Moving a biotechnology product from the lab toward commercial production requires more than a promising idea. For startups working with fermentation, one of the biggest technical hurdles can be making the transition from shaker-flask experiments to a controlled bioreactor process.
The CAP-BIO Acceleration Program at AgStart is designed to help startups make that transition.
Two high-potential companies will be selected for a one-year, no-cost residency at the Lab@AgStart in Woodland, California. Selected startups will receive laboratory resources, access to bioreactor equipment, technical support, and professional consulting to help advance their fermentation processes toward larger-scale production.
Applications are due Friday, October 30, 2026.
Move From Shaker-Flask to Bioreactor
A process that works at shaker-flask scale does not automatically translate to a bioreactor. The CAP-BIO Acceleration Program is designed for startups that have demonstrated a reproducible fermentation process and are ready to take the next step. Participants will transition their process to a 2-liter bench-scale bioreactor, where they can optimize key parameters and build the technical foundation needed for future pilot and commercial-scale production.
What Selected Startups Receive
Selected startups will receive a one-year, no-cost, non-dilutive residency at the Lab@AgStart, including a dedicated laboratory bench, bioanalytical tools, and access to 2-liter and 5-liter bioreactors. Participants will also have access to upstream and downstream equipment for preparation and purification, along with opportunities to connect and collaborate with other innovators and industry experts.
Get Technical Support for Your Scale-Up
Equipment is only part of the challenge. Selected startups will receive personalized professional consulting to help address the technical questions that emerge during scale-up. Support may include developing bioreactor transition strategies, evaluating and optimizing microbial strains, improving productivity and yield, and assessing important fermentation parameters such as pH, temperature, agitation, aeration, and nutrient availability.
The program will also help participating companies develop a structured roadmap for moving from bench-scale bioreactor production toward pilot-scale manufacturing.
Is Your Startup Ready to Apply?
The CAP-BIO Acceleration Program is for startups with a demonstrated, reproducible fermentation process at shaker-flask scale that are ready to transition to a 2-liter bench-scale bioreactor.
Applicants should have:
- A defined fermentation process with reproducible results
- Preliminary knowledge of key process parameters
- A clear target product and production goals
- Identified technical challenges related to scale-up
- Potential to scale toward pilot or commercial production
- A technical team member available to participate
- A BSL-1 compliant process suitable for AgStart’s facilities
Priority will be given to startups that have completed initial proof-of-concept work and are ready to optimize and validate their process in a controlled bioreactor environment.
Part of the CAP-BIO Initiative
The Capital Biomanufacturing Alliance, or CAP-BIO, is a regional initiative focused on accelerating the growth of the Capital Region’s biomanufacturing industry. Supported through California Jobs First, CAP-BIO connects commercialization and capital, production infrastructure, and workforce development. The broader goal is to help biomanufacturing companies start, grow, manufacture, and create jobs in the Capital Region.
The initiative is anchored by Valley Vision, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Sierra College, with support from regional organizations including AgStart, the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, UC Davis, the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Wexford Science & Technology, Capitol Impact, Los Rios Community College District, and others.
About AgStart
AgStart is a nonprofit organization supporting entrepreneurs across Northern California working in agriculture, food, and health innovation. Its Woodland-based Lab@AgStart provides entrepreneurs with specialized facilities and resources for cell biology, plant biology, microbiology, bio-fermentation, tissue culture, and general chemistry research.
Through its programs and facilities, AgStart connects entrepreneurs with education, mentorship, industry relationships, technical resources, and infrastructure designed to help move innovative technologies toward commercialization.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If your startup has a demonstrated, reproducible fermentation process at shaker-flask scale and is ready to move into controlled bioreactor production, the CAP-BIO Acceleration Program could provide the infrastructure and technical expertise needed to reach your next milestone.
With a one-year, no-cost, non-dilutive residency, specialized equipment, and hands-on technical support, selected companies can focus on solving critical scale-up challenges while preparing for future pilot and commercial production. Only two companies will be selected for the program. Applications are due Friday, October 30, 2026. Apply now to be considered.
Apply Now!Interested in learning about more programs that support entrepreneurs? Join our newsletter here to stay updated on opportunities and resources.
