ScreenIn3D, a spin-out from the University of Strathclyde, has secured a £750,000 seed investment to advance its pioneering lab-on-a-chip technology.
The platform allows drug developers to test dozens of cancer treatments on minute, patient-derived tumour samples—offering a faster, more ethical and data-rich alternative to traditional animal testing methods.
The funding round was led by TRICAPITAL Angels and included participation from existing investors Gabriel Investments, Scottish Enterprise and the University of Strathclyde – plus German investor Nidobirds Ventures – and private individuals.
Founded by academic engineer Michele Zagnoni and life science tools’ veteran Alex Sim, ScreenIn3D’s technology increases the number of drug tests that can be carried out on extremely small samples of human tissue.
This offers drug developers vastly more data from early testing phases, helping them to identify effective new drugs earlier, reduce failures in clinical trials and bring therapies to market faster.
Zagnoni, chief executive of ScreenIn3D, said: “This technology has the potential to transform how cancer drugs are developed.
“Patient-derived tumour tissue is one of the most valuable resources in drug development, yet its use is often limited by cost and scarcity.
“Our technology changes that, making it possible to run a high volume of tests on minimal samples – this opens the door to faster discovery of effective drug combinations, with fewer failures along the way.”
The technology builds on more than a decade of research at the University of Strathclyde and has already been validated in preclinical oncology.
Moray Martin, chief executive at TRICAPITAL Angels, said: “ScreenIn3D is a standout example of the high-impact, deep-tech innovation that’s putting Scotland on the map.
“Their technology addresses a critical global issue – the need to reduce the gestation time and cost of drug development – and is backed by strong scientific credibility.”
Anne Henderson, head of investment at the University of Strathclyde, added: “ScreenIn3D is an excellent example of how academic research can translate into pioneering solutions with global reach and meaningful societal impact; and we are proud to support it through our Strathclyde Inspire Investment Fund.”
With this investment, the company plans to expand its applications beyond cancer to other disease areas, including women’s health, immune therapies and fertility treatment.
ScreenIn3D is already generating revenue, with both bio-pharma companies and cancer centres using the platform.
The company will grow its headcount from five to eight as it scales its operations and deepens industry partnerships.