Portland Biotech Caravel Bio Wins $1.2 Million NSF Grant
The funding supports advanced protein research that could cut carbon capture costs by 40 percent.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Life Sciences
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Portland-based Caravel Bio is expanding its protein engineering research after securing a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The company plans to use the funding to advance technology that could eventually reduce industrial carbon capture costs by 40 percent.
Why it matters
The project seeks to engineer proteins using non-standard amino acids, potentially creating materials with new capabilities or extended lifespans. If successful, this research could significantly improve the efficiency and affordability of large-scale environmental technologies.
Caravel Bio is currently using a $1.2 million National Science Foundation grant to build on previous work supported by a $2.2 million share of a $7.8 million federal award. The company reports its lab-tested enzymes are 12 times more stable, though the timeline for full industrial scaling remains unknown.
The players
Caravel Bio
A Portland-based biotechnology startup focused on protein engineering and AI-driven development.
National Science Foundation
The federal agency that provides funding for fundamental science and engineering research.
Avery Bio
A San Diego-based biotechnology company partnering on technology testing.
Ribbon Bio
An Austrian-based biotechnology company collaborating on the testing of new protein systems.
The details
Caravel Bio uses AI to predict viable protein versions, which are then created and tested via tiny liquid droplets and tracked using bacterial spores. This new funding specifically supports work on proteins incorporating amino acids beyond the 20 commonly found in nature. The Portland-based startup currently employs nine people and is partnering with Avery Bio and Ribbon Bio to test its systems under factory conditions.
Timeline
2022: Caravel Bio was founded in Portland.
2025: Company received a $2.2 million share of an NSF project.
October 2026: NSF announced the $1.2 million grant for the firm.
November 2026: Company headcount is expected to reach 11 employees.
Beyond the Bridges
This grant follows the established pattern of National Science Foundation support for high-risk biotechnology startups seeking to accelerate industrial innovation. It continues the firm's momentum within the broader federal effort to advance sustainable materials engineering.
The firm is growing its Portland-based workforce, with two additional hires expected by November. Residents should look for continued recruitment updates as the company plans for further expansion throughout next year.
The takeaway
Caravel Bio is pushing the boundaries of synthetic biology with AI-driven protein development. Watch for the company's planned hiring milestones in the coming year as they scale their operations in Portland.
Further reading
For more on the latest research developments in our area, visit Life Sciences.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.
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