Applyo-jena

Applyo Jena GmbH is a German biotechnology company that develops and manufactures freeze-dried reagents for in-vitro diagnostics, life science research, and the pharmaceutical industry. The company was founded in March 2021 by Dr. Hanno Hermann and Dr. Thanh Tu Hellmich-Duong, who both serve as managing partners. The founders have extensive experience in the biotechnology and diagnostics industries, including at companies like Alere and Abbott. Dr. Hellmich-Duong, the CTO, is a biophysicist focused on product and technology development, while Dr. Hermann, the COO, has a background in biochemistry and handles operations, business development, and marketing.

The company's core offering is its proprietary Lyo-Beads, which are lyophilized (freeze-dried) master mixes containing all the necessary reagents for molecular and immunological assays. This technology creates small, ready-to-use spheres that are stable at room temperature for over three years, eliminating the need for cold chain logistics and extending product shelf life. This is a significant advantage over traditional liquid reagents, which often require refrigeration and have shorter stability. The company's production process is designed to be highly scalable and does not require liquid nitrogen. Applyo operates on a B2B model, providing its products and services to partners in the diagnostic industry. Its services include custom development of molecular assays, creation of suitable freeze-dried formulations (as a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization - CDMO), and large-scale production of the beads.

Applyo Jena began commercial sales in mid-2023 and has secured major customers. The company's initial funding came from the founders and private investors. In late 2024 and early 2025, it closed a Series A financing round led by Robert Bosch Venture Capital (Bosch Ventures) and LBBW Venture Capital, with participation from bm|t Stiftung Thüringer Beteiligungskapital. This funding is intended to accelerate international expansion, support entry into the pharmaceutical market, and expand its distribution network. In August 2024, the company moved into a new 750 m² facility in Jena to increase capacity and automate production.

Keywords: lyophilized reagents, freeze-dried beads, in-vitro diagnostics, life science research, molecular diagnostics, point-of-care testing, assay development, CDMO services, reagent stability, cold chain elimination, PCR reagents, isothermal amplification, Lyo-Beads, custom assays, contract manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, enzyme stabilization, diagnostics components, long shelf life