Founded by UW-Milwaukee professor Rebecca Klaper and postdoctoral fellow Eric Ostovich, Built-N-Bioassays is a biotech startup transforming how we detect and understand chemical contamination in agriculture and water systems.

What began as a research breakthrough quickly evolved into a promising venture. With strategic support from the UWM Research Foundation, the duo secured a patent and pursued commercialization. Read on for a Q&A with the founders to learn how they turned lab innovation into a startup—and how you can support their next steps.

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What is Built-N-Bioassays, and how did the idea originate?

Built-N-Bioassays is a biotech startup developing next-generation biosensing tools that combine machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML/AI) to revolutionize chemical screening in agriculture and water quality. Our mission is to help industries assess chemical impact faster, more accurately, and more affordably.

The idea originated from our research on emerging contaminants using green algae as bioindicators. While these organisms are widely used to monitor water quality, traditional tests only measure growth or death, offering limited sensitivity and little insight into how chemicals affect living cells.

STo overcome this, we engineered a novel lab assay using genetically modified algae equipped with special protein reporters. Paired with ML/AI, our system reveals how chemicals interact with cellular structures—providing mechanistic insights that conventional toxicity tests miss. Our goal is to build a platform that doesn’t just ask “Is it toxic?” but answers “How is it toxic?”

What inspired you to launch a startup, and what early challenges did you face?

Launching Built-N-Bioassays was a serendipitous pivot. Initially, we sought to protect our technology’s intellectual property by applying for a patent. We had no plans to start a company. But after speaking with the UWM Research Foundation team, their encouragement and support opened our eyes to the entrepreneurial path, and we launched a startup!

Early challenges included translating our scientific value into a business proposition. We had to shift from academic language to a solution-driven narrative that resonated with industry stakeholders. Conducting customer discovery, securing funding, and navigating the market were steep learning curves—but each helped sharpen our vision and strategy.

What problem are you solving?

We’re tackling a major challenge for water quality professionals and agrochemical developers: identifying chemical contamination and understanding how chemicals interact with cells—quickly and cost-effectively.

Traditional algal assays offer limited insight because of poorly characterized genomes. They are also expensive and slow. Our technology bridges this gap by transforming algae into intelligent biosensors. Within 24 hours, our system can screen thousands of chemicals, pinpoint molecular targets, and predict mechanisms of action—at a fraction of the time and cost.

What stage are you in?

We’re currently focused on R&D and validating our proof-of-concept. Thanks to support from the UWM Research Foundation Catalyst Grant, we’ve developed an initial prototype and are now engineering cells. Next, we’ll move into pilot studies to refine the technology for real-world applications.

How has UWM Research Foundation supported your journey?

UWMRF has been a cornerstone of our journey—from helping us file our patent to guiding us through the startup process. They’ve connected us with programs like I-Corps and the UWM Ignite Accelerator, which helped us build business skills and navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. Their mentorship has been invaluable in areas like funding strategy, IP protection, and commercialization.

What’s next, and how can readers support you?

Our next milestone is securing additional non-dilutive funding to scale up, expand our assay library, and accelerate commercialization. We’re actively seeking grant opportunities, strategic partnerships, and collaborative projects.

You can help us by connecting us with funding programs or grant opportunities; introducing us to potential collaborators or industry partners; or sharing our story with organizations interested in innovative chemical screening solutions.

Every introduction helps to bring us closer to achieving our mission—thank you!