Ghent-based startup Spectacell has raised 6 million euros to develop a chip-based ‘microscope’ for studying thousands of cells simultaneously. Using Imec technology, the system tracks individual cells across large populations and applies AI to identify patterns in the images. The initial focus is helping pharmaceutical companies assess and improve cancer immunotherapies by observing how immune cells attack cancer cells.
Spectacell is a spin-off from a collaboration between Imec, life science institute VIB and Ghent University. The technology underwent about five years of testing and refinement, including experiments with laboratory prototypes and clinical samples from Ghent University Hospital. The company aims to bring its instrument to market in about three years. Research and development will be headquartered in Ghent, with an additional laboratory in Leiden.
The international round was led by Imec.xpand, with participation from PMV’s Flanders Future Tech Fund, Innovationquarter Capital, Qbic and VIB.
