US-based 1849 Bio develops microbial engineering solutions to unlock copper, gold, and other metals trapped in ores that conventional extraction methods deem uneconomical. By leveraging genetic engineering, 1849 Bio enhances metal recovery, reducing costs and environmental impact while meeting the rising global demand for critical minerals. The company is backed by Y Combinator and industry-leading advisors, with its technology poised to revolutionize the $40 billion metal extraction market.