Isospec Analytics wins CHF 150,000 to empower biotechnologies through molecular intelligence
28.06.2023
Isospec Analytics has been awarded CHF 150,000 as a winner of Venture Kick’s third stage. The startup is developing a unique technology that takes the guesswork out of biomolecular analysis by leveraging molecular fingerprints to identify analytes. This innovative approach accelerates the development of biotech products and enables the discovery of new biomarkers.
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Drug development is a complex and expensive process, with only a small fraction of candidates successfully making it to the market. The molecular structure of a compound plays a crucial role, as even the slightest detail can determine whether it becomes a potent therapeutic or a toxic poison. Misidentifying a molecule during early-stage drug development can have disastrous consequences during clinical phases.
Isospec Analytics, EPFL spin-off, is committed to reducing failure rates in drug development, particularly in areas like oncology and neurodegenerative diseases. Their technology provides crucial information throughout the drug development process, aiding in understanding metabolic pathways. The startup’s ambitions extend beyond pharmaceuticals, as they also focus on developing their technology for early disease diagnostics. By identifying new biomarkers and addressing diseases at their core, they aim to become a preferred tool in this field. Moreover, there are additional market opportunities in food tech and agricultural science.
The founding team of Isospec, consisting of CTO Dr. Stephan Warnke, scientific advisor Prof. Thomas Rizzo, and CEO Dr. Ahmed Ben Faleh, has collaborated for the past six years to develop the technology and its applications. Isospec’s patented infrared fingerprinting technology and proprietary machine learning tools introduce a new metric that combines detection sensitivity with definitive molecular structure identification. This capability enables the discovery of robust and reliable biomarkers for the early detection of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases from liquid biopsies. Initially, Isospec will offer advanced analytical services while simultaneously working on creating a powerful and user-friendly platform for pharmaceutical and medical laboratories. The funding received will be used to develop their platform and automate their molecular identification processes, bringing speed and certainty to biomarker discovery.
Isospec Analytics estimates that the total addressable market for characterizing regulated products amounts to USD 8.5 billion, and the demand is expected to grow rapidly. The team has already secured its first paying customers and is engaged in pilot projects with various companies, ranging from biotech startups to multinational corporations in the pharmaceutical and clinical nutrition sectors. The support from Venture Kick will enable the founding team to focus on business development and enhance their technological capabilities.
“Venture Kick was instrumental in the development of Isospec Analytics. The funds from previous stages allowed us to acquire our first customers and further develop the technology and applications. Beyond the financial contribution, it provided us with the kick we needed to move fast via the different camps, workshops, and programs,” said Ahmed Ben Faleh, CEO of Isospec Analytics.
Scientific advisor Prof. Thomas Rizzo, CEO Dr. Ahmed Ben Faleh, and CTO Dr. Stephan Warnke
Isospec Analytics, EPFL spin-off, is committed to reducing failure rates in drug development, particularly in areas like oncology and neurodegenerative diseases. Their technology provides crucial information throughout the drug development process, aiding in understanding metabolic pathways. The startup’s ambitions extend beyond pharmaceuticals, as they also focus on developing their technology for early disease diagnostics. By identifying new biomarkers and addressing diseases at their core, they aim to become a preferred tool in this field. Moreover, there are additional market opportunities in food tech and agricultural science.
The founding team of Isospec, consisting of CTO Dr. Stephan Warnke, scientific advisor Prof. Thomas Rizzo, and CEO Dr. Ahmed Ben Faleh, has collaborated for the past six years to develop the technology and its applications. Isospec’s patented infrared fingerprinting technology and proprietary machine learning tools introduce a new metric that combines detection sensitivity with definitive molecular structure identification. This capability enables the discovery of robust and reliable biomarkers for the early detection of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases from liquid biopsies. Initially, Isospec will offer advanced analytical services while simultaneously working on creating a powerful and user-friendly platform for pharmaceutical and medical laboratories. The funding received will be used to develop their platform and automate their molecular identification processes, bringing speed and certainty to biomarker discovery.
Isospec Analytics estimates that the total addressable market for characterizing regulated products amounts to USD 8.5 billion, and the demand is expected to grow rapidly. The team has already secured its first paying customers and is engaged in pilot projects with various companies, ranging from biotech startups to multinational corporations in the pharmaceutical and clinical nutrition sectors. The support from Venture Kick will enable the founding team to focus on business development and enhance their technological capabilities.
“Venture Kick was instrumental in the development of Isospec Analytics. The funds from previous stages allowed us to acquire our first customers and further develop the technology and applications. Beyond the financial contribution, it provided us with the kick we needed to move fast via the different camps, workshops, and programs,” said Ahmed Ben Faleh, CEO of Isospec Analytics.
Scientific advisor Prof. Thomas Rizzo, CEO Dr. Ahmed Ben Faleh, and CTO Dr. Stephan Warnke