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PR Newswire

TurtleTree Labs raises US$3.2 million seed round as it accelerates cell-based milk development

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SINGAPORE, June 25, 2020 — Singapore-based biotech company TurtleTree Labs today announced the completion of a fresh round of funding from global investors. TurtleTree Labs is the world’s first-cell based biotechnology company creating real milk from mammalian cells, without the need for animals. As a platform, the company’s focus is on high value human breast milk followed by cow milk.

TurtleTree Labs Founders Max Rye and Fengru Lin
TurtleTree Labs Founders Max Rye and Fengru Lin

 

Over the past year TurtleTree Labs has attracted world class talent, currently boasting a team of more than 20 full-time scientists and engineers. With multiple cross-functional teams working in parallel, co-founder and CEO Fengru Lin says, “Our team is hungry, passionate and knows what it takes to accelerate to market. I’m so inspired when even the most junior scientists are sharing ideas of cutting costs or identifying better suppliers.”

With support from the Singaporean government, the startup has been privy to an array of resources that provided TurtleTree Labs with a tremendous financial boost, enabling it to continue working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-founder Max Rye, originally from the San Francisco Bay area explains, “Our teams are firing on all cylinders thanks to Enterprise Singapore and the support from our investors. We remain as focused as ever, and we aim to continue hitting milestones.”

“TurtleTree Labs’ goal of creating milk from animal cells provides a novel solution towards sustainable dairy production globally, and would also help to strengthen Singapore’s long-term food diversification efforts. We are encouraged that Singapore’s foodtech infrastructure has enabled homegrown startups like TurtleTree Labs to push technological boundaries and obtain quick access to capital. We will continue our efforts to develop a vibrant agri-food tech ecosystem in Singapore to encourage the creation of more innovative solutions,” said Ms Bernice Tay, Director, Food Manufacturing Division, Enterprise Singapore.

Investors taking part in the TurtleTree Labs seed round are Green Monday Ventures, KBW Ventures, CPT Capital, Artesian, and New Luna Ventures.

“Food tech innovation in Asia is way overdue. If the rapidly deteriorating climate change situation isn’t enough to convince the world, the pandemic surely hammers home the urgency that we need to overhaul the food system for the sake of public health, food safety, and food security. That explains why Green Monday Ventures is so excited to invest in and collaborate with TurtleTree Labs.  We see immense possibilities in their biotech innovation platform, as well as enormous impact we can drive together,” says David Yeung, founder, Green Monday Group

“KBW Ventures has invested in the seed round building on our initial commitment during TurtleTree’s pre-seed raise. We see the founding team commitment and the potential of this company and its technology as a winning combination. Now more than ever, people are waking up to the benefits of food technology and the massive positive implications of innovations in cellular agriculture,” said Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KBW Ventures.

TurtleTree Labs raised its initial investment which was led by New York–Hong Kong based Lever VC in 2019, with investors from various geographies. “This fresh round of funding will enhance our scale up development, bringing us one step closer to commercialization,” said Max Rye.

For information and interview requests contact: pr@turtletreelabs.com

TurtleTree Labs – TurtleTree Labs is the first biotech company in the world with the ability to create milk from all mammals. Using their proprietary cell-based methods, they will shape the future of not just how we get dairy milk but how humans will feed their infants. To maximise impact, the team will work with industry leaders to adopt their sustainable and safe methods to create milk.  Their focus on impact will disrupt this multi-billion dollar industry while reducing the carbon footprint on this planet, while creating milk free of contaminants. Their innovation will provide millions access to safer, reliable and higher quality dairy products.

Green Monday Ventures – Green Monday Group has an overall mission to “Make Change Happen, Make Green Common” since its establishment in 2012. It is achieved by promoting plant-based eating and environmental protection through its multifaceted social venture model, in hopes of tackling climate change, global food in security and promoting public health. Green Monday Foundation, Green Monday Holdings and Green Monday Ventures are the three main branches of Green Monday Group. Green Monday Ventures is the impact investment arm aimed at accelerating the growth of mission-aligned entrepreneurs and startups globally.

KBW Ventures – KBW Ventures, founded by Chief Executive Officer HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, invests in companies with transformative technologies and business models and the potential for significant financial returns while also delivering positive social impact. The KBW Ventures portfolio spans the venture capital spectrum from earlier stage ventures, to more established companies looking to expand into the Middle East. 

