CrisprBits: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

CrisprBits is an innovative biotechnology startup based in India, specializing in CRISPR gene-editing technology to develop affordable, high-quality solutions primarily for healthcare but extending to agriculture, food safety, and biofuels. Founded in 2020 by a group of engineers and scientists from BITS Pilani and incubated at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bengaluru, CrisprBits has quickly gained attention for its cutting-edge platforms in molecular diagnostics, gene editing, and rare disease therapeutics. The company aims to democratize CRISPR technology to improve human and planetary well-being worldwide. This article explores ten key facets of CrisprBits, revealing its scientific advancements, business growth, and future prospects.

1. Founding Vision and Origins

CrisprBits was founded by five distinguished alumni of BITS Pilani — Vijay Chandru, Sunil Arora, Rajeev Kohli, Bharat Jobanputra, and Aditya Sarda — in 2020, driven by a mission to harness the power of CRISPR technology for the benefit of human health and environmental sustainability. The founders brought deep expertise in both scientific research and industry applications. Initially incubated at C-CAMP, a premier biotech incubator in Bengaluru, the startup's goal has been to develop cutting-edge gene editing and diagnostic tools that are accessible and affordable, addressing critical unmet needs in healthcare and beyond.

2. Core Technologies and Platforms

CrisprBits operates three major technological platforms:

PathCrisp®: A rapid, ultra-sensitive CRISPR-based molecular diagnostic platform designed for point-of-need pathogen detection.
EdiCrisp: A gene editing and strain engineering platform aimed at precision genome engineering across human health, animal health, and sustainability sectors.
CurieCrisp: A disease modeling platform using an "N-of-1" strategy for personalized preclinical testing and therapeutics development, including rare genetic diseases. These platforms are underpinned by proprietary CRISPR tools such as enFnCas9 enabling precise genome editing with applications spanning diagnostics to therapeutics.

3. Breakthroughs in Molecular Diagnostics

One of CrisprBits' hallmark achievements is the development of PathCrisp, a platform enabling ultra-rapid detection of pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and antimicrobial resistance genes. PathCrisp supports clinical and environmental surveillance through instrument-light assays that deliver results faster and more cheaply than conventional methods. Notably, their OmiCrisp platform distinguishes variants within the Omicron lineage of SARS-CoV-2, aiding pandemic preparedness. The company’s diagnostic innovation reduces dependence on expensive equipment and extended culture times, facilitating early and precise interventions.

4. Focus on Precision Medicine and Rare Diseases

CrisprBits is making strides in personalized medicine through its CurieCrisp platform, which creates disease tissue models tailored to individual patients. This approach supports precision therapeutics development, especially for rare genetic diseases. For example, the company is engaged in developing gene therapies like BIRSA 101 — India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based therapy targeting sickle-cell disease — showcasing CrisprBits’ commitment to addressing underserved conditions in populations with limited access to healthcare.

5. Expanding Manufacturing and Commercial Goals

In November 2025, CrisprBits secured $3 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Spectrum Impact and notable family offices to accelerate commercialization of PathCrisp and expand manufacturing capabilities. These funds enable the startup to scale production of tests for diseases including sickle cell anemia, typhoid, and antimicrobial resistance across human, animal, and food safety sectors. The company envisions global expansion, targeting markets in Africa and Latin America within six months, reflecting its ambition to serve broad public health needs globally.

6. Gene Editing for Sustainability and Biofuels

Beyond healthcare, CrisprBits applies CRISPR-based genome engineering to industrial microbiology, notably biofuel production. Their EdiCrisp platform aims to optimize microbial strains enabling more efficient biodiesel production from renewable sources like vegetable oils and algae. This research supports global efforts to transition to cleaner energy, highlighting the potential of gene editing not only for health but also environmental sustainability.

7. Cutting-Edge Research Infrastructure

The company operates a state-of-the-art 7,300 square foot R&D and prototype development facility in Bengaluru. The lab includes specialized units for gene editing, tissue culture, bacterial culture, molecular biology, and cleanroom operations. Advanced technologies such as Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and intelligent CRISPR guide design engines help streamline research and product development. This infrastructure fosters innovation and rapid translation of discoveries into real-world applications.

8. Ethical Standards and Team Expertise

CrisprBits places a strong emphasis on scientific rigor, ethical practices, and diversity. Its leadership and scientific team include accomplished women scientists and industry experts with extensive backgrounds in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and clinical research. The startup adheres to high ethical standards in product development and aims to build an inclusive organization that attracts exceptional talent with varied expertise.

9. Contributions to Public Health and Pandemic Preparedness

The development of CRISPR-based diagnostics like OmiCrisp for detecting SARS-CoV-2 variants and PathCrisp-AMRDetect for antimicrobial resistance underscores CrisprBits’ role in pandemic preparedness and global health security. Their diagnostic kits have been adopted in environmental surveillance, such as testing sewage samples for viral presence, enhancing infectious disease tracking and response. These efforts align with World Health Organization goals for rapid actionable diagnostics in combating emerging health threats.

10. Future Prospects and Innovations

Looking ahead, CrisprBits plans to enhance its AI-augmented strain engineering platform to further sustainability goals. It aims to deepen collaborations with global markets and expand its diagnostic and therapeutic pipelines. Continued efforts in rare disease modeling, antimicrobial resistance detection, and biofuel optimization position CrisprBits at the forefront of biotechnology innovation. Their vision of “Rewriting Biology” and “Reimagining the Planet” guides ongoing development of transformative CRISPR solutions with the potential to impact a billion lives.

Conclusion

CrisprBits represents a powerful example of how cutting-edge gene editing technology can be harnessed by innovative startups to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges in healthcare and sustainability. From rapid, point-of-need diagnostics to novel gene therapies and environmentally focused biofuel advancements, the company is on a mission to democratize the benefits of CRISPR. As it expands manufacturing capacity and global reach, CrisprBits sets the stage for a new era where accessible biotechnology reshapes lives and ecosystems. What future breakthroughs will CrisprBits enable with continued investment and innovation remains a compelling question for the biotech community and beyond.