SpectaCell Secures €6 Million Funding to Accelerate Development of Cell Analysis Platform for Immunotherapy

SpectaCell: A Ghent-Based Startup Revolutionizing Cell Therapy Analytics

SpectaCell, a cutting-edge startup based in Ghent, has officially launched with a significant boost of €6 million in Seed funding. Born out of a collaboration between imec, VIB, and Ghent University, this innovative company is focused on next-generation cell therapy analytics.

The funding round was spearheaded by imec.xpand, with contributions from PMV’s Flanders Future Tech Fund, InnovationQuarter Capital, Qbic, and VIB. Tony Montoye, the CEO and co-founder of SpectaCell, emphasized the importance of advanced tools in the development of breakthrough medicines. He stated, “Researchers need to know much earlier which candidates deserve further investment and why. We are building a new standard in cell analysis: detailed insight, results within hours, and a simple workflow that connects research with manufacturing.”

Founded in 2026 by Mathieu Rabaey, Veronique De Vroey, Jan Van de Velde, and Tony Montoye, SpectaCell is a Belgian life sciences company dedicated to creating a next-generation cell analysis platform for drug development and manufacturing. Their proprietary technology combines digital imaging and data analysis to assess the impact of treatments on individual cells.

SpectaCell is addressing the challenges in predicting the efficacy of immunotherapies for cancer and immune system disorders. By providing a clearer view of how treatments affect individual cells, the company aims to streamline drug development processes and enable the production of better treatments more efficiently.

The innovative approach of SpectaCell involves combining chip-based imaging with data analysis to monitor individual cells and their interactions at a high resolution, without the need for fluorescent labels. This technology aims to deliver insights in a matter of hours, significantly reducing the time spent on testing and analysis.

With a focus on pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide, SpectaCell aims to offer a single platform for various stages of drug development and manufacturing. By empowering researchers to compare drug candidates, development teams to enhance production processes, and manufacturers to ensure quality standards, the company envisions a transformative impact on the industry.

Benoit Devogelaere, Partner at imec.xpand, expressed confidence in SpectaCell’s potential to revolutionize drug development and manufacturing. He stated, “We are convinced that SpectaCell can become essential to how new medicines are selected, developed, and produced. With applications across cell therapies and advanced treatments, we see the potential to set a new industry standard and build a globally competitive life sciences business.”

Looking ahead, SpectaCell plans to utilize the funding to further develop and commercialize its platform in collaboration with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners, aiming to drive innovation and efficiency in the field of cell therapy analytics.