The story of CELLnROLL
The technology behind CELLnROLL originated from cutting-edge research conducted several years ago at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. We recognized that the microrobotics-based manipulation techniques developed within the department held significant potential for in vitro diagnostic and cellular analysis applications. Building on this insight, we received initial support from the MAX!Mize incubator program by Max Planck Innovation GmbH to explore market opportunities and validate the concept’s commercial viability. Through direct engagement with clinicians, diagnostic laboratories, and biotechnology professionals, we confirmed a strong unmet need for fast, automated, and label-efficient cellular diagnostic tools in both research and clinical settings.
Following the successful market validation, we developed the first proof-of-concept system for cellular manipulation and diagnostics, along with a prototype. These achievements led to securing €500,000 in funding through the Cyber Valley Innovation Fellowship, supported by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung. The fellowship enabled us to engineer a fully functional prototype, validate its technical feasibility in laboratory settings, and establish a solid foundation for future product development. Thanks to this fellowship, we were able to secure the intellectual property for CELLnROLL’s cellular diagnostic devices.
This phase also marked the formation of our co-founding team: Dr. Uğur Bozüyük, Dr. Erdost Yıldız, Dr. Alp Karacakol, and Dr. Sarah Scatigna. Our complementary expertise spans biomedical engineering, cellular medicine, robotics, cell therapy, and business development, creating a uniquely interdisciplinary foundation. Dr. Bozüyük leads system development and integration, Dr. Yıldız brings clinical and translational insight, Dr. Karacakol specializes in robotics and algorithmic control, and Dr. Scatigna drives business development and strategic partnerships.
Recently, we received EXIST-Forschungstransfer Phase I funding for 18 months to sustain and accelerate our progress. This support allows us to advance system optimization, strengthen intellectual property protection, and engage with early clinical collaborators. Our objective is to prepare the technology for pre-commercial pilot studies and establish CELLnROLL as a frontrunner in automated cellular diagnostics and precision immunophenotyping. We are supported by a network of clinicians, professionals, and academics with extensive entrepreneurial and scientific backgrounds, providing strategic, clinical, and technical guidance to ensure successful translation of the technology into real-world medical applications. Our first prototype is currently undergoing beta testing in research and clinical laboratories.