Company

We are a biotech company re-shaping the future of insect control with a unique technology platform that combines environmental sustainability and unprecedented effectiveness.

As a spin-out from Imperial College London, a global leader in genetic pest control, we build upon over 20 years of research by our scientific founders, whose pioneering work in genetic control technologies has garnered global recognition.

With a presence in the UK and Italy, we leverage the experience of a diverse and accomplished team from 7 countries with unparalleled experience in genetic engineering and advanced data science methods, and an outstanding track record in company building and management.


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TEAM

Prior to co-founding Biocentis, Giorgio worked as a strategy consultant for the Boston Consulting Group with a focus in the healthcare and life science sectors. He holds a BSc and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Genova and MBAs from Collège des Ingénieurs and INSEAD.

Giorgio Rocca

Co-founder and CEO

Andrew is an award-winning molecular biologist with a decade of contributions to the field of genetic control. His research led to the development of the most advanced suppression gene drive system to date, which is at the foundation of Biocentis’ IP portfolio. Andrew holds honorary positions at Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College London and authored multiple publications in Nature journals. He holds a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from Imperial College London.

Andrew Hammond, PhD

Co-founder and Head of R&D

Prior to co-founding Biocentis, Federico worked as strategy consultant at Oliver Wyman, advising some of the largest financial institutions at both European and global levels. Federico holds magna cum laude MSc and BSc degrees in Economic and Social Sciences from Bocconi University.

Federico Guelpa

Co-founder and Head of Strategy

Kyros is an expert in genetic control and one of the inventors of the most advanced suppression gene drive system to date, which is at the foundation of Biocentis’ IP portfolio. Before co-founding Biocentis, Kyros spent many years developing genetic control solutions for Target Malaria. Kyros graduated at the top of his class from the University of Thessaly, earning a BSc in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, and later completed his MSc and PhD in Molecular Biology at Imperial College London.

Kyros Kyrou, PhD

Co-founder and Senior R&D Lead

Kevin brings over 30 years’ experience in developing and promoting sustainable technologies for the agricultural and public health industries. He is seasoned in corporate and academic environments, with broad leadership experience covering technical development, business development, regulatory, public and government affairs. In his previous role as Chief Development Officer for Oxitec Ltd, he led community-based projects in the U.S., Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Asia. Kevin is an accomplished author, editor, and presenter.

Kevin Gorman, PhD

Head of Development

Matteo is a data scientist and AI expert with 10 years of experience in various industries including aerospace and medical sectors. He has authored approximately 30 research papers focused on the development of innovative data science pipelines. He holds a PhD in Information Science and Complex Systems and MSc in Computer Science from the University of Camerino, and a BSc in Experimental Physics from the University of Salento.

Matteo Rucco, PhD

Data Science Manager

Gerard is a molecular biologist with extensive experience in innovative approaches for insect control, including Wolbachia infection and CRISPR-based gene drives for population suppression and replacement. Prior to joining Biocentis, he was an Associate Research Professor at Penn State University. He received a PhD from Monash University with a Dean’s Scholarship and holds a BSc in Biotechnology and an MSc in Virology from the University of Barcelona.

Gerard Terradas, PhD

R&D Lead

Anna is a scientist with extensive experience in genetic control, previously at Imperial College London. She has substantial experience in the life sciences sector, having worked for both the European Medicines Agency and McKinsey & Company. She holds a PhD in Genetic Engineering from Imperial College London, an MSc in International Health Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a BSc in Biomedical Sciences from Imperial College London.

Anna Strampelli, PhD

R&D Strategy Manager

Andrea is a scientist and AI software engineer with over 10 years of experience in both the industry and academia. He is an expert in developing software products to support research, testing and implementation of genetic control technologies. He holds a BSc in Mathematics and an MSc in Applied Mathematics from La Sapienza.

Andrea De Antoni

Senior Software Engineer

Dario is a molecular biologist with over 8 years of experience in the field of genetic control, previously at Imperial College London. He holds a PhD from Imperial College London in Molecular Biology, a MSc and a BSc in Natural Sciences from University of Bari.

Dario Meacci, PhD

Research Analyst

Giulia is a biologist with over 10 years of experience in the field of genetic control. She previously worked at Imperial College and Polo GGB and has co-authored publications in top scientific journals, including Nature Biotechnology. She holds a MSc and a BSc in Biology from the University of Perugia.

