ExCulture is a biotech startup (founded 2022, based in Leiden) that develops a novel mixed‑culture fermentation bioprocess to produce biopharmaceuticals without using animal-derived materials. Their flagship target is a substitute for heparin — one of the most widely used blood thinners — with the goal to deliver safer, more sustainable and scalable supply than the traditional pig-derived version. By eliminating animal dependency and contamination risk, their technology could improve reliability and accessibility of critical medicines worldwide.