bit.bio is a synthetic biology company based at the Babraham Research Campus in Cambridge, UK, that produces human cells for research, drug discovery and cell therapy. It was spun out of the University of Cambridge in 2016 and was formerly known as Elpis Biomed. The company applies a patented safe harbour gene-targeting approach, called opti-ox, to inducibly express transcription factor combinations that reprogram human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into defined, mature human cell types. Transcription factor combinations are identified through high-throughput screens and data analysis using its discovery platform.

The company markets its cells and disease models under the ioCells brand, which includes neuronal, glial, cardiac, liver and muscle cell types. Its catalogue has grown to more than 50 human cell types, including models of the heart, liver and central nervous system, and it offers CRISPR screening services, custom cell development and disease model development. Products are used for disease research, functional genomics, drug discovery, toxicology and safety testing, and as alternatives to animal testing. In 2026 it launched ioHepatocytes and a CRISPR screening service under the ioScreen name.

bit.bio has raised funding from investors including Arch Venture Partners, BlueYard Capital, Charles River Laboratories, Foresite Capital, M&G Investments, Milky Way Ventures, National Resilience, Puhua Capital and Tencent. Its Series C of $50M in January 2026 was led by M&G Investments, and a $25M Series D was announced in November 2026. In June 2026 Dr Emma Pepperell was appointed chief executive, succeeding Przemek Obloj. The company reported in November 2026 that paid vial volumes had risen 76 percent year to date, with orders up 34 percent and active customers up 40 percent.