CPT Capital – CPT Capital is the venture arm of a leading private family office. As a long-standing dedicated investor in the alternative protein space, CPT Capital has unmatched experience and expertise investing in companies disrupting the food system.

Artesian – Artesian is a full-stack VC firm investing from seed stage through to exit. The Artesian portfolio comprises over 400 investments across Australia, China, South East Asia, South Asia and the Americas.

New Luna Ventures – New Luna Ventures is a leading impact venture capital advisor and investor in the food 2.0, agriculture, energy, community enrichment, and enabling software industries. We help entrepreneurs build sustainable ventures and connect disruptive ideas with investors and partners. Together, we provide actionable plans, enhanced communications, and expanded access to markets.

 
PR Newswire

KT and Hyundai Accelerate Digital Transformation with Smart Robots

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SEOUL, South Korea, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — KT Corp. (KRX: 030200; NYSE: KT), South Korea’s largest telecommunications company, announced it signed strategic cooperation and investment contracts with Hyundai Robotics, to speed up collaboration for digital transformation based on 5G, artificial intelligence (AI) and smart factory.

After KT and Hyundai Robotics contracts to speed up collaboration for digital transformation based on 5G, AI and smart factory, KT president Ku Hyeonmo and Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) Chung Kisun are taking photo at the signing ceremony.
After KT and Hyundai Robotics contracts to speed up collaboration for digital transformation based on 5G, AI and smart factory, KT president Ku Hyeonmo and Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) Chung Kisun are taking photo at the signing ceremony.

Under the contracts, KT will acquire a 10 percent equity stake in Hyundai Robotics, the leader in the Korean industrial robotics market, for 50 billion won.

KT also signed a business cooperation agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings for joint efforts toward digital transformation.

The signing ceremony, held at the KT headquarters in central Seoul, was attended by KT President Ku Hyeonmo, Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) Chung Kisun and Hyundai Robotics CEO Seo Yoo-seong, and other senior executives.

The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding in May 2019 and the new contracts solidify their ongoing collaboration to spread digital transformation based on 5G, AI and smart factory. They intend to quicken joint development of intelligent service robots, technological research in autonomous driving, and smart factory solutions.

“In the post-COVID 19 era, KT is prepared to contribute to strengthening the Republic of Korea’s industrial competitiveness and the transformation of our nation’s manufacturing industry, taking advantage of our 5G and AI capability in cooperation with Hyundai Heavy Industries Group,” said KT President Ku. “Beginning with Hyundai Heavy Industries Group, we will do our utmost to expand digital transformation in diverse areas.”

KT will undertake software development and applications related to intelligent service robots and autonomous driving, while Hyundai Robotics will be responsible for hardware development and manufacturing. This is expected to lead to the introduction of intelligent robots that not only provide hotel amenities but also serve food and beverages at restaurants, and cleaning patrol robots loaded with cleaning and security functions. For entry into the service robot market, the two parties also plan to develop collaborative robots for small factories and large franchise stores.

For a smart factory, KT will provide communication technology, cloud, ICT solutions, and related bundle products, while Hyundai Robotics will supply robots and relevant solutions. In particular, the combination of KT’s smart factory solutions, dubbed “5G Factory Makers,” and Hyundai Robotics’ Hyundai Robot Management System (HRMS) is expected to heighten smart factory process analysis, production management and predictive maintenance. The toolkits of both sides will also be applied jointly for smart hospitals and logistics.

Along with its equity participation in Hyundai Robotics, KT will seek an exchange of human resources to help refine elevation of Hyundai Robotics’ competitiveness in robotics and smart factory.

“Beyond mere production, the competitiveness of manufacturers will be determined in the future by the ability of individual businesses to read market trends and transform themselves.” said Chung Kisun, Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) of Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings. “Through expansive business cooperation with KT, we believe that not only Hyundai Robotics but the entire Hyundai Heavy Industries Group will be able to achieve digital transformation and thereby improve our competitiveness as leading enterprises in the world.”

Hyundai Robotics, spun off from Hyundai Heavy Industries in April 2017, became a separate corporation specialized for robotics and smart solutions in May this year. It provides smart factory and smart logistics services, and has two subsidiaries – Hyundai Robotics Shanghai and Hyundai L&S (Logistics and Solutions). The company aims for an initial public offering in 2022.

In accordance with their business cooperation agreement, KT and Hyundai Heavy Industries Group will delineate details of their collaboration, particularly through a new senior committee on joint efforts in smart solutions, digital transformation, AI and ICT, as well as other business opportunities. The group will include KT President Ku and Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) Chung Kisun.

