What Curi Bio does

Curi Bio (formerly NanoSurface Biomedical) is a Seattle-based preclinical biotechnology company founded in 2015 that has built the Curi Engine, an integrated platform combining human iPSC-derived cell models, tissue-specific biosystems, and AI/ML-enabled phenotypic data analytics to support drug safety, efficacy, and potency testing for pharmaceutical R&D. The company's core technical architecture is three-pronged: proprietary human stem cell inputs (MantaReady skeletal muscle myoblasts in wild-type and isogenic DMD lines, ComboMat-matured hiPSC cardiomyocytes using a proprietary microRNA cocktail, plus Celogics iPSC-derived cell products); a portfolio of biosystem instruments (Mantarray for label-free, non-optical, magnetic 3D tissue contractility measurement of up to 24 parallel tissues, Nautilai/Nautilai Plus for voltage and calcium imaging, Stingray for tissue stimulation and maturation, Cytostretcher for biomimetic mechanical strain, and NanoSurface 96/384-well plates for structural maturation); and the Pulse cloud analytics platform with PhenoLearn (deep-learning phenotype modeling) and PhenoTox (FDA-validated predictive safety pharmacology) modules acquired from Dana Solutions.

Curi Bio's business model is anchored in enterprise sales to global pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical R&D, with the company publicly stating that all of the top-10 global pharmaceutical companies are among its clients, customers, or partners. Revenue is generated through instrument and hardware sales (Mantarray, Nautilai, Cytostretcher), recurring consumables (NanoSurface plates, MantaReady cells and media, Celogics cardiomyocytes), fee-for-service Curi Engine contracts for compound profiling, assay/model development, and AI-enabled phenotypic screening, and subscription-based Pulse analytics. All pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; commercial motion is sales-led with 'Request a Quote' CTAs, supplemented by strategic co-development and channel partnerships.

Curi Bio has executed a multi-year capital strategy combining equity ($6M Series A led by Dynamk Capital in March 2021, oversubscribed to $10M total in December 2021, and a $10M Series B led by Seoul-based DreamCIS in December 2025) with over $12M in cumulative non-dilutive NIH SBIR funding. Distribution and geographic reach are extended via the October 2021 Celogics joint venture with South Korea-based NEXEL for iPSC cell production, the January 2026 full acquisition of Quvit Bio establishing Curi Bio Co., Ltd. as an Asia-Pacific hub serving South Korea, Japan, and China, and co-commercialization partnerships with Battelle (Neuromuscular Junction assays, March 2026), Novoheart (Pulse + hvCoC integration, December 2024), and Cook MyoSite (April 2025). Proprietary technologies are protected by 19 patents, including exclusive University of Washington licenses for Mantarray and ComboMat, and the company was ranked #123 (and #18 of 70 life sciences companies) on Deloitte's 2024 Technology Fast 500.

Name

Curi Bio

Legal name

Curi Bio, Inc.

Website

https://curibio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Curi Bio is a Seattle-based preclinical biotech founded in 2015 that provides an integrated platform combining human iPSC-derived cell models, tissue biosystems, and AI/ML analytics to support drug safety, efficacy, and potency testing for global pharmaceutical R&D customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Preclinical Drug Discovery Platforms

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

AI/ML-Enabled Biologic Discovery Platforms (computational design, in silico screening) (HLAAAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

In Vitro Model Systems & Organoid Platforms (iPSC/organoids, microphysiological systems) (HLAAAIAJ)

Keywords

• IPSC-derived tissue models
• Preclinical drug discovery
• 3D engineered tissues
• Contractility analysis platforms
• AI-enabled phenotypic screening

