Our Node 1 Journey: How Automera Found its Fit

Automera began its journey to advance targeted protein degradation in 2023 — the same year it joined Node 1. From the start, it’s been more than just a workplace. “Being here, you feel like you are part of something bigger — it’s not just you and your 5-6 pax team, you are also inspired by the energy of the other startups and investors around you,” said Dr. Shawn Hoon, Automera’s Chief Scientific Officer.

That sense of human connection has shaped their experience - from festive celebrations and lunches with fellow Node 1 members, to off-site events like Family Day or running under the Node 1 banner at the Relay for Life 100 km challenge.

Underpinning this culture of community is a bedrock of practical support. Automera’s suite came ready to go -- fully fitted, with access to shared tissue culture facilities, ultra-low freezers, analysers and imaging systems. For a young start up, these resources translated into major savings. “We're talking about instruments that would have cost us six figures to purchase and maintain,” noted Dr. Hoon. “Beyond that, the Node 1 team was really knowledgeable about lab operations, and we didn’t have to worry about regulatory requirements or safety protocols.”

Node 1’s team helped ensure a smooth move-in, overseeing the set-up and connecting Automera with vendors like A*STAR’s Research Support Centre and Mettler Toledo, as well as managing the procurement of flammables and hazardous materials. “As a new startup, we were still setting up our accounts, so the assistance really accelerated our ability to get our first experiments underway,” explains Dr Priya Raja, Head of Lab Operations.

Alongside the community, having a private office and meeting spaces just steps away from their lab has made a real difference for Automera. This has been especially invaluable when Automera’s global team visits – from hosting Board meetings in fully equipped meeting rooms to finding quiet corners in the lounge work for calls or focused work. “Node 1 lets us focus fully on the science, while the team takes care of everything else,” reflected Dr Raja.