Innovation Zone

APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE INNOVATION ZONE 2026

ISCT is excited to announce the ISCT 2026 Dublin Innovation Zone. This unique program is exclusively designed for disruptive cell and gene therapy (CGT) start-ups to showcase their groundbreaking technologies and elevate their corporate visibility for a nominal rate. 

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Please note by applying you understand that this is a paid sponsorship opportunity.

2025 Innovation Zone Title Sponsor:

WHAT IS THE INNOVATION ZONE?

The ISCT Innovation Zone is a dedicated space within the ISCT Annual Meeting Exhibit Hall where disruptive, early-stage cell and gene companies can showcase their technology to over 2700+ cell and gene therapy (CGT) translation experts. This space offers an affordable and accessible opportunity for thriving start ups to exhibit alongside leading global CGT organizations.

ATTEND THE INNOVATION ZONE PITCHING SESSION

ISCT 2025 will host two interactive Innovation Zone pitching sessions open to all delegates to attend. Here, our Innovation Zone start-ups will have the chance to showcase their technologies to a panel of globally recognized CGT experts and life science investors, receiving valuable feedback to propel their growth. Attend these sessions to hear firsthand about the innovations on the horizon of the sector.

Thursday, May 8, 2025
08:00–09:00

Thursday, May 8, 2025
09:15–10:15


MEET THIS YEAR'S
PARTICIPATING COMPANIES

Accesso Biotech Corporation is launching the Ecco™ Imaging Cytometer, designed for the cell therapy product development and manufacturing market. Built on the same technology as the VITA™ point-of-care CD4 counting system, developed for AIDS patients in low- and middle-income countries, the Ecco™ Imaging Cytometer enables flow cytometry-like immunophenotyping and absolute cell counting of gated cell populations-without the need for lasers, fluidics, or counting beads. This low-cost, portable, and easy-to-use system is ideal for routine testing in blood centers and QC testing in GMP environments. Its cartridge-based format allows for direct immunophenotyping and cell counting using whole blood samples—without the need for lysing or washing. We welcome inquiries for custom assay development as well as requests for demo testing. For more details, please visit our website: https://www.accessobio.com/cell-research.

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EQUIPMENT / DEVICES PROVIDER

Carrigent is a technology developer focusing on the cell and gene therapy industry. We are developing technologies for viral vector production, concentrating on three major problems in the space: production costs, gene-of-interest size limitations, and in vivo targeting. In addition, we provide contract research and pre-clinical process development services for the optimization of viral vectors and vector production systems to provide vectors that are more efficient and effective.
We have made breakthroughs in both the viral backbones and their expression systems, and our newest technology is our non-viral, non-lnp, non-vlp targeted payload delivery system, capable of delivering large sized protein, DNA or RNA directly to the cell type of interest and will be launching in 2025.

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EQUIPMENT / DEVICES PROVIDER

Cytotheryx is a platform technology company focused on developing a consistent, high-quality source of primary human hepatocytes, the functional cells of the liver, and the utilization of those cells in the research and therapeutic markets. Our proprietary technology was originally developed at, and is licensed from, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

The availability of a high-quality source of primary human hepatocytes will open the door to developing curative treatments for liver disease, meeting several critical unmet needs.

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THERAPEUTIC DEVELOPER

Defined Bioscience Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing stem cell research and cell-based therapies by providing innovative, high-performance media formulations and reagents. Founded by a team of academic and industry experts, Defined Bioscience specializes in chemically defined, animal-free solutions that support consistent and scalable stem cell culture, differentiation, and organoid development.
Our product portfolio includes the HiDef™ series of culture media, Ready-CEPT™, and thermostable growth factors, all designed to enhance the reproducibility and efficiency of stem cell-based assays, biopharmaceutical production, and regenerative medicine applications. By eliminating variability in cell culture conditions, we empower researchers and biopharmaceutical companies to accelerate discovery and translational development.
Defined Bioscience operates as both a product supplier and a research partner, collaborating with leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies to optimize stem cell culture systems for drug development and cell therapy manufacturing. With a commitment to scientific excellence, rigorous quality control, and innovative solutions, we aim to enable the next generation of cell-based therapies.

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MEDIA & REAGENT SUPPLIER

faCellitate is at the forefront of developing innovative biomimetic materials, essential for advancing applications in 3D cell culture, industrial biotechnology, regenerative medicine, and cell therapies. Leveraging a proprietary platform technology, faCellitate creates scalable, chemically defined surface coatings designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern life science research and industrial production.


The company's product portfolio features BIOFLOAT™, a top-performing solution for 3D spheroid production, and BIOINSTRUCT, a synthetic matrix tailored for the cultivation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These products are distinguished by their mechanical durability, ease of use, and capacity to support scalable production, enabling researchers and organizations to achieve reproducibility and high-performance results in their workflows.


faCellitate’s surfaces are engineered with a focus on precise cellular interactions, providing a defined and controlled environment that mimics natural cellular niches. This approach enhances cell viability, functionality, and differentiation, offering significant advantages for high-throughput screening, tissue engineering, and therapeutic development.


By integrating material science with cellular biology, faCellitate empowers users to overcome challenges associated with conventional culture methods, including variability and scalability. Headquartered in a leading biotechnology hub, the company is committed to advancing the frontiers of life sciences through continuous innovation and collaboration with research and industry partners.
With a clear focus on improving scientific outcomes and enabling new discoveries, faCellitate stands as a trusted partner in the rapidly evolving fields of biotechnology and regenerative medicine.

