Scientific research crowdfunding platform Experiment (formerly Microryza) has opened up its site to a wider scope of scientific groups. Experiment provides people with an alternative method of raising funds for their scientific projects, according to VentureBeat.

Researchers go through a vetting process before being able to post the funding goal for their given project. Through the platform, backers will be able to monitor the progress of the experiment and even communicate directly with the researchers. Experiment supports projects in the fields of biology, engineering, chemistry, psychology, computer science, physics, medicine, economics, paleontology, and ecology, the report detailed.

Initially, Experiment was only open to those connected to a laboratory or university. This way, the high quality of the researches is maintained and the trust from investors is ensured. Now, it is opening its doors to include independent scientists in the campaigns. The startup is also starting to work on space projects, and will move on to ocean researches after that.

Experiment has supported 85 scientific projects to date, with more than $600,000 raised. The startup is currently based in San Francisco. Andreessen Horowitz and Index Ventures provided the seed round for Experiment, VentureBeat reported.