Young Owl Microfluidics startup founded by Biochemical Engineering team

Young Owl Microfluidics (YOM) Ltd. is a UCL Biochemical Engineering spin-out focused on developing pioneering microfluidic devices. Their vision is rapid and high-throughput drug testing supporting all stages of novel therapeutic development from discovery to commercialisation.

The company has four founders, who are the current management team:

• Professor Nicolas Szita - Chief Executive Officer
• Dr. Peter Stegmaier - President
• Dr. Marco Cardoso Marques - Chief Technology Officer
• Tamas J. Laufer - Chief Business Officer

Tamas Laufer was an undergraduate student here at UCL Biochemical Engineering who went on to study our innovative Manufacture and Commercialisation of Stem Cell and Gene Therapies MSc and is now a PhD student in Cell and Gene Therapy. Professor Nicolas Szita and Dr Marco Marques lead research groups in Bioprocess Microfluidics and On-Demand Genomic Medicines, and together with Tamas, are pictured above with the device.

About the device

The Young Owl Microfluidics device is an advanced, modular microreactor system designed for unparalleled flexibility. A cartridge-like insertion system enables the use of diverse supports within a single reactor design. This approach standardises microreactor technology, streamlining bioprocess development and enhancing reproducibility. The device seamlessly adapts to various experimental needs, supporting, for example, high-throughput biotransformations, drug screening, and organoid culture. Distinct reactor configurations have been demonstrated with this standardised microreactor framework, ensuring broad applicability. The system allows for drug infusion, real-time monitoring, and precise flow control, facilitating reliable experimentation.

By combining modularity, scalability, and reproducibility, the Young Owl Microfluidics device sets a new standard for next-generation biotechnology, offering an all-in-one solution from biocatalysis, regenerative medicine, and (bio)pharmaceutical research.

Find out more

• Follow Young Owl Microfluidics on LinkedIn
• Listen to Tamas on Teen Scientist Podcast in 2023
• Professor Nicolas Szita's UCL Research profile
• Dr Marco Marques UCL Research Profile

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