Biotech is breaking out of ivory towers. Garage labs, community biologists and small field teams are exploring new diagnostics, enzymes and bio‑based materials. Yet most ideas stall before proof of concept because there is no funding tier below traditional grants.

Primordia fills this gap with micro grants that let DIY biologists and tinkerers run their first experiment fast.

Primordia provides up to $2,500 in flexible microgrants for tightly scoped biology experiments run in community labs. Funding typically covers membership fees, reagents, consumables, and basic materials, and when possible, Primordia can also support access to lab space and equipment.

The expectation is simple: use a small budget to generate an initial proof of concept and concrete learnings within roughly 3-4 months.

Funding Criteria

• Project should fall within biology, with a clear experimental plan and an aspiration to solve a real world problem over time.

• Applicant has access to local/community laboratory. We do not fund projects conducted in home labs.

• No bio education background needed, but you should be capable of designing and executing your intended experiment

• Grantees are encouraged to share progress through short public updates and lab notes, so others can learn from what worked, what failed, and what comes next. This builds a visible portfolio of early experiments and helps the community biotech ecosystem grow. We will provide guidance and support on how to share your work clearly and safely.