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Instrument & Hardware Sales: One-time and capital sale of bioscience instruments and platforms including Mantarray, Nautilai, Nautilai Plus, Stingray, and Cytostretcher, paired with multiwell consumable plates and ongoing service contracts.
2. Consumables & Biological Products: Recurring revenue from cells, media, and plates (NanoSurface 96/384-well plates, MantaReady myoblasts, MantaReady Skeletal Muscle Media, cardiac media, metabolic media, Celogics Celo.Cardiomyocytes) sold as standalone catalog products or as kits.
3. Curi Engine™ Custom Research Services: Fee-for-service contracts and partnerships leveraging the Curi Engine, including compound profiling/screening, assay/model development, A.I.-enabled phenotype screening studies, and customized endpoints for pharmaceutical customers.
4. Software / Data Analytics (Pulse): Cloud-based Pulse analytics platform offered for high-throughput waveform and video analysis of contractility datasets, with integrations to instruments like Novoheart's hvCoC; positioned as turnkey analytics pipeline.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Curi Bio develops, manufactures, and sells an integrated preclinical drug discovery platform (the Curi Engine™) that combines human iPSC-derived cell and disease models (cardiac, skeletal muscle, neuromuscular), proprietary 3D tissue biosystems (Mantarray contractility, NanoSurface plates, ComboMat maturation, Stingray, Nautilai, Cytostretcher), biological consumables (MantaReady cells and media, Celogics Celo.Cardiomyocytes, MYBPC3 HCM lines), and the Pulse™ cloud AI/ML analytics platform. The company also offers Curi Engine™ fee-for-service contract research for compound screening, assay development, and phenotypic safety/efficacy/potency studies to pharmaceutical and biotech customers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Mantarray: Proprietary label-free, non-optical, electromagnetic platform for parallel analysis of up to 24 3D engineered muscle tissues (EMTs) for drug discovery.
• Mantarray Mini Plates
• Nautilai
• Nautilai Plus
• Stingray
• NanoSurface
• Cytostretcher
• ComboMat
• Pulse
• MantaReady
• Celogics
• Curi Engine

Products and services

• Mantarray™ 3D Tissue Contractility Analysis Platform Proprietary biosystem platform that uses a label-free, non-optical, electromagnetic measurement system to directly assess contractility of up to 24 parallel iPSC-derived 3D engineered muscle tissues simultaneously, enabling discovery, safety, and efficacy testing of new therapeutics across cardiac and skeletal muscle applications. Sold to pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic customers.
• Mantarray Mini Plates Latest addition to the 3D Engineered Tissue Ecosystem; reduces biological material requirements for 3D engineered tissues while maintaining full compatibility with Mantarray and Nautilai platforms, addressing cell sourcing challenges and enabling cost-effective higher-throughput studies.
• Nautilai™ Voltage & Calcium Imaging Biosystem platform for voltage and calcium imaging of 3D engineered tissues, enabling fluorescence-based functional analyses of iPSC-derived cardiac and skeletal muscle constructs.
• Nautilai Plus™ 3D Tissue Contractility and Fluorescence at Scale Scales 3D tissue contractility and fluorescence imaging capabilities, extending the Nautilai platform for higher-throughput functional analyses of engineered tissues.
• Stingray™ Stimulation and Maturation of 3D Engineered Tissues Biosystem platform for stimulation and maturation of 3D engineered tissues, enabling electrical/mechanical conditioning to advance translational research with iPSC-derived tissues.
• NanoSurface™ Plates (96-well and 384-well) High-content imaging (HCI) plates providing a soft culture substrate that mimics the aligned architecture of the native extracellular matrix, promoting structural and functional maturation of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and skeletal muscle cells; available in 96-well and 384-well formats.
• Cytostretcher™ Cell Stretching Instruments Family of cell stretching systems (Cytostretcher and Cytostretcher-LV) that apply biomimetic mechanical strain to cells and tissues on bench-top, incubator, or optical microscope setups for in vitro mechanical stimulation studies.
• Pulse™ High-throughput Waveform and Video Analysis Cloud-enabled data analytics platform combining machine learning, high-throughput data processing, and intuitive visualization tools to streamline functional analyses of complex biological datasets from human-relevant 3D and 2D models, including PhenoLearn™ deep learning and PhenoTox™ predictive safety pharmacology modules.
• ComboMat™ Cardiomyocyte Maturation Platform Combinatorial maturation platform that leverages NanoSurface™ technology, media factors, and a proprietary microRNA (miR) cocktail to synergistically advance the maturation of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes for predictive safety screening and disease modeling.
• MantaReady™ iPSC-Derived Skeletal Muscle Myoblasts Quality-controlled, high-density cryopreserved iPSC-derived skeletal muscle myoblasts in wild type and isogenic DMD lines, paired with MantaReady Skeletal Muscle Medium to support 3D engineered muscle tissues in culture for months.
• MantaReady™ 3D Skeletal Muscle Tissue Media Proprietary serum-free media optimized for 3D engineered skeletal muscle tissue experiments, available as Primary and iPSC skeletal muscle media kits (differentiation + maintenance formulas) supporting long-term tissue culture.
• Celogics Celo.Cardiomyocytes (iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes) High-quality iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes distributed via the Celogics joint venture between Curi Bio and NEXEL for use in drug discovery and safety testing by pharmaceutical and biotech customers.
• MYBPC3 HCM Cardiomyocytes (isogenic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy model) Isogenic iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte line carrying the MYBPC3 mutation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy disease modeling and drug discovery.
• Curi Engine™ Custom Research Services Fee-for-service contract research leveraging the Curi Engine, including compound profiling/screening, assay/model development, AI-enabled phenotype screening studies, and customized endpoints for pharmaceutical customers across cardiac, skeletal muscle, and neuromuscular disease areas.
• Novoheart MyHeart™ hvCoC Integration with Pulse™ Analytics Integrated offering combining Novoheart's MyHeart™ hvCoC cardiac organoid chamber with Curi Bio's Pulse cloud analytics, enabling biopharmaceutical researchers to analyze cardiac organoid data for drug development and disease modeling.
• Battelle–Curi Bio Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ) Assay Technology Next-generation animal-free neuromuscular junction (NMJ) assay technology co-commercialized with Battelle, combining Curi Bio's 3D NMJ microphysiological systems with Battelle's GLP-ready infrastructure to replace mouse lethality bioassays for Botulinum neurotoxin potency testing and drug development.
• Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ) Model iPSC-derived neuromuscular junction model used for animal-free BoNT potency testing and neuromuscular drug discovery.
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Disease Model iPSC-derived 3D Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) tissue model built from MantaReady isogenic DMD lines for translational and preclinical DMD research.

