Mark Kotter

Cell biologist and neurosurgeon
University of Cambridge

Mark Kotter, a neurosurgeon and stem cell biologist, serves as CEO and Founder of bit.bio. Aged nineteen, he decided to pursue a career in medicine to serve others and make a difference in people’s lives. His curiosity led him down a path of clinical service and laboratory discovery. Becoming fascinated by synthetic biology, he saw it as the key to a new generation of medicines.

At bit.bio, Mark and his team are at the forefront of synthetic biology, coding human cells for novel cures. They empower biomedical innovation and a new generation of cures through precision reprogrammed human cells, providing human cells for drug discovery, research, and cell therapies. Applying a patented safe harbour gene-targeting approach, opti-ox™, they inducibly express transcription factor combinations that reprogram human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into highly defined and mature human cell types. Their cell identity coding platform can create any human cell type and manufacture it at scale with unparalleled precision and consistency. Mark believes that biology is our software and cells are our cures. Every cell type bit.bio creates has the potential to give rise to multiple next-generation therapies. His commitment lies in advancing the field of biology through engineering and technology to tackle crucial human medical challenges, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, rare diseases, and the consequences of aging-related health issues.

Beyond his role at bit.bio, Mark Kotter has co-founded the rejuvenation and longevity start-up clock.bio and the cultured meat company Meatable. He is also involved in supporting Myelopathy.org , a charity dedicated to addressing a common form of spinal cord injury.