Pioneer Laboratory is emerging as a groundbreaking startup, dedicated to pioneering the field of microbial engineering for the ambitious goal of Mars colonization and applications extending back to Earth. Founded approximately two years ago by the visionary minds of Devon Stork, PhD, and their co-founder, Pioneer Laboratory began with a simple yet profound question over coffee: Could we engineer a microbe capable of terraforming Mars?
This initial spark ignited a journey of discovery and innovation, rapidly expanding with the addition of a third co-founder, Una Nattermann, and connections with leading scientists globally, including Samantha “Pixie” Piszkiewicz, PhD, Nils Averesch, and Charles Cockell, alongside collaborations with DARPA’s B-SURE program. These collaborations underscore the significant interest and support in Pioneer Laboratory’s mission within the scientific community and beyond.
Pioneer Laboratory is deeply engaged in addressing a critical question: Why is biology, recognized as the ultimate green technology, underutilized in space science? Biology’s inherent capacity to recycle waste into essential resources like food, water, and air is perfectly suited for the closed-loop ecosystems required for space exploration. This capability is vital for establishing a true circular economy in space, moving away from resource-intensive and unsustainable practices.
Introducing Pioneer Laboratory signifies a pivotal step towards integrating biomanufacturing into space exploration and terrestrial applications. The startup is focused on engineering robust microbes that can thrive in the harsh conditions of space. By developing these resilient organisms, Pioneer Laboratory aims to revolutionize biomanufacturing, making it accessible, dependable, and environmentally friendly not only in space but also here on Earth. This dual focus highlights the broad applicability and potential impact of their work.
Are you passionate about contributing to the future of space exploration and sustainable technology? Pioneer Laboratory is expanding its team and actively hiring. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit their website to explore current openings and register for notifications about future positions. Located in Potrero Hill, San Francisco, Pioneer Laboratory offers an opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation.
Pioneer Laboratory operates as a nonprofit startup, generously supported by funding from the Astera Institute and serving as a pilot project of Align to Innovate. Many of the foundational concepts were nurtured at The Francis Crick Institute, highlighting a strong academic and research-driven background. The founders also extend their gratitude to Seemay Chou, Tom Kalil, Megan Blewett, and the broader network of nonprofit startups within Convergent Research, Homeworld Collective, Speculative Technologies, and FutureHouse for their invaluable advice and steadfast support in bringing Pioneer Laboratory’s vision to life.
