uFraction8

uFraction8 is a Scottish biotech company that develops and commercializes microfluidics-based filtration systems for biomanufacturers. The company was founded in April 2017 by Dr. Monika Tomecka (CEO) and Dr. Brian Miller (CTO), who met at the Deep Science Ventures accelerator program in London in 2016. Based in Falkirk, Scotland, with a subsidiary in Poznan, Poland, uFraction8 was established to address the inefficiencies and high costs associated with traditional cell harvesting methods in biomanufacturing.

The founders' backgrounds are complementary; Dr. Tomecka has a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science with a background in biology and genetics, providing insight into customer needs, while Dr. Miller is an engineer with a Ph.D. in Microfluidics and Biosensors, and is the original inventor of the core technology. The technology was developed during Dr. Miller's Ph.D. research at the University of Edinburgh.

uFraction8's core product is a scalable, energy-efficient bio-separation system that uses hydrodynamic forces within microfluidic chips to separate biological particles from liquids without contact. This method avoids the high-shear forces of centrifuges and the clogging issues of traditional filters, resulting in higher yields (>99%), preserved cell viability, and significant energy savings (up to 75%). The system is modular, allowing it to scale from laboratory use to industrial production by multiplexing the microfluidic chips. The company's business model is centered on the B2B sale of these proprietary filtration systems.

The company targets clients in the biotech and cleantech sectors, with initial focus markets in biopharmaceuticals, alternative proteins (like cultivated meat), and microalgae processing. These markets are substantial, with the bio-separation market within biopharma projected to reach $30 billion by 2030. uFraction8 has received numerous awards and secured significant funding, including a £2.5 million round in 2022 and a £3.4 million round in February 2025, led by Foresight Group with participation from investors like Old College Capital, Scottish Enterprise, and Thia Ventures. This capital is being used to commercialize the technology, expand the team, and scale manufacturing capabilities.

Keywords: microfluidics, bioprocessing, filtration systems, cell separation, bio-separation, biomanufacturing, biotechnology, cleantech, cell harvesting, sustainable manufacturing, biomass, microalgae, alternative protein, biopharmaceuticals, continuous bioprocessing, liquid particle processing, cell viability, scalable technology, energy efficient, dewatering