JLABS operates as a global network where promising startups in the health and wellness sectors get the use of equipped biology and chemistry research labs, an on-site operations team, business services support, commercialization curriculum, and access to the Johnson & Johnson Innovation network.
Beside the new facility in New York City, JLABS incubators are in place in three California cities: San Diego, San Francisco, and South San Francisco; as well as in both Boston, Massachusetts and Lowell, Massachusetts; in Toronto, Canada; in Belgium; and in Shanghai.
“Johnson & Johnson has deep entrepreneurial roots in New York and we are pleased to see our unique JLABS model applied in this rich ecosystem to foster the creation of new healthcare innovations that have the potential to change the trajectory of health for humanity,” Paul Stoffels, chief scientific officer at Johnson & Johnson, tells the press.
“Expanding our JLABS network to NYC will link entrepreneurs around the region with Johnson & Johnson Innovation experts, allowing some of the brightest minds in healthcare to work collaboratively in a shared space.”
Skin care innovators
EpigenCare, Repairogen Corporation, and Curie Company are among the 26 companies setting up in JLABS @ NYC.
EpigenCare leverages the consumer genomics movement. According to the JLABS press release, “EpigenCare measures current skin quality state and matches profiles to existing products on the market with a direct-to-consumer skincare test based on epigenetic markers and blockchain technology.” Read more about that company here on Cosmetics Design.
(Several startups are innovating at the intersection of skin care and DNA. SkinGenie is another example; this month, that company was selected to participate in the first cohort of Coty’s digital accelerator program. Learn more about SkinGenie in this Beauty Is Your Business podcast featuring founder Sindhya Valloppillil and cohosted by Cosmetics Design editor Deanna Utroske.)
Repairogen is also interested at skin care and DNA, but with a focus on new ingredient development. The JLABS press release asserts that, “Repairogen Corp. develops potent, robust, naturally-derived, small-molecule active ingredients for skincare that provide powerful anti-aging effects by enhancing DNA repair activity in skin cells.”
Curie Company, founded by Erika Milczek, is focused on helping beauty and health brands transition to petrochemical alternatives. “Curie Co. engineers biopolymers and enzymes to replace petrochemical-based ingredients in the personal care and consumer healthcare industry that have been banned in the U.S. and E.U. by the FDA and EC, respectively,” as JLABS describes it.
“JLABS provides those innovators the environment they need to deliver life-enhancing, life-saving solutions to the people who need them,” explains Melinda Richter, global head of JLABS at Johnson & Johnson Innovation, in the company press release announcing the opening of JLABS @ NYC.
“For too long, patients and consumers have not fully benefitted from the incredible genius throughout the world. NYC and its environs are home to some of the greatest minds in scientific innovation, whose skills and their spirit have so much to offer,” she says. “By opening up vital industry connections, entrepreneurial programs and a capital-efficient, flexible platform to help alleviate the cost burden that typically slows or kills innovation we know NYC will light up our world.”
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Deanna Utroske, CosmeticsDesign.com Editor, covers beauty business news in the Americas region and publishes the weekly Indie Beauty Profile column, showcasing the inspiring work of entrepreneurs and innovative brands.