Cellverse
IIT Jodhpur
Cellverse, a startup co-founded by an IIT Jodhpur faculty member, is set on revolutionizing preclinical drug testing. Identifying inefficiencies in current drug testing methods, Cellverse aims to fill the void with reliable disease models essential for drug discovery and personalized medicine. Their primary focus is developing 3D bio-printed disease models for high-throughput screening, starting with a model for oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), a precancerous condition.
To advance their mission, Cellverse joined GDC’s I-NCUBATE Program, seeking support for their product’s commercialization. The program provided mentorship and guidance as the team engaged with pharmaceutical companies, outsourced contractors, and academic research groups. Through these interactions, they discovered that while animal testing posed significant challenges, deeply ingrained practices and regulatory hurdles led to resistance against new methodologies.
The targeted support provided by the I-NCUBATE Program enabled Cellverse to pivot from a narrow focus on OSMF to exploring the broader potential of their technology. This strategic shift was transformative, revealing a substantial market demand for alternatives to animal testing across various pharmaceutical and research sectors. The insights gained from the program highlighted that pharmaceutical companies are increasingly seeking viable alternatives to traditional animal models, particularly for drug development and testing platforms. Recognizing this opportunity, Cellverse broadened their vision to focus on a wider application of their 3D bio-printed disease models, positioning themselves to address a significant and growing need in the industry.
Moving forward, Cellverse is focused on validating their market assumptions and refining their product based on continuous feedback. Their upcoming milestones include raising seed funding, conducting paid proof-of-concepts, and expanding their team with experts in marketing, R&D, and operations. With a refined strategy and ongoing support, Cellverse is poised to significantly impact the future of drug testing, offering a more ethical and efficient alternative to traditional methods.
Cellverse’s journey through the I-NCUBATE Program highlights the transformative power of strategic mentorship in uncovering new opportunities and enhancing innovative solutions.
