Merken Biotech and The Ganesha Lab have established a strategic partnership poised to reshape the biotech landscape in Latin America. This collaboration brings together the technical expertise of Merken, the region’s sole Contact Research Organization (CRO) outside Brazil, with the acceleration expertise of The Ganesha Lab, renowned for scaling high-impact biotech startups.

Founded in 2016, Merken Biotech operates a cutting-edge laboratory spanning over 900 square meters. Its extensive capabilities include animal handling, biomolecular analysis, drug discovery & development and bioprocessing, enabling end-to-end support for biotech projects.

Javier Guerrero, CEO of Merken, explains that “a project can enter through one door and leave through another, having undergone every stage required for biotech development.” This comprehensive infrastructure, unparalleled in Latin America, enables startups to validate their technologies to international standards without needing to seek support abroad.

The alliance also provides The Ganesha Lab with a crucial layer of scientific and technological validation. Camilo Anabalón, Life Sciences Portfolio Manager, notes that “our mission is to derisk startups across technical, regulatory, and market domains. Partnering with Merken strengthens investor confidence by ensuring rigorous validation processes.”

For Merken, this partnership marks a shift from a predominantly international focus to a deeper integration with the Latin American biotech ecosystem. Guerrero highlights that “three years ago, this ecosystem was largely unknown to us. Now, with The Ganesha Lab, we’re leveraging our expertise to guide regional projects to success.”

Value for Startups and Investors

In the high-stakes biotech sector, where up to 40% of a startup’s budget is allocated to research and development, informed decision-making is critical. “This partnership delivers speed and precision, enabling startups to optimize resources and avoid costly missteps,” says Matías Rothhammer, FoodTech and AgroTech Portfolio Manager at The Ganesha Lab.

A cornerstone of this collaboration is the joint evaluation of startups entering the BIGinBIO Program. By selecting projects with strong scaling potential and adherence to international standards, the alliance ensures streamlined processes and reduces risks for investors.

This partnership extends its benefits beyond The Ganesha Lab’s portfolio, aiming to set a new benchmark for biotechnology in Latin America. “From Chile, we can crystallize the value of science into societal impact and economic growth,” says Anabalón.

In a field where trust and validation are paramount, the union of Merken Biotech and The Ganesha Lab exemplifies how local expertise can drive global impact. This alliance sets the stage for a thriving biotech ecosystem in Latin America, paving the way for transformative innovations.