Mucho Creates Brand Identity for Biotic, the Nonprofit Behind Synthetic SpudCells
Mucho, a design agency operating independently in San Francisco and Barcelona, has developed the brand identity for Biotic, the nonprofit organization responsible for SpudCells—synthetic cells derived from 36 genes. This initiative seeks to democratize scientific advancements. Dr. Kate Adamala spearheaded the SpudCells team, while designers Drew Endy, Chris Raggio, and Jan Jedryszek from Mucho prioritized public engagement. The tagline 'Ex Uno Plures' serves as a contrast to 'E Pluribus Unum.' A dot representing a cell forms the logo. For animations and illustrations, Mucho utilized Karl Sims' reaction-diffusion software. The monochrome color scheme symbolizes cellular purity. Rob Duncan highlighted the importance of making science comprehensible. SpudCells play a vital role in the creation of medicines and materials. The project was featured on It's Nice That on October 8, 2026. More information can be found at biotic.org/spudcell.
Key facts
- Mucho is an independent design and branding agency based in San Francisco and Barcelona.
- Biotic is a nonprofit organization stewarding SpudCells, manmade synthetic cells built using 36 genes.
- Natural cells contain thousands of genes, while SpudCells use only 36.
- Dr. Kate Adamala led the team of scientists behind SpudCells.
- Mucho designers Drew Endy, Chris Raggio, and Jan Jedryszek worked on the branding.
- The tagline 'Ex Uno Plures' means 'out of one, many,' reversing 'E Pluribus Unum'.
- The logo is a simple dot representing a single cell.
- Mucho used reaction-diffusion software created by Karl Sims for animations.
- The color palette is limited to black-and-white.
- Rob Duncan is a Mucho partner and creative director.
- SpudCells could help cure disease, break down pollutants, capture carbon, produce food and fuels.
- The project was published on It's Nice That on October 8, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Dr. Kate Adamala
- Drew Endy
- Chris Raggio
- Jan Jedryszek
- Karl Sims
- Rob Duncan
- Paul M
Institutions
- Mucho
- Biotic
- It's Nice That
Locations
- San Francisco
- United States
- Barcelona
- Spain