden of disease. [1] Depression and anxiety disorders can cause a stronger loss of individual wellbeing (or WALYs) than diabetes or stroke. [2] Therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and dementia have seen little progress in decades, with no disease-modifying therapies available today. The gap between need and treatment of mental health is wide all over the world. In some countries, up to 85% of people suffering from mental disorders remain untreated. [3]

Our Approach
We invest in companies building new technology toolboxes with the aspiration of reversing degenerative and developmental neurological diseases and regaining mental health. Advances in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have shown early promise in addressing Parkinson’s disease—a Leaps company (BlueRock Therapeutics) launched its first Phase 1 trial in this area in 2021. Researchers are beginning to untangle complex systems, like the 40 trillion microorganisms that comprise the human microbiome, and establish linkages between gut health, the immune system, and the brain (gut-immune-brain axis). Through these advances, they aim to build live biotherapeutic products for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, depression, autism, and other conditions.

Ethics & Society
Understanding mental health diseases, their cause, prevalence, and impact is a huge challenge—both from a societal and scientific perspective. Many current treatment options provide only limited relief, let alone a cure, proving the efficacy of new treatments is complex, and seeking treatment itself is stigmatized.

Category: health

Companies adressing this Leap:

[1] More than 1 billion people globally are affected by mental and addictive disorders, causing 7% of all burden of disease.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[2] Depression and anxiety disorders can cause a stronger loss of individual wellbeing (or WALYs) than diabetes or stroke
WALY report, short version, page 8

[3] Up to 85% of people suffering from mental disorders remain untreated
who.int

06 /
Reverse
autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation

Systematically addressing autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation could enable lives free of pain, disease management, and life-threatening conditions.

The Challenge
Autoimmune diseases are chronic, presently incurable and some cause severe, life-threatening conditions It is estimated that about 5-8% of the population is affected by autoimmune diseases. [1] In addition, chronic inflammatory diseases have been recognized as the most significant cause of death in the world today, with more than 50% of all deaths [2] being attributable to inflammation-related diseases. Both conditions have one thing in common: the immune system.

Our Approach
We invest in companies working to address systemic chronic inflammation by analyzing biomarkers and developing individual therapies to improve immune health. We explore new technologies that enable targeted regulation of the immune system or retrain T-cells to work with other immune cells, with the goal of permanently reversing autoimmune diseases.

Ethics & Society
The intricacies of the immune system are still poorly understood, so the impact of new therapies can be hard to thoroughly assess. Biotech solutions that include methods like gene editing could be met with concern and skepticism.

Category: health

Companies adressing this Leap:

[1] About 5-8% of the population is affected by Autoimmune diseases, the overwhelming majority are women.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[2] More than 50% of all deaths can be linked to chronic inflammatory diseases.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

07 /
Provide
next generation healthy crops

The Green Revolution lifted millions out of starvation, yet new approaches are needed to provide comprehensive nutrition at a global scale.

The Challenge
Modern agricultural systems have been skewed to focus on producing enough calories for a burgeoning population, leading to optimization of just a handful of crops. Even in wealthy nations like the US, more than 90% of adults don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables [1] —high cost and access are key drivers. Poor diet is responsible for more deaths than any other risk factor in the world. [2] In Asia, food safety is a major concern. [3] Agriculture today faces a monumental challenge—to dramatically increase the quality, diversity, accessibility, safety, and nutrition of the food we grow while reducing the use of land, water, and other inputs.

Our Approach
We invest in companies developing next-generation breeding tools that could produce crops that are more nutritious and flavorful, stay fresh longer, and increase access to fresh produce. Other investments could increase the accessibility of foods for everyone. For example, by removing their allergenicity or sensitivity (e.g. gluten). We look for transformational new technologies that help ensure we not only feed but holistically nourish a global population, enabling people to live healthier lives.

