FML Foundation increases CellTec Systems funding to €10 million

The Lübeck-based biotech company, CellTec Systems, is dedicated to enabling the production of biomass from cultured cells as a new sustainable raw material source for various industrial sectors. Due to its successful development thus far, the company is receiving additional funding from its anchor investor, the FML Family Foundation, which is closely associated with the Family Office of Professor Friedhelm Loh.

Frank Michael Loh, Chairman of the foundation, stated: "I am convinced that we need to take new paths for the future challenges we face in the industry. This includes the search for high-quality, sustainably producible raw materials. The use of cell cultures has been steadily increasing in many areas. Just look at applications for biological test systems, medical or pharmaceutical developments, and not least, advancements in food production, to name a few. In all these fields, more and more cell-based products will emerge, many of which we cannot yet foresee. Therefore, the FML Family Foundation believes that investing in this area is highly promising. We believe: The future is cell-based!"

The founding team, led by the former head of the Lübeck Fraunhofer Institute for Marine Biotechnology and Cell Technology EMB, Professor Charli Kruse, is thus securing further development for the coming years. With the available investment volume, the planned expansion steps can be carried out: For instance, the laboratory space will be expanded with an additional fully equipped location on the Lübeck campus in the MFC. This will enable even better collaboration with the University of Lübeck, with which CellTec Systems GmbH has had a cooperation agreement since its founding. Additionally, the interdisciplinary team is set to expand to 30 employees.

As Germany's first complete provider for industrial cell production, CellTec supplies all components for successful cell proliferation: isolation protocols, cells, growth and nutrient systems, bioreactors, and even training and consulting services. Unlike previously available solutions, the cell production developed here does not require genetically modified cells.

Professor Kruse emphasizes the importance of the continued commitment of the investor and co-founder: "We are pleased to take another step in the development of CellTec. The significant increase in our founding investor's participation shows how promising our prospects are! Many of our developmental advances are impressive, enabling us to equip other companies with our technology even now. Industrial cell proliferation can be used for a variety of applications, not only for food production but also, for example, for the rapid and cost-effective production of vaccines. As pioneers in this industry, we are at the forefront technically and scientifically, and we can further develop more products to bring them to market readiness."