Giulia Morselli

Senior Research Technician

Filippos is a biologist specialized in biotechnology. He holds an MSc in Biotechnology from the University of Edinburgh and a BSc in Biotechnology from the University of Surrey.

Filippos Kondylios

Research Technician

Giulia is an expert in laboratory operations with over 6 years of experience, previously at the University of Perugia. She holds an MSc in Biotechnological, Medical, Veterinary, and Forensic Sciences and a BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Perugia.

Giulia Monacchia

Insectary Technician

Ariane is a scientist specialized in chemistry and biotechnology. She holds a dual engineering degree in Chemistry from the European School of Chemistry, Polymers, and Materials in Strasbourg and in Biotechnology from the University of Strasbourg.

Ariane Clément

Research Technician

Daniela is a biologist specialized in entomology and molecular biology. She holds an MSc in Insect Biotechnology from Justus Liebig University and a BSc in Natural Sciences from The National University of Colombia.

Daniela Mayorga

Research Technician

Alice is a scientist specialized in industrial biotechnology. She holds a MSc in Molecular, Genomic and Industrial Biotechnology from the University of Parma and a BSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of Bologna.

Alice Santi

Research Technician

ADVISORY BOARD

Our advisors are recognized as world leaders in their respective fields, bringing a wealth of experience that complements our team's unparalleled expertise.

They are technology pioneers, experts in data science and AI, Nobel laureates, seasoned regulators and accomplished executives.

A serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience, Teodoro is a co-founder of Prima Assicurazioni, Bravoavia (acquired by Bravofly), Hotelscan (acquired by JetCost), Emaze, Underscore District and Neulabs, with a total combined value exceeding €3 billion. He attracted more than €500 million in funding for his co-funded companies from top institutional investors such as Goldman Sachs, Blackstone, Carlyle.

Teodoro D’Ambrosio

Co-founder, Director and Advisor

Andrea is a world leader and influential voice in the field of genetic control. His many contributions include co-inventing the most advanced suppression gene drive system to date, which is at the foundation of Biocentis’ IP portfolio. He holds the positions of Professor of Microbiology at the University of Padua and of Molecular Parasitology at Imperial College London and authored over 100 scientific publications. He holds a PhD in Immunology from the Basel institute for Immunology and the Italian Research Council.

Andrea Crisanti, PhD

Co-founder and Lead Advisor

Luke is a pioneer in genetic methods for insect control, most notably known for being the inventor of RIDL technology and a co-founder of Oxitec, where he served as Chief Scientific Officer for over a decade. A professor of Genetics at the University of York, he has received numerous accolades, including MRC Senior Research Fellowship, World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, and BBSRC Innovator of the Year Awards. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Dundee.

Luke Alphey, PhD

 

Boet is an experienced regulatory advisor and environmental risk assessor with extensive experience in risk assessment related to genetic modification, synthetic biology, and engineered gene drives at the national level (RIVM), European level (European Food Safety Authority), and international level (the Cartagena Protocol, the Convention on Biological Diversity). She authored multiple publications on the regulation and environmental risk assessment of gene drives.

Boet Glandorf, PhD

 

Mario is an expert in statistical mechanics, quantum information and computation, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. A Professor Emeritus in Theoretical Physics and the founder of the Doctorate School at Turin Polytechnic, he has received several honours, including the 2011 Majorana Prize for field theory and the Volta medal. He holds a PhD in Theoretical Physics from CTH of Goteborg and MSc in Nuclear Engineering and Mathematics from Turin Polytechnic. A member of the Steering Committee and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the AI research institute CENTAI, Mario is a leading figure in advancing both applied and foundational research in fields related to AI and Complex Systems.

Mario Rasetti, PhD

 

Winner of the 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Peter is Professor of Biological Chemistry and Bloomberg distinguished Professor at John Hopkins University. He has served as Director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute and has led several science diplomacy visits to countries around the world. Peter holds a MD from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Peter Agre, PhD

 

Gianluca is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the agribusiness sector. He has held various executive and C-suite roles for top agrochemical companies. He served as the former Chief Operating Officer of ISAGRO, an Italian agrochemical company with an annual turnover exceeding €100 million. Previously, Gianluca worked for 20 years at Syngenta, where he held several senior commercial roles. Gianluca earned an MSc in Chemical Engineering from Milan Polytechnic.

Gianluca Fusco

 

Selected publications of our scientific team

Our scientific team has pioneered and advanced the field of genetic insect control for over two decades. Explore the publications below to learn about their groundbreaking contributions.