How 3D printing meets living cells at Bio Inx (Flanders)
Once a year, Flanders’ entrepreneurs association Unizo awards the ‘Starter of the Year’ title to provide high-potential start-ups with a growth platform. Bio Inx joins the list of winners with its ambitious project to make 3D prints with living cells. “Our bio-inks are the mortar in the process of building artificial organs,” says CEO Jasper Van Hoorick.
Part of a remarkable evolution
Founded in 2022 as a spin-off of Ghent University (UGent), Bio Inx holds the key to an indispensable component in a significant biotechnological evolution. The company developed a type of gel that holds the cells together during 3D printing. “Like bricklaying a wall,” says Jasper Van Hoorick. “Our sophisticated bio-inks are the mortar.”
Focused innovation for steady progress
“To enable this printing process, you need living cells, a 3D printer and bio-inks,” Van Hoorick adds. “For each component, there are highly skilled companies in the market.” That’s why focus is key. From its new location at Tech Lane Ghent, one of Flanders’ largest science parks, Bio Inx specifically aims at developing bio-inks.
To make 3D prints with living cells, you need a lot of specialized material – but you can't be the best at everything.
In doing so, the spin-off company is the follow-up to Xpect-INX, a Ghent University project that tested the waters of 3D bioprinting, further putting Flanders on the map as a pioneer in the field of 3D printing technology.
Huge potential in the world of medicine
In the medical field, 3D printing is the promising new kid on the block, with massive potential as an alternative for lab animals in drug and cosmetics testing. But that is just the beginning. In the future, it may become possible to print an entirely new organ, such as a liver, based on the patient's own cells.
Cross-sector innovation for a thriving life sciences & health ecosystem
Bio Inx is just one of many start-ups and other companies and organizations that make Flanders such an innovative place for life sciences & health. Ready to explore this ecosystem in a virtual yet interactive way? Head to the Flanders360 platform and discover 300+ successful companies, universities, R&D centers, incubators and other players active in Flanders’ life sciences & health industry.
Check out our industry overview to learn more about the available tax, legal and other incentives for establishing your life sciences & health hub in Flanders.
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