Dr. Boon Chong Goh is the co-founder and CTO of ArrowBiome, a Singapore-based biotech startup developing precision microbiome solutions through its lysin engineering platform.

Spun out from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology and NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, ArrowBiome 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.

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.

Host: Shamieraah Jamal

Editors: Chi Dam, Shamieraah Jamal, Dillon Chew

Timestamp:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Boon Chong Goh

00:54 Journey From Physics to Antimicrobial Research

01:36 Why Lysins Became the Focus

04:24 Why Lysin Technology Matters for AMR

05:25 Funding Early Antimicrobial Projects

07:19 From Research Scientist to Entrepreneur

09:19 From CEO to CTO

14:10 Building ArrowBiome in Singapore

15:48 Why Singapore for Deep Tech and Cosmeceuticals

17:28 ArcherZyme and SmartArrow

19:19 Why Start with Cosmeceuticals

21:15 Regulatory Pathways and Clinical Testing

22:01 Measuring Success in Acne and Body Odor

23:23 Microbiome Differences Across Populations

24:51 Scaling Fermentation

25:37 B2B Partnerships and Global Clients

26:33 Formulation Partnerships with CHAKS

27:49 Singapore Startup Ecosystem and Partnerships

29:01 Winning Gold at In-Cosmetics Asia

31:06 Belgium Subsidiary and Global Expansion

32:20 What Next for ArrowBiome

33:20 M&A Strategy and Exit Planning

34:22 Advice for Researcher-Entrepreneurs

36:31 From Scientist to Strategic Founder