UPTEC startup secures 500,000 euros funding

Corium Biotech, a startup incubated at UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of University of Porto, has received a new investment of 500,000 euros to transform the future of luxury materials. The pre-seed investment round is led by Biotope by VIB and Portugal Ventures.

This investment will allow Corium Biotech to continue its innovative work in cellular agriculture, enabling the further development of lab-grown exotic leather. With sustainability at its core, Corium Biotech aims to offer an ethical, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible bespoke new material without compromising quality, durability, aesthetic appeal, and uniqueness.

“We are thrilled to have the support of such important investors to take the next big step in advancing our technology,” says Maria João Maia, CEO and co-founder of Corium Biotech. “This funding will be key to accelerating our R&D efforts and bringing our lab-grown sustainable exotic leather to market. We are excited to push the boundaries of biotechnology and redefine the future of luxury materials,” concludes Margot Muller, co-founder of Corium Biotech.

Anne Helfer, startup support manager at Biotope by VIB, says “we are delighted to add Corium Biotech to our portfolio and support them as they thrive to create impact in the fashion industry”, while Teresa Fiúza, Executive Vice-President of Portugal Ventures, is pleased to “follow Corium’s success from the beginning and be a part of one more step of its growth”.

The funding will confirm our scale-up strategy, enhance the development of new lab-grown exotic leather variants, and expand the team with top talent in biotechnology and materials science. The company also plans to begin partnerships with high-end fashion brands and designers who want to incorporate sustainable materials into their collections.

In 2021, Portugal Ventures, through Call INNOV-ID, had already invested 100,000 euros in the UPTEC startup. Corium Biotech has received a new investment of half a million euros – led by Biotope by VIB and Portugal Ventures – to continue growing sustainability in the luxury fashion industry.