Last year November, KT and Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings conducted a joint presentation on their 5G-based business cooperation, focusing on smart factory and smart shipbuilding. In February this year, they launched “AI One Team,” aiming to lift Korea to global leadership in AI, and two months later, KT and Hyundai Robotics introduced “N Bot,” an upgrade from KT’s second-generation GiGA Genie hotel robot in terms of both function and design, at the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel. It was followed by the signing with Hyundai Construction Equipment of a memorandum of understanding for “joint development and commercialization of 5G smart construction equipment and industrial vehicle platform.”

KT expects that its cooperation with Hyundai Heavy Industries Group will expand digital transformation into diverse industrial fields, eventually enhancing national competitiveness. To that end, KT is exerting corporation-wide efforts for digital transformation to help maximize efficiency and widen business opportunities of companies on the basis of its expertise in 5G network, AI, Big Data, cloud and ICT solution.

MEDIA CONTACTS

For inquiries, please contact our Global Media Relations Team at kt.gmrt@gmail.com

ABOUT KT CORPORATION (KRX: 030200; NYSE: KT)

KT Corp., Korea’s largest telecommunications service provider, reestablished in 1981 under the Telecommunications Business Act, is leading the era of innovations in the world’s most connected country. The company is leading the 4th industrial revolution with high speed wire/wireless network and new ICT technology. KT launched the world’s first nationwide commercial 5G network on April 3, 2019, after successfully showcasing the world’s first trial 5G services at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games in February 2018. This is another milestone in KT’s continuous efforts to deliver essential products and services as it aspires to be the number one ICT Company and People’s Company.

For more information, please visit our English website at https://corp.kt.com/eng/

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Source: KT Corp.

PR Newswire

European Deep-tech Champion IQM Receives More Than €20M of New Funding

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Simultaneously IQM unveils its first quantum computer design to set the phase in the technology roadmap

ESPOO, Finland, June 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — IQM Finland Oy (IQM), a leading European company for quantum computer hardware, was just awarded a €2.5M grant and up to €15M of equity investment from the EIC Accelerator program for the development of quantum computers, benefiting the industry and the society at large. Together with Business Finland grants of €3.3M that IQM received so far, the company is on a fast run with more than €20M more raised in less than a year from its €11.4M seed round, summing in total to €32M.

IQM quantum computer design
IQM quantum computer design

IQM has experienced amazing growth, set up a fully functional research lab in record time, and also hired the largest industrial quantum hardware team in Europe. With the help of this new €20M, IQM will hire one quantum engineer per week and take an important next step to commercialize the technology through co-design of quantum-computing hardware and applications.

“Quantum computers will be funded by European governments, supporting IQM´s expansion strategy to build quantum computers in Germany,” says Dr. Jan Goetz, CEO and co-founder of IQM.

Last week, the Finnish government announced they will support the acquisition of a quantum computer with €20.7M for the Finnish State Research center VTT.

“It has been a mind-blowing forty-million past week for quantum computers in Finland. IQM staff is excited to work together with VTT, Aalto University, and CSC in this ecosystem,” rejoices Prof. Mikko Möttönen, Chief Scientist and co-founder of IQM.

This announcement was followed by the German government with €2b and to immediately commission the construction of at least two quantum computers. IQM sees this as an ideal point to expand its operations in Germany.

“With our growing team in Munich, IQM will build co-design quantum computers for commercial applications and install testing facilities for quantum processors,” states Prof. Enrique Solano, CEO of IQM Germany.

Quantum computing will radically transform the lives of billions of people. Applications range from game-changing invention of medicine and novel materials to the discovery of economic models and sustainable processes.

“We are witnessing a boost in deep-tech funding in Europe, very important now. For a healthy growth of startups like IQM, we need all three funding channels: (1) research grants to stimulate new key innovations, (2) equity investments to grow the company, (3) early adoption through acquisitions supported by the government. This allows to pool the risk while creating a new industry and business cases,” says Dr. Goetz. 

IQM is focusing on superconducting quantum processors, which are streamlined for commercial applications in a novel Co-Design approach.

“With the new funding and immense support from the Finnish and the European governments, we are ready to scale technologically. This brings us closer to quantum advantage thus providing tangible commercial value in near-term quantum computers,” adds Dr. Kuan Yen Tan, CTO and co-founder of IQM.

