Innovation Interview: SEED Biosciences – Leading Biotherapeutics Manufacturing into the Future

We delve into SEED Biosciences‘ cutting-edge technology, DISPENCELL-TITER, to explore how it’s revolutionizing cell line development and impacting the biotech industry.

1. Could you explain what SEED Biosciences’ DISPENCELL-TITER is and how it works?

DISPENCELL-TITER is an innovative impedance-based pipetting system that transforms biotherapeutic cell line development. It isolates single cells with high precision and immediately predicts their productivity. This unique approach reduces timelines by up to six weeks and cuts costs tenfold, setting a new standard for efficiency and scalability.

2. What makes DISPENCELL-TITER different from other cell line development technologies on the market?

Unlike traditional or automated systems, DISPENCELL-TITER integrates single-cell isolation and productivity characterization in one step. It identifies high-producer clones on day 0, saving significant time and resources while delivering a compact, user-friendly solution compatible with GMP workflows.

3. How does impedance-based technology improve clone identification compared to current methods?

The core innovation lies in using electrical impedance spectroscopy to detect the productivity of individual cells. By measuring cell characteristics at specific frequencies, DISPENCELL-TITER can predict productivity early in the process, reducing the need to screen thousands of clones and ensuring a faster, more cost-effective pipeline.

4. What challenges in cell line development does DISPENCELL-TITER address that existing solutions do not?

DISPENCELL-TITER eliminates inefficiencies in traditional workflows, such as extended timelines, resource-heavy screening, and low cloning success rates. It also reduces biological waste and energy consumption, contributing to sustainability in biotherapeutic manufacturing.

5. Can you share your experience collaborating with Evolution Europe to secure funding through the Swiss Accelerator program?

Collaborating with Evolution Europe (EE) to secure funding through the Swiss Accelerator Program was a highly productive experience. Evolution’s expertise was instrumental in crafting a compelling grant application. They managed the process with precision, ensuring that our proposal aligned with Innosuisse’s evaluation criteria and effectively communicated the innovative aspects of DISPENCELL-TITER.

Beyond writing the application, Evolution Europe also plays a key role in managing the financial reporting for the grant, which streamlines administrative tasks for us and allows us to focus on advancing our project. Their deep understanding of the funding landscape and attention to detail have been invaluable throughout the process.

6. How do you envision DISPENCELL-TITER impacting the biotherapeutic industry?

DISPENCELL-TITER is poised to revolutionize biotherapeutic manufacturing by enhancing scalability, reducing costs, and accelerating the development of personalized medicines. Its applications extend beyond recombinant proteins to cell and gene therapies, cultured meat, and more.

7. What are the next steps for SEED Biosciences following this funding success?

With Swiss Accelerator funding, we will focus on industrializing DISPENCELL-TITER, launching it by 2025, and scaling up production. We aim to expand globally, targeting CROs, biotech, and pharma companies, while growing our team and advancing our technology portfolio.

8. What advice would you give to startups applying for funding programs like the Swiss Accelerator?

Here are some tips for startups and SMEs applying for programs like the Swiss Accelerator:

1. Start Early and Plan Thoroughly

Funding applications are time-consuming, requiring detailed technical, financial, and strategic input. Start early to allocate sufficient time for iterations and stakeholder alignment.

2. Understand the Grant Criteria

Study the guidelines carefully to understand the objectives of the funding body and align your project’s goals with their priorities. Programs like the Swiss Accelerator often emphasize innovation, market potential, and scalability.

3. Leverage Professional Expertise

Work with experienced grant writers or consultants, such as Evolution Europe, who understand the application process and can present your project in a compelling manner. They can help with crafting a clear, impactful narrative that meets reviewers’ expectations.

4. Quantify Your Impact

Use data to back your claims. Whether it’s market demand, technical feasibility, or expected outcomes, include quantifiable metrics to strengthen your case.

5. Highlight Your Team’s Expertise

Funders want to know their investment is in capable hands. Showcase your team’s qualifications, track record, and ability to execute the project.

6. Showcase Innovation and Differentiation

Clearly articulate what sets your product or technology apart from competitors and how it addresses a specific unmet need.

7. Anticipate Reviewers’ Concerns

Address potential weaknesses or risks in your application, explaining how you plan to mitigate them. Transparency builds credibility.

8. Plan for Post-Award Requirements

Understand the reporting and financial management obligations associated with the grant. A clear plan for how you will track and report progress is essential.

9. Collaborate with External Partners

Highlight partnerships with academic, industry, or other innovation players to show ecosystem engagement. For example, our collaboration with Evolution Europe helped with the application and ensured smooth post-grant reporting.

10. Be Persistent

If your application is not successful, request feedback and refine your approach. Many successful applicants secure funding after multiple attempts.

Key Takeaway

A strong application is not just about having a great idea; it’s about clearly demonstrating its value, feasibility, and alignment with the program’s goals. Dedication and strategic support from experts can make a significant difference.