Yuri: Microgravity as a Platform for Life Science Innovation

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Gravity shapes nearly every biological process on Earth. Cells grow, proteins fold, and organisms develop under constant physical forces. When those forces are removed, biological systems behave differently, sometimes in ways that are difficult or impossible to reproduce under terrestrial conditions. Yuri builds on this premise by creating access to microgravity as a working environment for life sciences. The German startup Yuri develops space-based laboratories and complementary ground systems designed to study biological processes beyond Earth. Its approach connects scientific research with operational capabilities, enabling experiments and early-stage production in orbit.

Technology and Product

Yuri develops automated microgravity laboratories that can be deployed to platforms such as the International Space Station. These systems are designed to host biological experiments under controlled conditions, including temperature regulation, fluid handling, and real-time data collection. A central component is the company’s modular lab architecture, including miniaturized bioreactors and incubators capable of supporting multiple experiments within a single mission. Platforms such as ScienceTaxi enable parallel experimentation, allowing researchers to run different biological processes simultaneously in orbit. In addition to space-based hardware, Yuri provides ground-based simulators that replicate aspects of microgravity. Together, these systems form an integrated workflow, from experiment design and testing on Earth to execution and analysis in orbit.

User interface for operating and monitoring experiments within Yuri’s microgravity laboratory systems. (© Yuri)

Industrial Fit and Applications

Microgravity becomes relevant in applications where biological or material processes are influenced by physical forces. In pharmaceutical research, altered cell growth and protein formation can support drug discovery and disease modeling. Experiments in orbit provide data that can complement terrestrial studies.

Applications also include biotechnology, biomaterials, and food research, where controlled conditions enable the study of structures and processes that are difficult to replicate on Earth. By enabling access to orbital laboratories, Yuri supports research workflows that extend beyond conventional laboratory environments.

Yuri’s ScienceTaxi BioSpin life science incubator launched to the ISS, enabling automated microgravity experiments with up to 38 biological samples. (© Yuri)

Founding Team

Yuri was founded by Mark Kugel, Maria Birlem (CEO), Philipp Schulien, and Christian Bruderrek (COO). The company is led by Maria Birlem and Christian Bruderrek. The team combines backgrounds in aerospace engineering, biology, and commercial space operations. Based in Germany, Yuri focuses on developing infrastructure that enables scientific and industrial use of microgravity environments.