Paris-based biotech joins Topeka innovation hub; first lab tenant at Link Innovation Labs
August 10, 2026 | Startland News Staff
Inside the shared lab space at Link Innovation Labs, looking in to the Sparrow Coffee shop; photo courtesy of GO Topeka
A strategic location with strong access to customers across the region — as well as move-in-ready laboratory space — is expected to help Spore.Bio deepen its U.S. presence, said Amine Raji, noting Link Innovation Labs will get the company to work quickly.
Amine Raji, Spore.Bio
“Topeka gives us what we need most right now: proximity to our customers and deep industrial roots,” Raji, co-founder and CEO of the biotech company, currently headquartered in France. “As Spore.Bio scales across the US, we’re excited to help build the Kansas biotech ecosystem from the ground up.”
Spore.Bio developed the world’s first reagent‑free, AI‑driven microbiology platform for real‑time contamination monitoring. Its technology detects and quantifies live microorganisms in under 10 minutes without dyes or complex handling, with systems already deployed across multiple continents in food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
“Welcoming Spore.Bio as our first lab tenant is an exciting milestone for Link Innovation Labs,” said Stephanie Moran, senior vice president of innovation at GO Topeka. “Their decision to establish operations here reflects exactly why Link was created — to provide innovative companies with the space, resources, and connections they need to grow. It also reinforces Topeka’s ability to compete as a destination for global companies looking to access customers, partners, and opportunities in the region.”
Link Innovation Labs’ shared lab space, seen from a public viewing area at the on-site Sparrow Coffee shop; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News
Located in the heart of Topeka’s Innovation District, Link Innovation Labs provides flexible private lab suites, shared equipment, collaboration areas, and resources designed to help companies accelerate research, commercialization, and growth.
Link Innovation Labs’ shared lab space in Topeka; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News
The space launched in early 2026 and currently houses offices for Plug and Play Topeka, the Washburn Small Business Development Center, Sparrow Coffee at Link, and a community of entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry partners advancing innovation across the region.
A global startup that has raised more than $35 million — backed by Singular, LocalGlobe, Point72, No Label Ventures, and Google — Spore.Bio is a Plug and Play portfolio company, though it did not participate in Topeka’s program.
Its decision to lease space at Link demonstrates the facility’s role as a launchpad for companies seeking a strategic, accessible, and innovation-ready environment in the Midwest, Moran said.
Topeka leaders in late May announced a “Golden Ticket” valued at $15,000 — complimentary occupancy in LINK’s shared lab — a prize designed to give an early-stage company the space and resources it needs to grow.
ICYMI: Topeka startup backers launch ‘Golden Ticket’ to lab space in just-opened incubator
Applications for the Golden Ticket are open through Aug. 28. Startups with lab space needs are encouraged to apply.
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