Ethics & Society
In the US, consumer mistrust of GMOs is at an all-time high. [4] Even newer techniques like CRISPR and other gene-editing tools, which do not combine genes from different organisms, could fall under complex legal classifications and public misconception, further hampering adoption. A global dialogue is needed between scientists, growers, and eaters to ensure that novel crops are developed with respect for diverse food cultures and growing traditions and that consumers can trust what they eat.

Category: agriculture

Companies adressing this Leap:

[1] 90% adults don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables.
cdc.gov

[2] Poor diet is responsible for more deaths than any other risk factor in the world.
sciencedaily.com

[3] In Asia, food safety is a major concern.
foodnavigator-asia.com

[4] In the US, consumer mistrust of GM foods is at an all-time high.
pewresearch.com

08 /
Develop
sustainable protein supply

Nourishing a global population will require new approaches to sustain both a healthy planet and healthy people.

The Challenge
According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), there are more than 19 billion chickens, 1.4 billion cattle and 1 billion pigs and sheep [1] that require 80% of the world’s available agricultural land. [2] 36% of the world’s crop calories are used for animal feed, [3] and livestock contribute 14.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions—more than fuel consumption in transportation. [4]

Our Approach
From plant-based innovation to next-gen biotech, we seek out solutions that can deliver high-quality proteins for billions, while using a fraction of the resources required today. We invest in companies that seek to scale the production of cultured meat and other novel protein sources, replicating the flavor, texture, and nutrition of traditional meat, while dramatically reducing its environmental footprint.

Ethics & Society
Are consumers ready for meat grown from cultured cells, not from whole animals? Even considering the enormous environmental benefits, will people reject these products out of fear? The demand for ‘natural’, whole foods continues to grow, prompting an honest, transparent dialogue about how today’s food system works, how new technology can make it better, and where risk could arise.

Category: agriculture

Companies adressing this Leap:

[1] According to the FAO, more than 19 billion chickens, 1.4 billion cattle and 1 billion pigs and sheep are currently being farmed for the meat industry worldwide.
weforum.org

[2] Of the approximately 5 billion hectares of agricultural land available worldwide, about 80 percent is used for animal husbandry alone.
wwf.de

[3] We investigated crop allocations both in terms of calorie content and protein content. We find that on a global basis, crops grown for direct human consumption represent 67% of global crop production (by mass), 55% of global calorie production, and 40% of global plant protein production (table 2). Feed crops represent 24% of global crop production by mass. However since feed crops like maize, soybeans, and oilseed meal are dense in both calories and protein content, feed crops represent 36% of global calorie production and 53% of global plant protein production. Together crops used for industrial uses, including biofuels, make up 9% of crops by mass, 9% by calorie content, and 7% of total plant protein production
iopscience.iop.org

[4] epa.gov, fao.org

09 /
Prevent
crop and food loss

A pandemic, climate volatility, and an increasingly long and complex supply chain expose the fragility of our global food system and the need for resilience.

The Challenge
Drought, freezing temperatures and other extreme weather events are becoming increasingly severe and unpredictable. Soil is under growing pressure to nurture the crops that feed the world. About 1/3 of food is wasted before it’s even eaten or sold. [1] The global pandemic has shed light on the increasingly long and complex chain that supplies our food. There is a growing need for technologies that can help growers worldwide manage their farm and soil for long-term health so that their land can consistently produce today and in the future. Better systems are needed to bring farmers closer to consumers and shorten the distance that food travels, reducing the financial and environmental costs of food spoilage.

Our Approach
We invest in companies that leverage digital intelligence, synthetic biology, and regenerative agriculture practices to restore soil health, securing short and long-term crop yield, and farmland health. We seek out data-driven systems that could provide predictive insights and optimization to everyone, not just for the largest farms in the wealthiest nations. We invest in digital business models that could link farmers to markets in an agile way; increasing consumer access, building trust, crop traceability, and pricing transparency, which could lead to reducing food loss. Digital services could safeguard farmer livelihoods, increase access to better tools, and provide security to the communities they feed.