IQM ranks in the top 2% of all European deep tech startups applying for the highly competitive EIC Accelerator program

Thanks to its strong technology and business plan, IQM was one of the 72 to succeed in the very competitive selection process of the EIC. Altogether 3969 companies applied for this funding.

“The €15M equity component of the EIC can be an ideal contribution to IQM’s Series A funding round.” says a beaming Dr. Juha Vartiainen, COO and co-founder of IQM.

The new funding also supports IQM´s recent establishment of its new underground quantum computing infrastructure capable of housing the first European farm of quantum computers. IQM provides the full hardware stack for a quantum computer, integrating different technologies, and invites collaborations with quantum software companies. Brilliant quantum software engineers are also welcomed to join IQM.

About IQM:
https://www.meetiqm.com/company/#aboutus

IQM videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvjqSqZiJ715XVH3O3IF93Q

About EIC Accelerator (SME instrument) program:
https://ec.europa.eu/easme/en/news/eic-accelerator-offers-new-blend-grants-and-equity

About Business Finland:
https://www.businessfinland.fi/en/for-finnish-customers/about-us/in-brief/

IQM PR CONTACTS 

IQM Contacts for questions and comments: 

Dr Jan Goetz 
CEO, IQM 
email: jan@meetiqm.com   
tel. +358 505 666 483  
(English & German) 

Prof Mikko Möttönen 
Chief Scientist, IQM 
email: mikko@meetiqm.com 
tel. +358 505 940 950  
(English & Finnish) 

Dr Kuan Yen Tan 
Chief technology officer, IQM 
email: kuan@meetiqm.com 
tel. +358 504 778 091  
(English & Chinese) 

IQM's CEO and Co-founder Dr Jan Goetz at IQM's new lab, in Espoo, Finland
IQM’s CEO and Co-founder Dr Jan Goetz at IQM’s new lab, in Espoo, Finland

 

IQM founders: Dr Kuan Yen Tan (CTO), Prof Mikko Möttönen (Chief Scientist), Dr Jan Goetz (CEO), Dr Juha Vartiainen (COO).
IQM founders: Dr Kuan Yen Tan (CTO), Prof Mikko Möttönen (Chief Scientist), Dr Jan Goetz (CEO), Dr Juha Vartiainen (COO).

 

PR Newswire

True Royalty TV Extends Crowdfunding Round Following Huge Demand

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LONDON, May 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — True Royalty TV, the London-based subscription video on-demand service (SVOD) dubbed ‘the Netflix of Royal TV’ is extending its Crowdcube fundraising campaign following exceptional demand.

TRUE ROYALTY TV
TRUE ROYALTY TV

The fundraising has already doubled the initial target, surpassing US$2m in two weeks, and is still rising. Funds raised will be used to capitalize on momentum over the last year and accelerate growth during 2020, by activating new distribution channels and extending the service’s international footprint. The Crowdcube campaign follows private placements totalling more than US$9m from US and UK investors and media industry figures.

In the past six months True Royalty TV has doubled its paying subscribers across the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and in particular the US, where there is huge demand for content about the Royal Family. It has also recorded a 40% increase in viewing during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The British Royal Family is the world’s fourth biggest brand*. Research shows that in the US, 25m people who stream television have actively stated an interest in watching more content about them. True Royalty has formed sought after partnerships with the US’s leading TV platforms including Comcast, Cox, Dish and Roku, and will be actively marketing the channel to these subscribers and more across over 50m homes.

“True Royalty is a great British business success story, rapidly increasing our subscribers and signing partnership deals giving us front and centre placement on the US’s biggest TV platforms, with seamless access to more than 50m households,” said Gregor Angus, CEO and Co-founder, True Royalty TV. “While there is a surge in viewing currently during lockdown, more importantly, we see huge potential for long-term growth by capitalizing on the global demand for programming about the British Royal Family as well as ongoing structural changes in the way viewers consume TV content.”