Quantifiable outcome

• Selected for 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 with rank #123 (#18 of 70 life sciences companies), based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth 2020–2023.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• BattelleflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 March 2026Strategic partnership to commercialize next-generation Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ) assay technology. Combines Curi Bio's human-relevant 3D tissue microphysiological systems with Battelle's GLP-ready infrastructure to provide pharmaceutical researchers with functional, animal-free alternatives for BoNT potency testing and drug development. Positions to capitalize on FDA Non-Animal Models guidance and NIH's $150M commitment to human-relevant alternatives.
• Quvit BiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 January 2026Fully acquired by Curi Bio to establish Curi Bio Co., Ltd. as wholly-owned South Korea subsidiary and APAC commercial/operational hub; integrates Quvit Bio's assets and team to reduce international logistics delays for cells, media, hardware, and consumables across South Korea, Japan, and China. Dr. Wonil Lee appointed VP of research and commercialization.
• Cook MyoSitecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2025Strategic partnership announced via press release for combined muscle and cell therapy capabilities in drug discovery and regenerative medicine (referenced via press release title in Curi Bio news index).
• NovoheartcoreTechnology or Integration · 19 December 2024Technology integration and joint commercialization: integration of Novoheart's MyHeart™ human ventricular cardiac organoid chamber (hvCoC, 'Human Heart-in-a-Jar') into Curi Bio's Pulse analytics platform. Enables Novoheart customers to analyze hvCoC data directly in Curi Bio's cloud-based Pulse platform, expanding predictive power of cardiac drug screening and disease modeling.
• Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)minorOthers · 18 September 2024Donated Mantarray™ instrument installed at MCRI in Melbourne, Australia with support from the Gillin Boys Foundation, to advance Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and other muscle disease research. Curi Bio, MCRI, and Gillin Boys Foundation entered into ongoing partnership.
• Gillin Boys FoundationminorOthers · 18 September 2024Australian nonprofit that raised a quarter of a million dollars for muscle research in 18 months; co-partner with Curi Bio and MCRI to bring Mantarray technology to Melbourne for DMD and muscle disease research. Chris Gillin, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, is co-founder; a quote from Chris is engraved on the Mantarray instrument, which is coloured gold in honour of the partnership.
• BioMed RealtycoreOthers · 22 August 2024Real estate partner; Curi Bio signed seven-year lease for 13,942 sq ft Class-A lab space at BioMed Realty's 201 Elliott Avenue West in Seattle, with grand opening April 3, 2025. BioMed Realty operates eight properties in the Seattle area.
• GenetoxcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 February 2024MOU signed with DreamCIS for strategic collaboration on 3D Neuromuscular Junction Model for Botox Potency Assay; partnership focuses on developing animal-free potency assays for Botulinum neurotoxin (Botox) using human-relevant 3D NMJ models.
• University of Washington (Dr. Jeffrey S. Chamberlain and Dr. David L. Mack)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 August 2023Long-standing research collaboration with University of Washington investigators, including Dr. Jeffrey S. Chamberlain (DMD therapies pioneer) and Dr. David L. Mack (neuromuscular diseases, iPSC, and whole-animal models). UW exclusively licenses Mantarray and ComboMat intellectual property to Curi Bio. Joint work on 3D DMD mouse and human models and Botulinum neurotoxin potency assays with Dr. Alec Smith and Dr. David Mack.
• U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) — NCATS and FDAcoreOthers · 23 August 2023Grant-funded collaborations via two SBIR grants totaling $4.4M from NIH (August 2023); supports 3D Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) model and 3D neuromuscular junction model for potency assays, including applications for Botox. Project performed in conjunction with FDA and NCATS.
• NEXELflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 October 2021Joint venture to form Celogics, a Seattle-based company developing and commercializing high-quality iPSC-derived cell products (Cardiosight®-S cardiomyocytes, Hepatosight®-S, Neurosight®-S) for drug discovery and safety testing. Celogics serves as major strategic entry for NEXEL into the US market (~50% of global stem cell market).
• Dana SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 July 2020Curi Bio acquired Dana Solutions (July 2020), a pioneer in AI/ML for in vitro cell-based assays. Through the acquisition Curi gained access to PhenoLearn™ (deep learning for cell/tissue phenotypes), Pulse™ (contractility analysis), and PhenoTox™ (predictive safety pharmacology), and continues an FDA validation project previously funded via HESI.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Ncardia: Ncardia develops and commercializes iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, neurons, and other cell types for preclinical drug discovery and safety testing. It is one of Curi Bio's closest pure-play iPSC competitors, with overlapping pharma customer base and disease modeling applications.
• FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics: FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics is a long-established iPSC-derived cell provider (iCell cardiomyocytes, neurons, hepatocytes) serving pharmaceutical drug discovery and safety screening. It competes directly with Curi Bio's MantaReady myoblasts and Celogics cardiomyocyte product lines.
• Novoheart: Novoheart develops human ventricular cardiac organoid chambers (hvCoC, "Human Heart-in-a-Jar") for cardiac drug development and disease modeling. It is both a direct peer in cardiac preclinical modeling and a commercial integration partner of Curi Bio's Pulse analytics platform.

