Storyteller.
Inventor.
Community Builder.

I’m currently available for consulting engagements.

Elliot is the former founder of Spira, a biomanufacturing company that creates carbon-negative materials from engineered algae grown by a global network of farms and Head of Business Development and Venture Portfolio in Agriculture at Deep Science Ventures. He started multiple independent laboratories including IndieLab RVA, Biopunk Society and Cellsius. He is a Kairos, Future Founders and Halcyon Fellow, holds a degree in biomedical engineering; previously started 8 companies, 4 nonprofits, studied synthetic biology for 12 years and worked for 5 years as a product consultant. He is incredibly motivated to solve physiological needs using simple biological design and enabling access to the tools of biotechnology. In his spare time he plays music, and participates in space analog missions while residing in San Francisco.

Experience

  • Founder + President, Cellsius Community Laboratory

    Cellsius is a nonprofit community laboratory that enables access to the tools of discovery

    • Raised $60,000 to establish two locations for a biosafety level 1/2 laboratory

    • Built a community of 250 practitioners, hobbyists, entrepreneurs and artists

    • Hosted 25+ events, classes and workshops with a team of 7 facilitators

  • Founder + Chief Technical Officer, California Shine

    California Shine provides fast-aging-as-a-service to save 80% on costs associated with aging.

    • Developed new technology using ultrasound to infuse flavor into liquids

    • Conducted multiple trials via tasting events, head-to-head comparisons, analytical chemistry

    • Secured $120k contract with moonshine company for fast-aging-as-a-service

  • Head of Strategic Partnerships + Venture Portfolio in Agriculture

    DSV is a venture creator, combining available scientific knowledge and founder-type scientists into high-impact ventures, to build a future where both humans and the planet thrive.

    • Managed 10 portfolio companies, helping with business development, scientific diligence

    • Started 5+ new agtech companies centered around biodiversity

    • Developed + deployed innovation programs with billion dollar corporates + philanthropies

    • Created bioregional strategy towards improving upon biodiversity for governmentsDescription text goes here

  • Co-Founder + CEO

    Spira biomanufactures genetically engineered algae to replace petrochemicals

    • Managed an interdisciplinary distributed team of 16+ across 5 time zones

    • Built a decentralized network of 83 farming partners producing 550mT of engineered algae

    • Drove $750k+ in sales of four unique products within 2 years

    • Developed a patented beverage, photobioreactor, genetic engineering system for algae

    • Created products for BMW, Colgate, Hanes, Wrangler, Clorox, Giffard, Molson-Coors

  • Co-Founder + Director of Research

    Built a robotics COVID diagnostic facility to scale up testing in shipping containers laboratories.

    • Raised $100,000 in 2 weeks for proof-of-concept

    • Developed rapid diagnostic system for throughput of 4096 patients/day

    • Coordinated with CLIA lab director for EUA FDA application

    • Designed + fabricated a laboratory in a shipping container

  • Consultant

    Betabox Learning creates memorable hands-on learning experiences for learners everywhere.

    • Created experiences for 1000 students/day to learn biotechnology principles

    • Prototyped and tested curriculum for hands-on STEM education within 5 minutes

  • Lead Scientist

    Founded a firm that designed a mycological replacement for concrete, brick, ceramic or asphalt

    • Managed an interdisciplinary team of designers and engineers, raising prototyping funds

    • Coordinated an installation and sales channels for our materials

    • Conducted material testing trials

  • Co-Founder, Treasurer

    Business development liaison for real estate, partnerships, accounts, and financial services. Head of scientific creative development of projects and workshops.

    • Established a 501(c)3 license, designed experimental procedure for science startups

    • Implemented hands-on science education workshops for over 100 people

    • Fixed specialty scientific equipment through circuit repair and small parts fabrication

    • Raised over $4,000 in capital and $200,000 in in-kind donations for the lab

These are the things I like working on

  • Biotechnology Strategy

    Synthetic Biology Applications: Advising companies on leveraging synthetic biology to develop sustainable materials, food alternatives, or healthcare solutions.

    R&D Direction: Guiding startups or established businesses in planning and executing biotechnology research projects, particularly with algae or bio-based systems.

  • Sustainability and Circular Economy

    Sustainable Product Development: Helping companies create eco-friendly products using bio-based inputs.

    Circular Economy Integration: Designing systems that minimize waste by repurposing by-products into value-added goods.

  • Startups and Entrepreneurship

    Business Model Development: Assisting startups to identify scalable and profitable business models.

    Fundraising: Providing insights on raising capital for biotech ventures, including pitch deck creation, grant writing, and investor relations.

    Early-Stage Scaling: Offering practical advice on scaling production from the lab to pilot and commercial scales.

  • Innovation in Consumer Products

    Alternative Food Systems: Advising consumer companies on integrating novel ingredients for nutrition and sustainability.

    Cosmetics and Personal Care: Consulting on the use of bio-based materials for natural and sustainable products.

  • Education and Advocacy

    Workshops and Training: Leading workshops on biohacking, synthetic biology, or sustainable entrepreneurship.

    Community Engagement: Guiding grassroots or educational initiatives to democratize access to biotechnology.

  • Regulatory and Policy Insight

    Navigating Regulations: shaping government policy and advising businesses on biotechnology regulations.

    Biotechnology Forecasting: Assisting in prediction and planning to shape discussion around bioeconomy development.

  • Prototyping and Product Testing

    Material Development: Supporting R&D teams in developing prototypes for biotech products.

    Consumer Testing: Designing consumer feedback loops to refine product development.

Check out my portfolio