Recently, biotechnology company Unlocked Labs Inc. graduated from the University of Wyoming’s IMPACT 307 business incubator, which helps support Wyoming start-up enterprises in the early stages of growth.
Unlocked Labs is based in Laramie and was founded by Christoph Geisler and James Francis. The company launched in 2020 through the Southeast Wyoming Innovation Launchpad.
“We’re part of a small but growing biotech, research and development, and startup ecosystem that helps diversify the Wyoming economy,” says Geisler.
Unlocked Labs is developing unique postbiotic supplements. These supplements contain enzyme-rich bacterial husks that are designed to break down compounds with negative health effects. Their flagship product breaks down oxalate, which is commonly found in foods like black tea and spinach. Too much oxalic acid can lead to kidney stones, kidney disease, and even kidney failure. Unlocked Labs’ postbiotic supplement is designed to help maintain oxalate at healthy levels.
“The market is saturated with probiotic, prebiotic, and postbiotic products that promise vague benefits, with no clearly defined or understood mechanism of action,” says Geisler. “Thus, we decided to build purpose-built biotics… that are specifically built to enzymatically break down target compounds know to be linked to chronic health conditions.”
Through the IMPACT 307 business incubator, Unlocked Labs accessed a research lab to develop their innovative probiotic. The company also gained expert mentorship and a place to connect with other entrepreneurs.
“Knowledge and connections to local resources have been critical in getting Unlocked to where it is today,” says Geisler.
Unlocked Labs plans to begin selling its products online in early 2026. While the company’s first product focuses on oxalate, Unlocked Labs intends to develop additional supplements to regulate other compounds that can be harmful.
“Unlocked Labs represents a diversification of the economy and innovation ecosystem that supports startups in Wyoming,” says Arun Pradhan, acting director of IMPACT 307. “As the company grows, it could be a significant contributor to the Laramie and Wyoming economies.”
