Florida Southern’s Brooke Sommers and Her Biotech Startup, Dermageneous, Awarded Catapult Launch Micro-Grant

Brooke Sommers, a junior at Florida Southern College, is a double major in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business and Spanish, and a minor in Entrepreneurship. Sommers was drawn to Florida Southern’s business program for its several distinct advantages, including AACSB accreditation, dynamic student organizations, and prime location between Tampa and Orlando. These advantages have provided Sommers with access to countless conferences, business competitions, and networking opportunities. She has continued to immerse herself in the business school community, having founded her own company as a freshman. 

Brooke Sommers' company, Dermageneous, is a cutting-edge personalized skincare startup rooted in genetic testing. Dermageneous has not only been selected to join Catapult Lakeland’s prestigious business incubation program but has also been awarded the Catapult Launch Micro-Grant, a funding award designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs.  

Dermageneous offers a solution to a widespread consumer pain: ineffective and wasteful skincare shopping. By utilizing DNA sequencing, the company provides individuals with personalized skincare recommendations tailored to their unique genetic markers. This science-first approach eliminates guesswork and reduces the environmental and financial costs of trial-and-error product purchases.  

"Dermageneous was inspired by my frustration with the beauty industry. I could never find products in stores that actually worked for me," Sommers states. "I knew I didn’t want to create just another beauty line I wanted to build something that made skincare more accessible and transparent so people could navigate products and routines that actually fit their needs."  

Her company’s mission is grounded in sustainability, data-driven decision-making, and helping people feel confident in their skin.  

"Dermageneous genetically links users to existing beauty products on the market that are best suited for their skin type," Sommers noted. "We analyze specific genetic markers that affect things like oil production, sensitivity, collagen breakdown, and how your skin responds to certain ingredients. By understanding these traits, we can match users with products that are more likely to work for their unique skin needs."  

All genetic data is encrypted, anonymized, and stored securely, so it can't be traced back to any individual. Users have full control over their information, and the data collected is only used to provide personalized skincare recommendations. Data is never shared with third parties without permission, and Dermagenous follows strict ethical standards to protect every user's identity and privacy. Customers start by ordering a kit online. They provide a saliva sample by spitting in a tube and sending it back to Dermagenous using the free return label. Dermagenous then analyzes the data and uploads the customer's genetic profile along with personalized product recommendations to the company's website or app.   

Sommers added, "By using genetic sequencing, we recommend products tailored specifically to each person’s skin needs. This prevents unnecessary purchases and reduces product waste. Our targeted approach helps customers avoid trial and error, which lowers overall consumption and supports a more sustainable beauty industry."  

Being selected for Catapult Lakeland’s Incubator marks a significant step forward in Sommers’ entrepreneurial journey. Catapult, a well-regarded business incubator in Central Florida, provides early-stage companies with workspace, mentorship, professional resources, and access to funding opportunities. Through the program, Dermageneous will benefit from a collaborative environment designed to accelerate growth and refine strategy.  

"I started working with Catapult in early 2024 after winning first place in the BUS1115 Shark Tank-style competition with Dermageneous," said Sommers. "Since then, I’ve been selected every semester to join the Catapult Seed-To-Scale Program at Florida Southern. The experience has been invaluable; they have been able to provide mentorship, resources, and constant encouragement that have helped me turn Dermageneous from an idea into a real business.”  

In addition to being selected for the incubator, Sommers was awarded the Catapult Launch Micro-Grant, a financial award that supports critical early-stage business needs. This grant is often a catalyst for entrepreneurs to acquire key equipment, expand operations, or invest in product development. For Sommers, it represents both validation of her vision and a tangible boost in her ability to scale Dermageneous.  

"Winning the $2,500 grant will have a strong impact by helping me advance the company to the stage where we can secure federal funding from future government and research programs like SBIR," Sommers expressed. "Catapult has really been there for me in a lot of ways. The financial support from their grants has helped me keep things moving. On the strategy side, their mentors and resources have given me great guidance to make smarter decisions and sharpen my business plan. Overall, their support has been a big part of my growth as an entrepreneur and as a person."  

With her education at Florida Southern, the support of Catapult Lakeland, and a mission rooted in innovation and sustainability, Brooke Sommers is poised to make a lasting impact in the skincare industry. Dermageneous is not only a business, but also a bold step toward a smarter, science-backed future in beauty and wellness.

Photo credit to Catapult Lakeland.