Ethics & Society
Just as consumers are increasingly aware of how their social media and digital footprint can be used to their disadvantage by governments and corporations, farmers too are wary of how their farm data could be used. It is our responsibility to work with NGOs, governments, and societal stakeholders to critically examine emerging digital business models and prioritize safeguards, not simply accepting an optimistic promise.

Category: agriculture

Companies adressing this Leap:

[1] fao.org

10 /
Transform
health with data

From wearable devices to artificial intelligence to protein modeling, digital technology is sparking a revolution in medicine.

The Challenge
Digital tools are transforming everything from diagnosis to treatment to drug discovery and beyond. Sensors proliferate in our phones, cars, and public spaces. Digital health records are becoming more commonplace. The ability to build predictive and personal computational models to dramatically improve human health is increasingly tangible. But currently, the application of these technologies is often scattershot, overhyped, and underdelivered.

Our Approach
We invest in companies at the intersection of biology and technology that are laying the groundwork for predictive, preventative, and curative medicine. We are excited by companies whose competitive advantage comes from a unique way of blending computational tools, wet lab science, and hardware engineering toward making impactful medicines. Digital solutions tend to come from innovation in one of three places: (i) novel, purpose-built biological data inputs; (ii) new computational methods for interrogating data; or (iii) differentiated ways of applying actionable insights. We aim to partner with any approach that we believe will accelerate and/or improve the path to new therapeutic or consumer-facing interventions.

Ethics & Society
As technology seeps into every part of our lives, there is significant skepticism and distrust of widespread data gathering. We must be careful in distinguishing actionable health data from social media-like surveillance of our personal lives. The process of how we engage with ethical questions is as important as the outcomes, truly listening to the voices of diverse people and interest groups.

Category: health

Companies adressing this Leap:

Breaking through the impossible

Health: From treatment to cure / prevention

Agriculture: From more to better

For the long term,we need to think big

In an increasingly convergent world, there is no innovation without collaboration.

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Growing knowledgethrough collaboration

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Return for humanity

10 leaps. 10 huge challenges.

01 /Cure genetic diseases

Video title

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02 /Provide sustainable organ and tissue replacement

03 /Reduceenvironmental impact of agriculture

Video title

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04 /Prevent and cure cancer

05 /Protect brain and mind

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06 /Reverse autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation

07 /Provide next-generation healthy crops

Video title

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08 /Develop sustainable protein supply

09 /Prevent crop and food loss

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10 /Transform health with data

Leap 01

01 /Cure genetic diseases

Video title

02 /Provide sustainable organ and tissue replacement

Leap 01

03 /Reduce environmental impact of agriculture

Leap 01

04 /Prevent and cure cancer

Video title

05 /Protect brain and mind

Leap 01

06 /Reverse autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation

Video title

07 /Provide next generation healthy crops

Leap 01

08 /Develop sustainable protein supply

Video title

09 /Prevent crop and food loss

Video title

10 /Transform health with data

Breaking through
the impossible

Health:
From treatment to cure / prevention

Agriculture:
From more to better

For the long term,
we need to think big

Growing knowledge
through collaboration

Return
for humanity

10 leaps.
10 huge challenges.

01 /
Cure
genetic diseases

02 /
Provide
sustainable organ and tissue replacement

03 /
Reduce
environmental impact of agriculture

04 /
Prevent
and cure cancer

05 /
Protect
brain and mind

06 /
Reverse
autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation

07 /
Provide
next-generation healthy crops

08 /
Develop
sustainable protein supply

09 /
Prevent
crop and food loss

10 /
Transform
health with data

01 /
Cure
genetic diseases

02 /
Provide
sustainable organ and tissue replacement

03 /
Reduce
environmental impact of agriculture

04 /
Prevent
and cure cancer

05 /
Protect
brain and mind

06 /
Reverse
autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation

07 /
Provide
next generation healthy crops

08 /
Develop
sustainable protein supply

09 /
Prevent
crop and food loss

10 /
Transform
health with data