CELLnTEC actively participates in international research consortia and innovation platforms, contributing its expertise in defined media and primary cell systems to support translational science and regenerative medicine. By engaging with leading institutions and cross-sector networks, CELLnTEC fosters the exchange of knowledge, drives technological innovation, and promotes the development of standardized, reproducible in-vitro models. Its collaborative approach strengthens the link between basic research, applied biotechnology, and clinical translation. Overall, CELLnTEC’s broad connectivity underscores its role as a trusted partner and key enabler in the global effort to advance next-generation cell-based research and therapeutic solutions.
CELLnTEC is an active member of the Swiss Biotech Association (SBA), and our technologies power 3D cell culture, organ-on-a-chip, microphysiological systems, spheroid and organoid models, and 3D bioprinting applications.
Our contributions not only support the SBA’s mission to strengthen Swiss biotech competitiveness but also help shape the future of regenerative and cell-based precision medicine. Through the SBA, CELLnTEC gains access to national and international networks, shared expertise, and advocacy for favorable biotech conditions for fostering innovation across the Swiss and global biomedical and regenerative medicine landscape.
The NEOLIVER project is a Horizon Europe research initiative dedicated to creating the world’s first autologous bioprinted liver construct suitable for transplantation. Its central ambition is to produce dense, vascularised, and fully functional liver tissue that meets the strict criteria of an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP). To achieve this, the consortium is merging two cutting-edge bioprinting technologies and exploring multiple innovation pathways to overcome the major challenges of whole-organ engineering.
A key part of the work focuses on developing large-scale cell culture and differentiation protocols, enabling the expansion, maturation, and cryopreservation of the vast number of cells needed for biofabrication. These cells will be assembled into multicellular spheroids that mimic the complexity of native liver tissue. The project also pioneers cell-degradable hydrogels to encapsulate spheroids and uses Laser Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) technology for precise bioprinting.
The bioprinted constructs will be microvascularised and matured within perfusion bioreactors, ensuring long-term viability and physiological functionality. All manufacturing steps are designed to be automated and GMP-compliant, laying the groundwork for future clinical translation. The final stage will test the safety and performance of these constructs through surgical implantation in immunodeficient pig models.
NEOLIVER brings together a multidisciplinary European consortium of academic, clinical, and industrial partners, including CELLnTEC, under EU Horizon Europe Grant No. 101191649. Together, they aim to redefine the future of regenerative medicine and liver transplantation through advanced bioengineering.
The NETSKINMODELS action (COST Action CA21108) is a European network dedicated to advancing skin-engineering and modeling capabilities across academia, industry, and regulatory bodies. The project aims to address the current limitations of skin model systems—including in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-silico approaches—by enhancing their sophistication, reproducibility and regulatory applicability. Key goals include standardising advanced cell-based skin models, integrating computational (in-silico/AI) methods, developing ethical and sustainable reagents, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. The network especially emphasises the training of next-generation scientists in skin culture, model development, and translational application, helping build capacity across Europe. In practical terms, NETSKINMODELS organises training schools (for example, on 3D skin culture methods) and grants for short-term scientific missions (STSMs) to support mobility and collaboration within the network. The consortium includes a wide span of European institutions and leaders in the field of dermatology, toxicology, bioengineering, and regulatory science. The action is actively working to establish Europe as a centre for innovative skin-model research. By facilitating dialogue between researchers, regulators, and industry, NETSKINMODELS aims to accelerate the translation of sophisticated skin models into routine use for safety testing, disease modelling, and therapeutic development. Overall, the network serves as a catalyst for harmonising methodology, increasing reproducibility and driving the uptake of next-generation skin model technologies—including cell-based, engineered and computational systems.
The Next Generation ImmunoDermatology (NGID) initiative is a groundbreaking Dutch research collaboration focused on transforming the understanding and treatment of chronic inflammatory skin diseases, which affect millions of people and often cause long-term psychological and physical distress. Its primary mission is to create a nationwide infrastructure for precision dermatology, enabling personalised treatment based on deep biological, clinical, and behavioural profiling. The project unites experts from dermatology, data science, psychology, and biotechnology to build an integrated knowledge base that links molecular and psychosocial data over time.
NGID is developing human-based, animal-free skin disease models, using organotypic and xeno-free systems that can replicate real patient pathologies in vitro. By combining multi-omics technologies—including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics—with spatial biology and advanced imaging, NGID aims to map disease mechanisms at unprecedented resolution. The data will be integrated using machine learning and data fusion techniques to identify new biomarkers for diagnosis, disease progression, and treatment response.
The Competence Centre TEDD (Tissue Engineering for Drug Development and Substance Testing) at ZHAW is a Swiss innovation hub advancing 3D organotypic cell culture technologies for drug discovery, toxicity testing, and regenerative medicine. Founded in 2011, TEDD promotes the 3Rs principle—reducing, refining, and replacing animal testing—by developing physiologically relevant in-vitro models. It connects academia, industry, and clinics, fostering collaboration across the full value chain from tissue model design to bioprinting and automation. TEDD’s expertise includes 3D tissue modeling, assay development, biomimetic scaffolds, and organ-on-chip systems.
Through workshops, symposia, and industrial partnerships, the centre supports technology transfer and regulatory integration of new approach methodologies (NAMs). Its network provides partners with access to innovation, research infrastructure, and collaboration opportunities. TEDD’s long-term goal is to position Switzerland as a global leader in advanced 3D cell systems and to accelerate the replacement of animal models in biomedical research.
TheStem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine Platform (SCRM) at the University of Bern is an interdisciplinary initiative that unites researchers from medicine, science, and veterinary faculties, as well as clinicians from the Inselspital, University Hospital Bern. Founded in 2012, its mission is to accelerate the translation of stem cell and regenerative medicine research into clinical therapies. The platform brings together over 30 research groups working on regeneration in organs such as the brain, bone, heart, lung, liver, and skin, fostering collaboration and innovation across disciplines.
SCRM focuses on understanding how stem cells interact within tissues and the body during regeneration, bridging the gap between basic science and clinical application. It offers a PhD specialization in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, providing advanced education and training to young researchers. Regular seminars, workshops, and annual meetings encourage networking, sharing of results, and collaboration between scientists and clinicians.
The platform also supports the development of cutting-edge technologies, including organoids, organ-on-chip systems, and scalable manufacturing methods for cell therapies. By promoting this cross-sector collaboration, SCRM strengthens the ecosystem for regenerative medicine in Bern and beyond. Ultimately, it aims to advance the field toward clinically relevant, patient-centered regenerative therapies that improve human health.
The PAST4FUTURE initiative is a collaborative project focused on developing organotypic skin models to support translational research and therapeutic development. It brings together partners, including academic institutions and industry players like CELLnTEC Advanced Cell Systems AG, to build tools and technologies that enable advanced human‐relevant skin systems. By replacing traditional models with organotypic systems, the project aims to enhance the study of skin disease biology and facilitate novel drug discovery. It seeks to create materials and methods that will be widely implemented in both basic research and applied therapeutic contexts. The platform serves as a foundation for future research projects that leverage these skin model technologies. Ultimately, PAST4FUTURE strives to improve reproducibility and relevance of skin research by providing robust, human‐derived model systems rather than relying solely on non-human or conventional in‐vitro models.