Emerging players

• bit.bio: bit.bio uses a proprietary iPSC reprogramming technology (opti-ox) to produce defined human cell types at scale for research and drug discovery. It is an emerging iPSC peer with overlapping pharma customer use cases around disease modeling and safety pharmacology.
• InSphero: InSphero provides 3D microtissue (organoid) models and assay platforms for drug discovery and safety testing. It overlaps with Curi Bio's 3D engineered tissue and disease modeling franchise, particularly in metabolic and liver applications.
• Axol Bioscience: Axol Bioscience supplies iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, neurons, and other cell types for disease modeling and drug discovery. It competes with Curi Bio's MantaReady and Celogics iPSC product lines in research-grade disease modeling.

Broad incumbents

• Charles River Laboratories: Charles River Laboratories is a global preclinical CRO with safety pharmacology, cell-based assay, and iPSC-derived services embedded in broader drug development contracts. It competes with Curi Bio on safety and efficacy screening, with the advantage of bundled enterprise deals.
• Lonza: Lonza is a global CDMO and cell therapy manufacturer with growing iPSC-derived cell products and preclinical services. It competes with Curi Bio across both cell product supply and broader preclinical services for large pharma.
• Eurofins Scientific: Eurofins is a global testing and preclinical services group with cell-based assay, safety pharmacology, and bioanalytical capabilities. It competes with Curi Bio on outsourced preclinical testing, especially for European pharma customers.

Others

• StemCell Technologies: StemCell Technologies supplies cell culture media, reagents, and primary/iPSC-derived cells supporting stem cell and organoid research. It is an enabling supplier/adjacent player rather than a direct competitor, often used alongside Curi Bio's platforms in pharma R&D workflows.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/curi_bio
• Facebookfacebook.com/curibio
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/curibio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors5 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A3 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Curi Bio