(*after Apple, Amazon, Google, Brand Finance 2017)

For eligible investors see the company’s presentation on Crowdcube (capital at risk)

 About True Royalty

True Royalty was co-founded by Gregor Angus (CEO), Nick Bullen, and Edward Mason as the world’s first and only subscription video on demand service dedicated to providing fans with a wide selection of high-quality Royal programming. For more information visit www.trueroyalty.tv

PR Newswire

Vestiaire Collective Raises €59 Million to Support Its Community in Changing the Fashion Industry for a Better Tomorrow

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PARIS, April 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —

  • The new round brings on board Korelya Capital, funds managed by Fidelity International, Vaultier7 and Cuir Invest
  • Existing shareholders Eurazeo (Eurazeo Growth & Idinvest Venture funds), Bpifrance, Vitruvian Partners, Conde Nast, Luxury Tech Fund and Vestiaire Collective’s CEO, Max Bittner also reinvest
  •  The round will be used to:
    –     Continue transforming the fashion system while offering a smart, circular and responsible alternative to throw-away fashion
    –     Jointly explore the expansion of the global business into Japan and Korea through Korelya Capital, backed by Naver
    –     Expand the launch of Direct Shipping service in the US

Ahead of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary and in this unprecedented period of uncertainty, Vestiaire Collective, the leading global platform for desirable pre-owned fashion today announces the completion of a €59 million round of financing, existing shareholders reinvest alongside new investors Korelya Capital, which is backed by Korean technology conglomerate Naver, funds managed by Fidelity International,  Vaultier7, a specialist female-led consumer fund, and Cuir Invest, which is backed by the French Leather industry.

The current economic and ecological crisis are accelerating an existing shift in consumer mindset, driven by growing criticism of waste-producing business models, and increased desire for purpose-driven brand action. As a company, Vestiaire Collective is committed to limiting the waste produced by the fashion industry, by keeping clothes out of landfill and increasing the number of times they are worn today, for a better tomorrow.

As the leading global resale platform, this round demonstrates that the Vestiaire Collective model embodies the future of the fashion industry and unifies growing consumer sentiments. Following the COVID-19 crisis, we expect:

  • Further adoption of online shopping, but more importantly an increased focus on social values and communities, with more people supporting each other.
  • Consumers are set to become increasingly resourceful as they look to resale as an additional way to raise funds and find unexpected value in their wardrobe.
  • Environmental concerns will further drive a more conscious approach to consumption, as 20% of consumers expect to reduce their clothing consumption following the crisis*.

Vestiaire Collective has seen deposits and orders quickly rebound to the pre-COVID 19 baseline or above. During this challenging period this clearly demonstrates customer demand for circular business models, both now and looking ahead to the future of the rapidly evolving retail landscape.  

Vestiaire Collective encourages a move away from throwaway fashion towards quality that lasts and holds value. We believe that today, our community of over 9 million fashion activists will be proud to lead by example and spread the word converting more consumers to the cause. Because in the end, it’s not the big, impressive statements that will make the most impact, but the meaningful change taken every day by individuals, no matter how small or large. We trust Vaultier7 as members and ambassadors of the Vestiaire Collective community to help us build on this momentum by expanding in the most thoughtful way. We are also excited by their extraordinary network which will  support us in further unlocking underutilized personal luxury goods to meet the demand of buyers globally.

This new round of funding will also allow for further acceleration of Vestiaire Collective international business beyond the countries where the company’s community is already well established. Currently, over 80% of the French headquartered company’s transactions are already generated cross-border.

Thanks to Korelya Capital, which is backed by Korean technology conglomerate Naver, Vestiaire Collective will jointly explore the expansion towards Japan, the biggest resale market in the world, and Korea in 2020 and beyond.

Finally, this round will help us continue to drive ambitious growth in the US market and further develop our successful Direct Shipping model. Launched in Europe in September 2019 the service is increasingly popular with a growing number of customers. Currently already over 50% of orders in the EU are fulfilled through the new service, which is also growing at a rate of +60% MoM. The model will be launched in the United States in early summer followed by Asia before the end of 2020.

Max Bittner, CEO of Vestiaire Collective - Investment Announcement
Max Bittner, CEO of Vestiaire Collective – Investment Announcement

Max Bittner, Vestiaire Collective’s CEO comments:

“I am personally convinced that this unprecedented period of disruption will not only challenge where we shop but how we shop. Vestiaire Collective was built during the 2008 crisis, and proves today how it can help people in their daily life to make the most out of their belongings, but also to access fashion in a sustainable and conscious way. Everyday, I feel proud and amazed by our global community of fashion activists who are leading the way towards a brighter future.”

Paul Degueuse, General Partner of Korelya Capital says,

“As we all take a step back and contemplate the way we live, we believe consumption patterns are on the verge of a deep structural evolution, and C2C platforms have a strong role to play here. We see in Vestiaire Collective an emerging leader and catalyst of this upcoming disruption. We are extremely enthusiastic to support Vestiaire Collective and its founders in its expansion. There are tremendous opportunities for growth in Asia, and we look forward to helping the company accelerate its expansion in this part of the globe.”

