Long Term Growth

What is the ultimate goal of the business? What long-term plans do we have for the business, and its impacts on society?

Growth Strategy

Growth Strategy diagram

meduCA’s growth pathway traces a sequence of funding stages that show how the project evolves from a student-led initiative into a biotechnology venture with applications on Earth and in space. Each stage introduces new funding sources, milestones, and partnerships that advance validation and commercialization.

1. Pre-Seed Stage: Bootstrapping & 3F

At the earliest stage, meduCA is supported through informal financing (e.g. bootstrapping and Friends + Family + Fools (3F). These resources allow the team to define project goals, design microbial strains, and execute preliminary trials with mine tailings and Martian regolith. Though limited in scale, this stage is essential for building credibility and demonstrating feasibility.

2. Seed Stage: Non-Dilutive Funding

The next stage relies on non-dilutive funding, which is capital that does not require giving up ownership. Grants from organizations such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Mitacs, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and UBC programs provide the resources to validate microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) in the lab. Growth here comes from generating technical proof while preserving full ownership of meduCA’s innovations.

3. Series Seed: Angel Investors

After grant funding, meduCA will seek angel investors. These are interested parties who invest into early-stage ventures, in exchange for equity (ownership shares) or convertible debt. Angel funding allows meduCA to conduct pilot-scale studies, such as controlled mine tailings remediation and Mars-analog 3D bioprinting experiments, while also filing for intellectual property (IP) protection on microbial strains and hardware. Growth potential expands at this stage, since outside capital and mentorship help bridge the gap between academic validation and venture capitalism.

4. Series A: Venture Capital

With successful pilots and intellectual property (IP) in place, meduCA can seek Series A funding from venture capital (VC) firms, with professional funds that invest in startups with demonstrated high growth potential. This capital supports scaling bioreactors and bioprinters, pursuing biosafety approvals, and forming early partnerships with mining companies and space agencies. The growth potential lies in moving from research and trials to initial commercial contracts.

5. Series B: Expansion Funding

Series B provides larger-scale financing to broaden operations, expand into international markets, and hire specialized talent. By this point, meduCA’s biocement is validated at a commercial level, and funding is directed toward deploying field-scale remediation projects and expanding Martian regolith brick demonstrations in analog missions. Growth accelerates here as meduCA proves it can compete in global sustainability and aerospace markets.

6. Series C: Market Leadership

At the Series C stage, meduCA focuses on market leadership. Investors now include large corporate partners such as cement producers, aerospace contractors, and green-tech funds. Funding enables licensing agreements, new product lines, and stronger regulatory and intellectual property portfolios. Growth potential comes from securing a leading position across multiple industries and building resilience against competition.

7. Series D: Late-stage Growth

Series D represents late-stage financing, where meduCA is already established but seeks additional resources for expanding into new geographical markets, acquisitions, or preparation for public listing. By this stage, meduCA has strong revenue streams and broad adoption, maximizing growth potential as it establishes its role as a global leader in carbon-negative construction for both Earth and space.

8. Initial Public Offering (IPO)

An Initial Public Offering (IPO) occurs when meduCA lists shares on a stock exchange and offers them to the public. This step provides significant capital inflow, liquidity for early investors, and worldwide visibility. Growth potential here lies in expanding operations at a global scale, funding long-term research and development, and ensuring meduCA’s influence across terrestrial and extraterrestrial construction markets.

Progressing through these funding stages shows how meduCA can grow from early validation into large-scale adoption. Each step builds resources, partnerships, and credibility, while opening new technical and financial opportunities. By combining scientific innovation with a clear funding roadmap, meduCA positions itself as a sustainable biotechnology venture capable of transforming and redefining construction both on Earth and in space.

Scalability Assessment

The scalability of meduCA is linked to a dual-track strategy: centralization of production and commercialization by partnership. The following assessment outlines how meduCA can scale from proof of concept to a market-defining industrial level.

