Johns Hopkins APL-Supported Researchers Turn Biological Innovation Into a New Startup

Drawn to the power of biology, John Sittmann has built his career around sustainable agriculture and the search for natural solutions to real-world challenges.

Sittmann, who spent three years at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, as a molecular plant biologist, is developing a platform to harness and integrate the unique capabilities of plants and microbes. With support from APL, he is now transforming that research through commercialization.

Biology-Based Problem-Solving

As the third recipient of APL’s Archimedes Award, Sittmann has teamed up with microbiology researcher Tom Curtis, a former APL colleague, to launch Deep Root Biolabs. The startup is advancing a patent-pending platform that applies microbial- and plant-based systems to sustainable agriculture, environmental remediation, and bio-mining for critical minerals — translating fundamental biological processes into practical tools for soil health, crop resilience, and resource recovery.

“You often hear the phrase ‘food security is national security,’ and it’s true,” said Sittmann. “Of course, we eat them, but beyond that, plants have so much untapped potential. They provide food, fuel, and filtration, and if we learn to leverage their capabilities more effectively, the possibilities are enormous.”

While working at APL, Sittmann was exploring ways to deliver biomolecules into invasive plants that would stop the plants from spreading but not harm them. At the same time, Curtis was working on an internally funded project that involved identifying and engineering bacteria for specific purposes.

After facing a few roadblocks in his research, Sittmann wondered if he could apply Curtis’ approach to help the desired biomolecules integrate into the living plants without killing them. The collaboration not only solved Sittmann’s challenge on the first try but also revealed far-reaching applications, including reducing reliance on fertilizers through nitrogen fixation and possibly enhancing crop resilience.

Recognizing the platform’s potential, the two reached out to APL’s Tech Transfer team to explore paths to commercialization, which ultimately led Sittmann to apply for the Archimedes Award.

“John and the rest of the Deep Root Biolabs squad are bringing to life Arvind Gupta’s belief that ‘biology is the most powerful technology ever created,’” said Paul Oostburg Sanz, APL’s strategic adviser to the director on commercialization. “Whether it’s accessing rare earth minerals, remediating environmental wastelands, naturally supercharging agricultural crops, or another incredibly challenging problem, Deep Root Biolabs promises biology-based solutions that could strengthen our nation’s security and resilience.”

Advancing Applied Research

Launched in 2019 by APL Tech Transfer, the Archimedes Award promotes entrepreneurship and accelerates the commercialization of Laboratory technology. Each year, up to two recipients are selected to receive two years of office and lab space in Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures’ FastForward innovation hubs, along with a package of medical and other benefits for the same time period. These resources are already coming in handy as Sittmann and Curtis build their company.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” said Sittmann. “Lately we’ve been focused on securing the tools and materials we need to advance our lab work, while also putting the company’s administrative pieces in place. Having lab space through Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures has been invaluable, and with our first employee now on board, we’re excited to get into the lab and continue refining the technology.”

Reflecting on his time at APL, Sittmann noted that the breadth of expertise and the focus on translating research into real-world solutions shaped his outlook and opened new pathways.

“What stood out to me was the applied part of the Applied Physics Laboratory name,” he said. “It showed me that research doesn’t have to stop at discovery; you can take it further and turn it into something that makes a real impact.”