Posted on July 30, 2015 in ASRC News, Nanoscience Initiative
A biomaterials company begun by CUNY Advanced Science Research Center Nanoscience Initiative Director Dr. Rein Ulijn recently announced plans to expand its New York offices after receiving Series A funding.
Biogelx Ltd., based at BioCity Scotland, has received an injection of nearly a million dollars (£630,000) from Scottish Investment Bank, Jonathan Loredo of Peak Capital Advisors, the University of Strathclyde and Gabriel Investments.
Biogelx produces leading edge peptide hydrogels which are used in research and have potential regenerative medicine applications. Since its founding in 2013, it has received significant interest in the global cell culture market and its customer base stretches to Spain, Italy, Portugal and Korea, in addition the United States and United Kingdom.
Ulijn, who serves as Chief Scientific Officer for Biogelx, said the expansion into the lucrative United States market will allow the company to improve support for existing customers and enhance its company profile.
“It is a very exciting time for Biogelx as the company takes its first steps in to the US market,” Ulijn said. “The NYC area is vibrant with infinite opportunities in the biotech arena, so it is wonderful to have a base here.”
The company is one of several entrepreneurial efforts already coming out of the ASRC. Structural Biology Initiative Director Dr. Kevin Gardner created Optologix, along with Senior Research Associate Dr. Laura Motta-Mena. Optologix produces a product that uses light to activate gene expression in cells and animals, allowing for nontoxic, rapid, precisely timed and localized induction unmatched by chemical-based methods.
CUNY Vice Chancellor for Research and ASRC Executive Director Dr. Gillian Small said the entrepreneurial efforts throughout CUNY would continue to improve the University’s standing as a major resource for economic development.
“CUNY has been actively creating an atmosphere that nurtures the development and commercialization of faculty discoveries and companies such as Rein’s and Kevin’s are an exciting development in support of that goal,” Small said.
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About the ASRC: The new CUNY Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) is a University-wide venture that elevates CUNY’s legacy of scientific research and education through initiatives in five distinctive, but increasingly interconnected disciplines: Nanoscience, Photonics, Structural Biology, Neuroscience and Environmental Sciences. Led by Dr. Gillian Small, Vice Chancellor for Research and the ASRC’s executive director, the center is designed to promote a unique, interdisciplinary research culture. Researchers from each of the initiatives work side by side in the ASRC’s core facilities, sharing equipment that is among the most advanced available. Funding for the ASRC from New York State is gratefully acknowledged.
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