Centralized Manufacturing Model

To scale the production of our Caulobacter-based remediation spray, meduCA can adopt a centralized manufacturing model following initial pilot manufacturing facilities. The primary advantage of centralized manufacturing is the ability to achieve significant economies of scale through consolidated production as opposed to decentralized models. meduCA can establish a centralized production facility for the core biological component, the engineered bacteria, and bioink. This involves the industrial-scale fermentation of our engineered bacteria (Caulobacter crescentus for Earth, Synechococcus elongatus for Space) in which key production goals revolve around optimizing strain, growth conditions, and genetic stability for maximum cell density and enzyme expression at an industrial scale. Challenges in building a large-scale production include the cost and processing system for necessary specialized equipment, such as bioreactors, bioprinters, sprayers, and deployment kits. For rapid scale, meduCA should partner with a compatible and experienced CMO (Contract Manufacturing Organization) to scale production of hardware and starter kits.

Commercialization and Distribution of Product

Following the centralized production of our engineered bacterial and hardware components, distribution is designed for maximum efficiency and market penetration. MeduCA will employ a business-to-business hybrid model, combining direct sales with strategic channel partnerships. A direct sales team would engage with mining firms, green construction companies, sustainable infrastructure firms, national space agencies, and research institutions for major high-value contracts. Simultaneously, established distributors bring logistics networks, relationships, and experience handling microbial products to reach smaller mining operations and environmental consulting firms.

Expansion to Other Markets

Once the core technology and production line are predictably consistent, the platform is adaptable for expansion into other environments or markets. Ocean and aquatic environments serve as an example of an adjacent market following our initial beachhead in biocementation and martian construction. This would involve developing marine-suited formulations of our bacteria for saline environments and shifting the form of application for aquatic environments to a deployable system in water. MeduCA could be designed for applications such as restoring coastal infrastructure and barriers against erosion or constructing artificial reefs, where it serves as a supportive scaffold that mimics complex coral structures. Ultimately, venturing into adjacent markets will require a target market-driven research and development team to reconfigure applications of our microbial platform and delivery mechanism, along with strategic partnerships with target sector organizations.

Sustainability Considerations

Sustainability is central to meduCA’s mission and long-term viability. By carefully analyzing our impact through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we ensure our innovation creates meaningful environmental and social value while building a competitive, future-proof business. This framework guides our strategic decisions, helps identify both opportunities and responsibilities, and demonstrates our commitment to addressing global challenges through biotechnology.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Our approach to SDG 3 [1] focuses on improving access to modern, affordable building supplies for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. By reducing the cost barrier, our project empowers these communities to construct and maintain better facilities that meet safety standards, resources they might otherwise be unable to access. In doing so, we aim to directly promote health and well-being by ensuring that safe and modern infrastructure is available to all.

MeduCAs self-assembling nature allows users to produce them locally with bioprinters and bioink, reducing reliance on external manufacturers as well as manufacturing and shipping costs. Their self-healing properties further reduce the need for ongoing repairs, making them more cost-effective than traditional materials. These features empower marginalized communities to build or renovate homes, schools, and health facilities that directly support improved health outcomes.

The use of engineered biological systems does raise concerns about human health and safety if materials are not properly contained or regulated. Since MeduCA incorporates engineered biological systems, accidental GMO release poses a biosafety risk. There is also the possibility of ecosystem disruption if living components interact unpredictably with native organisms. Additionally, if the tools required for production remain expensive, accessibility could still be uneven across communities.

