Paris-based biotech innovator Spore.Bio has announced it secured multi-million-euro funding from the Google.org AI for Science Fund while launching a new AI-native research division, Spore.Labs. The startup develops AI-powered microbiology testing technology aimed at accelerating scientific discovery in public health. This latest investment underscores growing interest in applying artificial intelligence to transform life sciences.
Google.org’s AI for Science Fund
The Google.org AI for Science Fund is a global initiative supporting organizations that use AI to tackle complex scientific challenges. Grants are awarded to academic, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations working across disciplines ranging from biology to physics. The program gained prominence after Sir Demis Hassabis, co-founder of DeepMind, and Dr. John Jumper were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing AlphaFold, an AI system predicting protein structures.
Spore.Bio: A Unique Selection
Spore.Bio is reportedly the only startup worldwide chosen by the fund to focus on AI-driven microbiology research. The company’s new division, Spore.Labs, seeks to break down traditional boundaries between biology, physics, and computer science.
Innovative Technology in Microbiology
Founded in 2023 by Raji, CTO Maxime Mistretta, and COO Mohamed Tazi, Spore.Bio combines photonics and AI to disrupt conventional microbiology testing. Traditional tests often take five to twenty days and require off-site laboratory processing, whereas Spore.Bio offers immediate, on-site results. Its proprietary technology captures microbial signals using visible, UV, and near-infrared wavelengths, providing a spectral fingerprint of single cells.
AI and Data Integration
Spore.Labs integrates its hardware with machine learning models trained on millions of images, spanning lab samples to field strains. Data is processed in real time through an internally developed dashboard, giving manufacturers actionable insights with enhanced traceability. This approach is designed to improve speed, accuracy, and transparency in microbial analysis, a major bottleneck in healthcare and industry.
Research and Collaboration Plans
With funding and Google Cloud Platform credits, Spore.Labs plans to create open datasets and publish research findings. The startup also intends to collaborate with academic and clinical partners to validate its AI-driven approaches. These initiatives aim to accelerate microbiology research while setting new standards for reproducibility and transparency.
Funding History and Growth
To date, Spore.Bio has raised $35 million, including a $25 million Series A round led by VC firm Singular in February 2025. The latest support from Google.org marks a significant milestone in the company’s rapid growth trajectory. Alongside funding, Spore.Bio is expanding its workforce to meet its ambitious research goals.
Talent Expansion
The company has already opened 15 positions in microbiology, photonics, and deep learning, with plans to hire a total of 30 scientists by the end of 2026. This expansion reflects Spore.Bio’s commitment to building a team capable of pushing the boundaries of AI-enabled microbiology. Leadership hopes the growing talent pool will accelerate innovation and deliver scalable solutions for industry and healthcare.
Spore.Bio and Spore.Labs represent a new frontier in AI-driven life sciences research. By combining photonics, machine learning, and real-time data analytics, the company is poised to revolutionize microbiology testing. With strong funding support and a rapidly expanding team, Spore.Bio is positioning itself at the intersection of technology and biology, shaping the future of public health research.