Interstellar Lab has raised $5 million in a seed round with investment from Urania Ventures, Auxxo, 7percent Ventures, Seldor Capital, E2MC, Kima Ventures, and BPI.
This round will enable the startup to double its workforce by the end of 2022 to accelerate the manufacturing of the first BioPods for the Earth market this year. It also seeks to support the development of new products for the space market, including their recently NASA-awarded food production system. The 20 recruits will strengthen mechanical, electronic, and software engineering teams, as well as design, agronomy, and manufacturing.
Interstellar Lab is developing and building closed-loop sustainable living systems on Earth and in space. The company focuses on creating space-grade food production systems and habitat modules. The aim is to provide solutions regarding the current climate crisis and the need for new food production systems on Earth and to develop closed-loop life support systems for lunar missions in the context of NASA’s Artemis Program and in the future for Mars exploration.
Announced in 2020 and after a year of development, Interstellar Lab is now manufacturing its flagship product BioPod, a deployable pod optimized for plant growth. Designed as a modular, controlled-environment aeroponics farm, BioPod creates the ideal climatic and atmospheric conditions for plant growth. Its advanced technology allows the cultivation of species that cannot be grown in traditional agriculture, including high-value plants like vanilla, vetiver or patchouli. Maximizing efficiency and production, BioPod reduces water consumption (by 98%) and energy (x20) while boosting yield (up to x300). The product also includes AI management and monitoring software as well as a resupply service.
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