To mitigate these risks, we are implementing a multi-layered strategy. First, biosafety controls include biocontainment measures such as genetic kill switches that prevent survival and replication outside controlled conditions. Second, environmental safeguards involve rigorous risk assessments and phased field testing to minimize ecosystem disruption. Third, we ensure regulatory compliance by aligning development and distribution with international standards, including the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Finally, equitable access measures include partnerships with local organizations and tiered pricing to make the technology affordable and accessible.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

In response to SDG 6 [2] , Runoff from mine tailings poses significant risks to water quality due to the potential introduction of acid rock drainage, heavy metals, and sedimentation. Reactions between water and sulfide materials in mine tailings acidify the water. When this acidified water drains into surface or subsurface aquifers, it degrades aquatic habitats. Mine tailings also often contain heavy metals (e.g. Cd, Cu, Cr, Ph, As), which can be carried away by runoff and accumulate in the soil, plants, and other water bodies, posing health risks to humans and wildlife. Additionally, erosion from mine sites can affect the turbidity of the water by introducing suspended solids, reducing light penetration, dissolved oxygen levels, and altering water temperature, also degrading aquatic environments. Our product, which allows for a spray-on application to existing tailings to solidify and cement them into place, reduces the amount of sediment that can be carried off by runoff. Additionally, cementation immobilizes heavy metals within the tailings and also reduces the amount that can be carried away by runoff.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Our biocementation solution directly supports SDG 8 [3] by fostering safer, more sustainable work environments and driving economic opportunities in both mining and construction sectors. By converting toxic mine tailings, such as those leaching heavy metals like arsenic and lead, into safe, eco-friendly cement, we reduce workplace health risks for miners exposed to contaminated runoff and groundwater. The technology also catalyzes job creation: the global mining waste management market, valued at $230 billion USD in 2023 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2024 to 2030, signals growing demand for innovative waste solutions. Simultaneously, the sustainable construction sector, expected to grow from USD 470 billion in 2024 to over USD 2.1 trillion by 2037, benefits from affordable, durable materials, creating meaningful employment for undergraduates and professionals in green building innovation.

However, the adoption of biocementation could displace workers in traditional cement manufacturing or conventional remediation industries, particularly in regions where livelihoods are tied to legacy practices. Sudden disruption without transition pathways may generate job insecurity or resistance to adoption. These impacts can be mitigated by engaging with local industry stakeholders to reskill and upskill displaced workers, offering training programs that transition their expertise toward biocement production and bioremediation. This is viable because these workers are already equipped with horizontally transferable skills, having worked with traditional cement. By partnering with vocational institutes, universities, and mining companies, we can create inclusive workforce pipelines that integrate existing labor forces into this green innovation sector, ensuring that economic growth is not achieved at the expense of vulnerable workers.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

meduCA is a product that strongly aligns with SDG 9 [4] , as it aims to pioneer sustainable building materials for immediate applications on Earth, as well as future expansion for Martian/space settlements.

Currently, the UN has recognized 45 least-developed countries (LDCs), which make up less than 2% of the global GDP and ~1% of international trade. meduCA supports Target 9.5 by advancing scientific research and technological capabilities in the industrial sector through the production of sustainable building materials. Furthermore, by demonstrating the effectiveness of biologically-derived bricks, meduCA fosters innovation in construction technologies, thus supporting Target 9.5 in providing a low-cost, resource-efficient alternative that could be adapted for infrastructure development in LDCs, supporting their transition toward more sustainable and resilient industries.

Moreover, Canada currently produces 8 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions from the production, transportation, and demolition of construction materials used in infrastructure each year. Through the direct production of carbon-based building materials, meduCA minimizes reliance on Earth’s limited resources while reducing urban pollution through the absorption of CO2 during the production process, increasing resource-use efficiency, and eliminating the environmental footprint of traditional construction in accordance with Target 9.4.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

meduCA aligns with SDG 11 [5] by offering a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials, enabling more resilient and eco-friendly urban development on Earth and beyond.

