Limula wins $250,000 Grand Prize at global innovation award

Limula, the winner of the $250,000 non-dilutive Grand Prize and the title of 2023 BioTools Innovator, offers an automated tool for scalable cell therapy manufacturing. Its unique technology for the first time combines a bioreactor and centrifuge into one device to support the “one-patient – one batch” production of personalized treatments with minimal human intervention. The device could make the currently very expensive cell therapies more affordable and thus play a decisive role in the dissemination of the promising approach. 

Limula prevailed against 300 competitors

As part of a rigorous selection process, together with the senior leadership teams of its corporate partners at Research Corporation Technologies, Broad Oak Capital Partners, Nissan Chemical America Corp., and more than 80 industry judges from leading life science firms, BioTools Innovator evaluated the pitches of 37 candidates out of more than 300 applicants from 26 countries and 28 U.S. states. Nineteen companies were then selected to participate in the BioTools Innovator Accelerator, which prominently features best-in-class life science startups from around the world.

“Being part of the BioTools Innovator has been incredible. The program was instrumental in helping us bridge the knowledge gap between Switzerland and the U.S., and the mentorship from industry leaders was invaluable in helping us build our value proposition and business strategy,” said Luc Henry, CEO of Limula. “All of our fellow cohort companies represent amazing innovation in the life sciences tools space, and we are truly honored to have won the grand prize.”

“BioTools Innovator was launched three years ago to advance life science tools innovation. Since then, we and our sponsors have fostered the development of dozens of companies at the leading edge of life science tools and diagnostics,” said Kathryn Zavala, managing director of BioTools Innovator. “Congratulations to Limula and all of the BioTools Innovator 2023 cohort companies. We’re thrilled to contribute their progress as they help drive the discovery of new solutions to improve human health."

BioTools Innovator provides startups with individualized mentorship and feedback, funding opportunities, and continual engagement with peers and advisors. Funding for BioTools Innovator is provided by the Frederick Gardner Cottrell Foundation of Research Corporation Technologies, Inc. (RCT). Additional support is provided by BroadOak Capital Partners and Nissan Chemical America Corporation.

(Press release /SK)