Advancing Precision Microbiome Innovation with Dr. Boon Chong Goh

<p>Dr. Boon Chong Goh is the co-founder and CTO of <strong>ArrowBiome</strong>, a Singapore-based biotech startup developing precision microbiome solutions through its lysin engineering platform.</p><p><br /></p><p>Spun out from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology and NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, <strong>ArrowBiome</strong> develops proprietary and patented platform technologies that enable highly selective bacterial targeting and killing. With “arrow-like” precision, the company is advancing microbiome solutions across applications including body odour, acne, other bacteria-associated skin conditions, gut health, and antimicrobial resistance.</p><p><br /></p><p>In this episode, Boon Chong shares how his journey from physics, protein structure, and molecular simulations led him into antimicrobial resistance research and eventually entrepreneurship. He discusses why lysins are powerful tools for precision microbiome control, how ArrowBiome moved from academic research to commercialization, and why the company strategically entered skincare and personal care before tackling more complex antimicrobial challenges. He also reflects on startup fundraising, Singapore’s biotech ecosystem, scaling production, global expansion, and the personal shift from scientist to entrepreneur.</p><p><br /></p><p>Host: Shamieraah Jamal</p><p>Editors: Chi Dam, Shamieraah Jamal, Dillon Chew</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Timestamp</strong>:</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Dr. Boon Chong Goh</p><p>00:54 Journey From Physics to Antimicrobial Research</p><p>01:36 Why Lysins Became the Focus</p><p>04:24 Why Lysin Technology Matters for AMR</p><p>05:25 Funding Early Antimicrobial Projects</p><p>07:19 From Research Scientist to Entrepreneur</p><p>09:19 From CEO to CTO</p><p>14:10 Building ArrowBiome in Singapore</p><p>15:48 Why Singapore for Deep Tech and Cosmeceuticals</p><p>17:28 ArcherZyme and SmartArrow</p><p>19:19 Why Start with Cosmeceuticals</p><p>21:15 Regulatory Pathways and Clinical Testing</p><p>22:01 Measuring Success in Acne and Body Odor</p><p>23:23 Microbiome Differences Across Populations</p><p>24:51 Scaling Fermentation</p><p>25:37 B2B Partnerships and Global Clients</p><p>26:33 Formulation Partnerships with CHAKS</p><p>27:49 Singapore Startup Ecosystem and Partnerships</p><p>29:01 Winning Gold at In-Cosmetics Asia</p><p>31:06 Belgium Subsidiary and Global Expansion</p><p>32:20 What Next for ArrowBiome</p><p>33:20 M&amp;A Strategy and Exit Planning</p><p>34:22 Advice for Researcher-Entrepreneurs</p><p>36:31 From Scientist to Strategic Founder</p>