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MEDIA & REAGENT SUPPLIER

OspreyBio is positioned to be the first end-to-end gene and cell therapy research tools and services company. Our mission is to empower researchers and companies to design, build, and optimize next-generation therapies with unparalleled precision and efficiency.


At the core of OspreyBio’s offerings is our flagship Bird of Prey (BoP) platform—the first modular and standardized DNA design and construction system. By leveraging a robust library of pre-made DNA modules, the BoP platform enables faster and more cost-effective vector construction, either in-house or as a service. Unlike other vendors, we tackle even the most complex multigenic vectors. Our library includes therapeutically relevant ORFs, bioRNA, novel promoters (Transcription Units), IRES elements, reporters, and more—each designed for seamless assembly and compatibility to meet the growing demands of modern genetic engineering.


In addition to our modular DNA tools, OspreyBio provides comprehensive vector assembly and construction services, supporting a broad range of applications. These include basic research vectors (e.g., reporter and protein/RNA expression) as well as translational research vectors (e.g., disease models and therapeutic constructs).


OspreyBio is dedicated to advancing groundbreaking R&D, therapeutic pipelines, and DNA construction. We proudly support academic labs, small biotech companies, and CROs as they push the boundaries of what’s possible in gene and cell therapy.


For more information, visit https://ospreybio.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

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EQUIPMENT/ DEVICES PROVIDER

ReelReactor™ is a cutting-edge continuous micro-batch reactor designed to revolutionize biologics manufacturing. Unlike traditional batch systems, which suffer from poor scalability, inconsistent quality, and high costs due to time-dependent reactions, ReelReactor enables precise, scalable, and cost-effective continuous production.
Engineered for cell and gene therapy and other biologics, ReelReactor features functionally closed, sterile single-use consumables and biologically inert wetted materials. Its unique design ensures constant, gentle mixing, preserving product integrity, and it seamlessly integrates into larger workflows, eliminating bottlenecks.
By bridging the gap between batch and continuous manufacturing, ReelReactor empowers biopharma companies to accelerate development, reduce manufacturing costs, and improve product consistency. Whether for feasibility studies, small-scale manufacturing, or full-scale production, ReelReactor provides an innovative, flexible platform to meet the evolving needs of modern bioprocessing.

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MANUFACTURING PLATFORM

Telos Biotechnology is revolutionizing cell therapy manufacturing with TELOVANCE™, a proprietary telomere-lengthening platform designed to enhance the expansion and efficacy of engineered cell therapies. Telos’ breakthrough technology addresses a critical limitation in CAR T-cell therapy—T-cell senescence and exhaustion, which contribute to poor long-term remission rates.
The Challenge:
CAR T-cell therapy has transformed cancer treatment, but nearly 50% of adult patients fail to achieve durable responses. One major contributor is immunosenescence, where T-cells progressively lose function due to telomere shortening, limiting their expansion potential and persistence.
The Solution:
TELOVANCE™ is a recombinant human telomerase holoenzyme that transiently extends telomeres during ex-vivo CAR T-cell manufacturing, increasing replicative lifespan and cytotoxicity without genetic modification. Our in-vitro and in-vivo data demonstrate that TELOVANCE-treated CAR T-cells outperform untreated counterparts in durability and anti-tumor activity. The telomerase enzyme is naturally degraded within 48 hours, ensuring safe and transient telomere elongation.
Telos is actively collaborating with leading biotech, pharma and CDMO companies to integrate TELOVANCE™ into next-generation cell therapies.
For partnership inquiries, visit TelosBio.com or email info@telosbio.com

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THERAPEUTIC DEVELOPER

Tolemy Bio is transforming the cell and gene therapy (CGT) industry by creating precision-engineered, custom cell culture media formulations. Using cutting-edge AI and machine learning, Tolemy unlocks new possibilities in cell metabolism optimisation that go beyond the limits of current methods. Our innovative, data-driven media solutions empower CGT manufacturers to accelerate development timelines, improve product quality, and bring life-saving therapies to patients faster than ever before.

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MEDIA & REAGENT SUPPLIER

THE INNOVATION ZONE AWARD   

Translating Innovation into Impact

Award Value: $300,000 USD

Open to 2025 Innovation Zone participants developing therapeutic products

2025 Innovation Zone Title & Award Supported by:

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this award, applicants must:

  • Be a participant in the ISCT 2025 Innovation Zone Program
  • Be actively developing a therapeutic product

  • Sign a Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA) and a Work Statement with Terms and Conditions/Master Service Agreement (MSA) with Thermo Fisher.

  • Cover costs for necessary media, reagents, consumables, and third-party licenses required for executing services within the award's scope.

  • Utilize the award within 24 months of receipt (extension at Thermo Fisher’s discretion).

Global Accessibility:

  • This award is open to companies registered inside or outside the United States.

Award Selection Process

The recipient will be chosen by ISCT, in collaboration with industry leaders and expert judges, based on specific criteria aligned with ISCT’s mission and goals.

  • Scope of Services: The award is restricted to translational services and/or GMP services offered at Thermo Fisher's San Diego or San Francisco sites, or another Thermo Fisher location as determined by the company.

  • Service Compatibility: The award services must align with Thermo Fisher's capabilities and comply with applicable laws.

  • Recipients may choose to use part or all of the award but are under no obligation to do so.

  • Additional services beyond the award value may be procured through a separate agreement with Thermo Fisher.

  • In cases of re-branding, mergers, or other organizational changes, the award will remain valid for the duration of the 24-month period.