BryoSphere Biotechnologies
Turning moss into sustainable biofactories to make bioactive ingredients for skincare
About Bryosphere
What does BryoSphere do?
BryoSphere Biotechnologies uses moss plants and biotechnology techniques to make rare, plant-derived molecules for use in skincare formulations. Our bioactive ingredients treat a range of skin concerns including hyperpigmentation, inflammation and UV protection.
Why moss?
Moss has been around for almost 500 million years! As these ancient plants evolved to grow on land, they started producing a variety of compounds to protect themselves from the sun's UV radiation. Using biotechnology techniques, we can enhance moss' natural metabolism and create living biofactories that produce rare and effective bioactive ingredients for skincare at high yields
Our mission
We are dedicated to creating a scalable platform that can supply rare, sustainably-made ingredients for skincare companies and beyond.
The team
Hila Behar, Ph.D.
Karen Boodram, MBA
Hila Behar, Ph.D.
Co-founder & CEO
With eight years of experience working in laboratories, Dr. Behar has extensive knowledge of coordinating and carrying out scientific research projects. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia where she conducted multidisciplinary research projects in plant biochemistry and protein characterization. Additionally, she established a moss research centre and generated modified moss strains for the synthesis of enzymes with potential applications in biofuels.
Liz Mahon, Ph.D.
Karen Boodram, MBA
Hila Behar, Ph.D.
Co-founder & CSO
Dr. Mahon has over seven years of experience as a research scientist in plant genetics and biochemistry and has earned both a M.Sc. and Ph.D. Her work has focused on using biotechnology tools to address climate change issues. As part of her doctoral degree at UBC, she successfully engineered several novel biochemical pathways into target plant systems to improve overall feedstock value for biofuel applications. She has extensive experience across a wide array of molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.
Karen Boodram, MBA
Karen Boodram, MBA
Anthony Marotta, Ph.D.
Advisor
Karen Boodram boasts a distinguished 30-year+ career focused on enhancing patient health through the commercialization of cutting-edge medical technologies. Her extensive expertise spans the pharmaceutical realm, where she led the development of drug products/franchises, orchestrating their regulatory compliance, clinical development and marketing. Transitioning into the financial sector, Karen's role as a Life Science analyst centered on propelling the medical innovations of public Life Science companies into commercialization or acquisition. Karen's academic achievements include an MBA, BSc.Pharm., and BSc. Bioch., underlining her knowledge and experience in merging medical innovation with business acumen for improved drug development.
Anthony Marotta, Ph.D.
Anthony Marotta, Ph.D.
Anthony Marotta, Ph.D.
Advisor
Dr. Anthony Marotta, Ph.D., is a serial entrepreneur focused on innovative health and wellness solutions. A proven scientific and clinical leader, Marotta co-founded Augurex Life Sciences Corp and Peqish Food Group. In his eleven-year tenure at Augurex, he led the development of 14-3-3η biomarker programs, securing approvals and launches globally. At Peqish, Marotta played a crucial role in differentiating the business with a "food is medicine" approach, achieving double-digit profitability. Previously, he served as Director of Business Development at Stressgen Bioreagents, strategically expanding the product portfolio. Marotta holds several patents, has co-authored and presented at various international conferences, and has strong relationships with clinicians worldwide. Marotta began his career in research at Kinetek Pharmaceuticals whilst pursuing his Ph.D. in Experimental Medicine at the University of British Columbia.
Aaron Davey
Anthony Marotta, Ph.D.
Richard Gibson, M.Sc.
Advisor
Aaron Davey is a successful technology entrepreneur and advisor to technical founders building cutting-edge technology ventures. He has two successful exits and has over a span of 20 years, brought to market numerous innovative products. Aaron has extensive expertise in team facilitation, company growth, product management, and strategic planning.
Richard Gibson, M.Sc.
Anthony Marotta, Ph.D.
Richard Gibson, M.Sc.
Advisor
Richard Gibson has over 30 years of plant science innovation experience in private, multi-national and government R&D organizations with leadership roles in agricultural field research, enterprise and information architecture, bioindustrial innovation, marketing, investment attraction, product and business development.
He has extensive experience in strategy development, proposal, project and program creation, negotiation and implementation in both public and private sector environments. He is an avid bryophyte photographer and excited to be part of the BryoSphere’s advisory team.
Nav Chahal, M.Sc.
Nav Chahal, M.Sc.
Nav Chahal, M.Sc.
Advisor
Nav is an executive with over 16 years of experience focusing on leadership, operations, and delivery of leading-edge industry projects. She has led large formal project management processes and strategic plans that fuel performance and build team capacity. Nav is adept at maintaining high employee engagement and addressing roadblocks to meet objectives. She is an experienced public speaker, able to present challenging material to both technical and non-technical audiences.
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