Bristol-based biotech startup EnsiliTech has raised £4.5 million in seed funding to scale its patented Ensilication® technology, which stabilises vaccines and biologics without refrigeration, even at temperatures up to 50°C.
The round was led by Eos Advisory, with participation from Calculus Capital, HERmesa, and other investors. Funding will be used to expand manufacturing, validate the platform for pharma integration, and build out the team.
Tackling global cold chain failures
According to the World Health Organisation, up to 50% of vaccines spoil due to cold chain breakdowns, particularly in low-resource regions. EnsiliTech’s solution wraps biomolecules in a protective silica shell, eliminating the need for ultra-cold storage while cutting drug wastage and logistics costs.
“Our technology prevents breakdown and degradation, allowing vaccines and biologics to be stored and transported globally without fridges or freezers,” said Dr. Asel Sartbaeva, CEO and co-founder.
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A personal inspiration
Sartbaeva’s journey began in 2010 when her newborn daughter received a vaccine straight from the fridge. Realising its fragility at room temperature sparked her mission to make vaccines more stable and accessible.
The startup’s founding team — Sartbaeva, Dr. Stephen Wells, Dr. Aswin Doekhie, and Dr. Matt Slade — combines scientific expertise with commercialisation experience.
What’s next
EnsilTech aims to expand partnerships across animal and human health, with plans to bring its first human products through Phase I clinical trials within 3–5 years.
Sartbaeva also highlighted the challenges of being a female founder:
“There are still too few female CEOs in biotech. My advice is to surround yourself with trustworthy, passionate team members and mentors who can guide you through the journey.”