Concrete production accounts for 8% of global CO₂ emissions, releasing about 1.5 billion tons annually - roughly the emissions of 300 million European cars. meduCA, made with engineered cyanobacteria and bio-ink, provides a low-carbon substitute that reduces reliance on conventional cement and supports Target 11.6 on mitigating urban environmental impacts. Global waste generation is projected to rise from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050, while mine tailings alone accounted for an estimated 180 billion tonnes in 2023. meduCA can repurpose such waste, reducing landfill accumulation and the need for virgin resource extraction. The green building materials market is projected to grow at a 10% CAGR, reaching $650 billion by 2030 (from $360 billion in 2024), underscoring rising demand for solutions like meduCA. They can also replace conventional road-building materials, cutting particulate pollution from concrete processing and improving urban air quality, further advancing Target 11.6.

meduCA contributes to Target 11.3 by supporting sustainable urbanization with durable, adaptable materials for both established cities and extreme environments such as Mars. Their in situ manufacturing capability, using local resources like mine tailings or Martian regolith, reduces costly material transport and enhances infrastructure resilience. Potential applications in road maintenance can also improve accessibility in urban and rural areas, aligning with Target 11.2 on safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems.

Integrating meduCA into existing infrastructure supports Target 11.1 by enabling safer, more affordable housing. By replacing resource-intensive traditional bricks, they promote responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) while addressing waste management and resource scarcity through biocementation. By reducing emissions, repurposing industrial waste, and fostering sustainable infrastructure, meduCA offers a practical pathway to greener, more resilient cities.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

In response to SDG 12 [6] , The extraction and processing of materials, fuels, and food contribute half of total global greenhouse gas emissions and over 90% of biodiversity loss and water stress. meduCA addresses Target 12.2 by utilizing photosynthetic cyanobacteria, reducing the need for non-renewable raw materials. Unlike conventional bricks, which require energy-intensive production, meduCA enables biomaterial generation instead of extraction, significantly lowering environmental impact.

Each year, cement production releases approximately 1.5 billion tons of CO₂. In 2014, the cement industry accounted for around 7% (10.7 EJ) of global industrial energy consumption and contributed 22% (2.2 Gt) of greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes. meduCA contributes to Target 12.4, ensuring environmentally sound management of waste materials. Their biogenic composition absorbs CO₂ rather than emitting it, further mitigating urban pollution. Additionally, integrating meduCA into existing infrastructure produces little to no environmental footprint, aligning with Target 12.5 on waste reduction.

The global green building materials market is experiencing significant growth, reflecting a strong shift towards sustainable construction practices. This trend encourages private sector investment in innovative technologies like meduCA. Such advancements set a precedent for industries to transition towards biomaterials, directly supporting Target 12.6, which aims to promote sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into corporate reporting cycles.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Our biocementation solution advances SDG 13 [7] by reducing greenhouse gas emissions tied to traditional cement production, a key contributor to global carbon footprints. Unlike conventional brick manufacturing, which relies on energy-intensive firing processes, our biocementation process aims to avoid high CO₂ output of cement kilns responsible for approximately 8% of global emissions. The environmental impact is amplified by repurposing the 180 billion tons of mining waste generated in 2023, a figure set to rise to 230 billion tons by 2032, reducing the need for virgin materials and landfill space. Meanwhile, the growing green building materials market, valued at USD 470 billion in 2024 and projected to exceed USD 2.1 trillion by 2037 with a CAGR of 12.2%, underscores demand for sustainable solutions like ours. By immobilizing heavy metals and curbing runoff from tailings, our technology not only mitigates local pollution but also sets a scalable precedent for climate-conscious construction on Earth and beyond.

meduCA further supports SDG 13: Climate Action by applying Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) to treat mine tailings for sustainable construction and atmospheric carbon reduction. MICP uses engineered microbes to precipitate calcium carbonate, which acts as a biological carbon capture method, pulling CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it as a stable solid. This carbon capture process not only reduces the need for carbon-intensive cement but also stabilizes hazardous mining waste, making it a key tool in mitigating climate change. The CO₂ captured through MICP can be quantified and verified, allowing the project to participate in carbon credit markets. Carbon credits are tradable certificates representing one ton of CO₂ removed from the atmosphere. Each ton of CO₂ mineralized through biocementation can be converted into these credits, which provide financial incentives for industries to adopt sustainable construction materials. Using MICP-based materials allows us to reduce carbon footprint and earn carbon credits, fostering a market-driven approach to carbon capture and climate action. By combining carbon sequestration with carbon credit opportunities, meduCA offers a scalable solution that reduces emissions and drives innovation in sustainable construction. These support Target 13.2, integrating carbon sequestration into policies and encouraging the adoption of low-carbon technologies, and Target 13.3, raising awareness of the importance of sustainable practices and the role of carbon capture in addressing climate change.

SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals

Our biocementation project aligns with SDG 17 [8] : Partnerships for the Goals by fostering collaborations among governments, private industries, research institutions, and environmental organizations to drive sustainable innovation. On Earth, we partner with construction firms and policymakers to integrate biocementation into infrastructure projects, reducing environmental impact and promoting circular economies. In space, collaborations with agencies like NASA and private space firms facilitate research and testing for Martian and lunar applications, minimizing reliance on Earth’s raw materials. Through these multi-stakeholder partnerships, we contribute to Target 17.16, which aims to enhance global partnerships for sustainable development, and Target 17.6, focused on knowledge sharing and access to science, technology, and innovation.

Exit Strategies

As meduCA advances toward commercialization, it is essential to consider potential exit strategies that ensure both financial sustainability and long-term impact. Exit planning provides a roadmap for how the technology can transition from a student-led initiative into industry-scale adoption, while protecting the project’s mission of addressing carbon emissions, mine tailings, and space infrastructure challenges. Three main strategies stand out as viable paths forward: acquisition by industry companies, technology licensing, and sale to private equity or green tech funds. Each option carries distinct advantages and considerations that balance financial returns with mission alignment.

Acquisition by Industry Companies

One potential exit strategy is acquisition by established players in construction materials, mining, or aerospace sectors. This pathway would allow meduCA’s technology to be rapidly integrated into existing industrial workflows, leveraging the acquirer’s large distribution channels and infrastructure. Such a move also positions the project within companies already committed to Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals and the UN SDGs, making it an attractive fit for their long-term sustainability agendas. However, careful negotiation of acquisition terms is essential, particularly around intellectual property, microbial strain ownership, and biosafety responsibilities. It is also critical to ensure alignment with the acquiring company’s strategic direction to avoid misapplication or underutilization of the product.

Technology Licensing

Licensing meduCA’s microbial strains, biocement processes, or bioreactor systems is another viable strategy. This approach creates recurring revenue streams through royalties and partnerships, while allowing the team to maintain its focus on research, development, and continued innovation. Licensing offers flexibility, enabling adoption across both Earth-based applications like mining remediation and space-focused ISRU markets. Yet, to make this model successful, strong intellectual property protections and well-defined contractual terms are necessary. In addition, ongoing technical support and biosafety oversight would need to be built into agreements to maintain safe and effective use of the technology.

Sale to Private Equity or Green Tech Funds

A third strategy is pursuing acquisition by private equity firms or specialized green technology funds with portfolios in sustainability, carbon capture, or space technology. Such an exit would provide access to substantial growth capital, strategic expertise, and global market connections, positioning meduCA for large-scale deployment across both established and frontier markets. This route is particularly compelling given the alignment between meduCA’s mission and the priorities of climate- and space-focused investors. However, this strategy requires the project to demonstrate a clear return on investment within acceptable timelines, backed by strong risk-mitigation frameworks. It is equally important to ensure the vision for meduCA’s technology aligns with the long-term investment plans of these funds, so growth potential is maximized without compromising sustainability or safety.

Taken together, these three exit strategies highlight different but complementary avenues for meduCA’s future. Acquisition ensures rapid industrial integration, licensing promotes sustained innovation and flexible market adoption, and sale to private equity or green funds provides the capital and networks needed for global scale. By considering these options early, the team positions itself not only for financial resilience but also for lasting influence in advancing sustainable construction, remediation, and space infrastructure. Ultimately, the chosen strategy should balance economic viability with meduCA’s mission to deliver impactful, carbon-negative solutions on Earth and beyond.