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Brett Cotten

Co-founder, Arda Biomaterials | Cambridge MBA for Biotech (MBE) | Author, Gene-trepreneur | 30u30 | Alt Protein, Biomaterials, & Climate-tech

Brett Cotten is the Co-Founder and CEO of Arda Biomaterials, a startup focused on creating sustainable biomaterials from waste, particularly brewery by-products. Founded in June 2022, Arda Biomaterials aims to develop animal-free and plastic-free alternatives to leather, starting with their product called New Grain™, which is derived from spent grain from the brewing industry. The company has successfully raised over £2 million in funding to support its operations and innovation in the biomaterials sector.125

Background and Education

Brett holds an MBA for Biotech (MPhil in Bioscience Enterprise) from the University of Cambridge. His academic and professional journey includes significant experience in the alternative protein sector, having worked with various startups and venture studios. Notably, he was part of Counterfactual Ventures, which specializes in alternative proteins, and has also contributed to Arkeon Biotechnologies, a company focused on converting CO2 into protein.248

Achievements

Cotten has authored a book titled Gene-trepreneur, which discusses leveraging biotechnology for entrepreneurship in food and materials to address climate challenges. Under his leadership, Arda Biomaterials has gained recognition for its innovative approach to sustainability and has been involved in discussions about scaling biomaterials within the circular economy.136

Vision for Arda Biomaterials

Cotten emphasizes the importance of transforming waste into high-value materials that can disrupt traditional industries, particularly fashion and automotive. His vision includes not only creating sustainable products but also advancing the development of a circular economy by utilizing resources that would otherwise be discarded.57

Highlights

Ep 168: What does it take to scale biomaterials?
Aug 29 · arda.bio
News - Arda Biomaterials
Aug 9 · agfundernews.com
Biotech startup Arda Biomaterials discusses new collaboration
Feb 29 · Fast Company
This London startup is making leather bags out of beer - Fast Company
About Arda Biomaterials — CONCAVE SUMMIT - LDN. SG.
Jun 12 · eu-startups.com
London-based Arda Biomaterials raises €1.3 million to transform ...
London-based Arda Biomaterials raises €1.3 million to transform ...
Jun 25 · Penn State News
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Bio-Tech cluster promotes career readiness | Penn State University - Penn State News

Related Questions

What inspired Brett Cotten to start Arda Biomaterials?
How did Brett Cotten's background in biotechnology influence his work at Arda?
What are the main challenges Brett Cotten has faced in scaling Arda Biomaterials?
How does New Grain™ compare to traditional leather in terms of sustainability?
What role did Entrepreneur First play in the founding of Arda Biomaterials?
Brett Cotten
Brett Cotten, photo 1
Brett Cotten, photo 2
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Location

United Kingdom