Caravel Bio

Caravel Bio is a biotechnology company that has developed a synthetic biology platform designed to streamline the protein discovery and delivery process. By combining cell-free protein synthesis with bacterial spore display technology, the company accelerates directed evolution, a key process in biomolecular engineering. This approach allows for the rapid creation, testing, and optimization of millions of protein variants in parallel. By integrating these lab-based methods with machine learning, Caravel engineers robust, stable enzymes that can function as biocatalysts in demanding industrial environments where traditional enzymes might fail and living cell-based systems may not be feasible.

The company focuses on providing scalable protein solutions for critical industrial sectors, including carbon capture, non-pollutive chemical manufacturing, DNA synthesis, and animal health. For example, Caravel has applied its technology to develop efficient biocatalysts for potassium bicarbonate-based carbon capture, offering a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to conventional amine solvents. Supported by funding from the National Science Foundation and various venture partners, Caravel aims to transform the utility of biology in industrial settings by reducing the time, cost, and complexity of engineering enzymes for real-world applications.