CellulaREvolution

CellulaREvolution, rebranded as CellRev, is a UK-based biotechnology company that provides solutions to enhance the efficiency and scalability of cell manufacturing. The company was founded in December 2018 as a spin-out from Newcastle University by Dr. Martina Miotto, Professor Che Connon, and Leo Groenewegen. The initial technology was developed by Dr. Miotto during her PhD in Tissue Engineering, which focused on overcoming key bottlenecks in culturing adherent cells—cells that need a surface to grow on.

The company's business model is centered on a business-to-business (B2B) approach, developing and supplying enabling technologies for the cultivated meat, cell therapy, and biologics industries. CellRev addresses critical challenges in bioprocessing such as cell aggregation and detachment, which can limit yield and increase costs. Its principal product, AggreGuard™, is a media additive that prevents cell clumping in microcarrier cultures without affecting the cells' attachment to surfaces, thereby increasing process productivity. This technology aims to make large-scale manufacturing more viable and cost-effective by transitioning from traditional batch methods to a continuous process, which can reduce resource use and facility footprint.

Professor Che Connon, a serial academic entrepreneur with a background in tissue engineering, co-founded the company to translate his research into real-world applications. Dr. Martina Miotto, now the Chief Scientific Officer, has a background in molecular biology and medical biotechnology. Leo Groenewegen served as the initial CEO, and the leadership team has since expanded to include Chris Green as CEO. The company has secured multiple rounds of funding, including a £1 million seed round in 2021 and a £1.75 million round in 2022 led by investors like CPT Capital, Northstar Ventures, and Happiness Capital. However, as of mid-2025, the company has entered administration, and its assets are being offered for acquisition.

Keywords: cell culture additives, bioprocessing optimization, cultivated meat technology, adherent cell culture, continuous bioprocessing, regenerative medicine, cell therapy manufacturing, bioreactor technology, AggreGuard, enzyme technology, cell detachment, microcarrier culture, biologics production, process intensification, scalable cell manufacturing