Techshot
Develops and operates microgravity manufacturing equipment, including the 3D BioFabrication Facility for printing human tissue in space and the Fabrication Laboratory for metal additive manufacturing on the ISS.
- CEO / Founder
- John Vellinger
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Acquired
- Total Funding
- $350K
- Latest Round
- Acquired
Technology & Products
Key Products
3D BioFabrication Facility (BFF); Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab); Multi-use Variable-gravity Platform; Advanced Space Experiment Processor; Bone Densitometer
Technological Advantage
Techshot's proprietary bioprinting and metal AM processes are designed for microgravity, a unique environment that enables novel material properties and tissue constructs. The company holds multiple NASA contracts and partnerships, providing a regulatory and relationship moat. Its IP is likely protected by patents and trade secrets, though specific patents are not publicly listed.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Enables on-demand manufacturing and bioprinting in microgravity, reducing reliance on Earth-based resupply and enabling novel research and production capabilities for space exploration and biomedical applications.
How They Differentiate
Techshot differentiates through its focus on bioprinting and life sciences in microgravity, with a proven track record of ISS payloads and a strong relationship with NASA. Unlike competitors focused on polymer or metal AM, Techshot's BFF is the first to print human tissue in space, offering a unique capability.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
NASA, ISS National Lab, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and defense organizations
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Defense; Biotechnology; Pharmaceuticals; Research
Competitors
Made In Space (now Redwire); Space Tango; Tethers Unlimited
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Acquired by Redwire in 2021; contributed $8.8M of revenue to Redwire's year-over-year revenue increase (Redwire 10-K); Redwire reported total backlog of $271.6M as of December 31, 2021, including acquisition-related contracted backlog. Major milestones: multiple NASA SBIR awards; first 3D printing test experiment of a human knee meniscus with nScrypt; formal efforts toward NASA's Vascular Tissue Challenge; breakthroughs in vascularized tissue construction and 3D cell culture; 2019 ASGSR Fellow for Chief Scientist.
Major Milestones
1988: Founded; 2019: Launched 3D BioFabrication Facility to ISS; 2021: Acquired by Redwire
Notable Customers
NASA; ISS National Lab; Eli Lilly; Novartis; UCLA
Funding rounds
- Grant$350KSource: SignalHire