PeptiMatrix
PeptiMatrix is a newly established University of Nottingham spinout company that provides access to an innovative, and animal-free, 3D cell culture platform for drug development and investigative research.
We have developed this technology with the support of the NC3Rs, BBSRC, and EPSRC. By combining the skills and expertise of individuals across a broad range of scientific backgrounds we were able to develop a solution that address a variety of unmet challenges in 3D in vitro modelling.
2022
Start Date
Nottingham
Location
5
Employees
£270k
Grants
The Journey
In 2022, following successful testing of our technology with partner labs across the globe, and responding to increased requests to share the hydrogel technology, we realised the platform had reached the optimal point for commercialisation. To fully explore this potential, we secured funding to enrol on the BBSRC ICURe programme, which allowed us to ‘get out of the lab’ and test our technology in the market.
This involved speaking to more than 100 people across nine countries and then presenting our findings to an experienced panel of investors and entrepreneurs. Their recommendation was that we were ready to bring this technology to the wider research community, through launching a new University spinout company.
After securing £270,690 in grant funding from Innovate UK’s ICURe Follow-on-Fund, we were delighted to have to opportunity to do this, with the launch of “PeptiMatrix” in July 2023.
Contact Form
Completed a PhD in Biotechnology, with a focus on peptide hydrogels.
Joined BBSRC ICURe ‘Explore’ Programme
Progressed onto BBSRC ICURe ‘Exploit’ Programme
UoN Strategic Innovation Funding £45,000
Secured £270,690 grant funding from Innovate UK’s ICURe Follow-on Fund
Secured £72,041 in further funding from UoN’s SOIC Pathfinder Fund
"PeptiMatrix” officially launched
First product to market, “PeptiMatrix Core"
What companies had to say about the Innovate UK ICURe programme?
"After securing £270,690 in grant funding from Innovate UK’s ICURe Follow-on-Fund, we were delighted to have to opportunity to bring our technology to the wider research community, with the launch of “PeptiMatrix” in July 2023.”
Dr John Curd
Co-Founder and CEO PeptiMatrix
Future Goals
PeptiMatrix’s long-term mission is to eliminate the need for animals and animal-derived materials in scientific research.
By bringing a reliable synthetic alternative to market for animal-derived hydrogels (such as those derived from EHS mouse sarcoma), researchers will be provided a way to generate more accurate and reliable data, whilst also helping to reduce (and eventually replace!) the use of animals in research.