Cell Models Technology Company Wins Start-Up Award

University of Cambridge spin-out Elpis Biomed Ltd, a developer of human cells via its proprietary OPTi-OX platform, was selected as Start-Up of the Year at the 2018 Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards.

Dr Mark Kotter, scientific founder of the company commented: “Elpis is set to have a transformative impact in the fields of biomedical research, drug discovery and cell therapy. We have assembled a world-class team to fulfil our mission to ‘make cells easy.’ I am honoured that our efforts have been recognized by such an outstanding panel of technology experts and that Elpis has been chosen as Start-Up of the Year from a field of truly excellent start-up companies.”

The award was presented to Dr Mark Kotter and Dr Gordana Apic at the Hilton Cambridge City Centre Hotel in front of an audience including many of the brightest minds in the Cambridge science and technology sectors.

The company was chosen by the judges as they were said to be impressed by the unique quality of its technology, which they believe has huge implications for biotechnology research. According to Cambridge Independent’s Editor Paul Brackley, the judges had a challenging time because of the “phenomenal” standard and range of entries. “It was an extremely high-quality field - a real showcase of the tremendous talent in this region,” he said.