Vaultier7 comments:

“Vestiaire Collective has transformed the way people consume desirable and luxury fashion with its trusted and inspirational resale model and we are truly proud to be there at this time to support them in their mission, and support buyers and sellers across the globe on their path to cautious, minded consumption, values which are more important than ever and which are at the core of Vaultier7.”

Frank Boehly, Président of SIC SA investor Cuir Invest, says,

“Cuir Invest is happy to support Vestiaire Collective, as it is a company with an impressive management team, and huge growth potential. We have been impressed by the technological quality of the solution, by the quality and the dynamism of the management team, and by their intelligent and sustainable approach to fashion. We truly believe that Vestiaire Collective can become the world leader in their sector.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:
*McKinsey Covid-19 response in Apparel and fashion study 

About

About Vestiairecollective.com Vestiaire Collective is the leading global platform for desirable pre-owned fashion. Curated by its trusted community of fashion lovers, members inspire one another whilst selling and buying unique pieces from each other’s wardrobes. Encouraging consumers to join the circular economy as a sustainable alternative to throw-away fashion, the platform is unique due to its highly engaged community, its rare desirable inventory and its authenticity and quality control process. Launched in Paris in October 2009, Vestiairecollective.com has over 9 million members across 90 countries worldwide with offices in Paris, London, New York, Milan, Berlin and Hong Kong. Over 60,000 new items are submitted by its community of sellers every week, which enables buyers to search amongst highly coveted and sold out fashion pieces whilst participating in the circular fashion movement. @vestiaireco

ABOUT VAULTIER7

Founded by experienced dealmakers Montse Suarez and Anna Sweeting, and backed by elite investors, Vaultier7 is the UK’s first specialist investment fund dedicated to partnering high growth category creators and disrupters in the converging sectors of Beauty & Personal Care, Health & Wellness and Lifestyle.

Vestiaire Collective - Investment Announcement
Vestiaire Collective – Investment Announcement

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PR Newswire

Vela Diagnostics receives BARDA funding to develop COVID-19 tests

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FAIRFIELD, N.J., April 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Vela Diagnostics has been awarded a $225,000 contract by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) part of the office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to develop manual and automated tests to detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The ViroKey™ SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test is a probe-based reverse transcription PCR test that detects the virus by targeting conserved regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome.

Under the agreement, Vela Diagnostics will perform verification and clinical validation of the ViroKey™ SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test to be used on automated and manual workflows for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Support from BARDA is expected to accelerate the progress toward EUA submission.

The automated ViroKey™ SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Test is performed on a workflow consisting of the Sentosa™ SX101 instrument, in conjunction with the Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Dx Real-Time (ABI 7500 Fast Dx) PCR instrument or the Sentosa™ SA201 instrument.

Up to 48 samples (including positive and negative controls) can be processed per run on the automated workflow. The manual assay was developed to enable flexible sample processing and quick adoption of the test by laboratories with existing ABI 7500 Fast Dx instruments.

High volume testing of SARS-CoV-2 is also critical in mitigating the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC recommends COVID-19 testing for individuals with symptoms associated with COVID-19 such as fever and acute respiratory illness.

“High throughput detection of SARS-CoV-2 using our automated workflow will provide rapid and valuable information to save lives,” said Sam Dajani, acting CEO and chairman of the Board. “The funding from BARDA will enable Vela Diagnostics to increase the domestic and global testing capacity for COVID-19 to curb further spread of the virus.”

“Rapid diagnostic tests put essential information into the hands of healthcare providers and patients to manage patient care safely and appropriately.  Data gathered from high-throughput testing aids public health officials in making decisions about community mitigation to combat the pandemic,” said BARDA Director Rick Bright, Ph.D.

To date, COVID-19 has affected 199 countries and territories around the world, with total cases exceeding a million in US, Europe and China combined and at least 100,000 fatalities worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic.

This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Division of Research Innovation and Ventures under Contract No. 75A50120C00039.

About Vela Diagnostics

Vela Diagnostics is a leading provider of an automated IVD Next–Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflow in the global diagnostics market. VELA’s real-time PCR and NGS applications are available on an integrated Sentosa™ platform; this provides a unique ability to leverage one system for two workflows, while carrying out tests for various targets in order to answer current clinical and research questions, as well as to drive laboratory operational efficiency.

All Sentosa™ products listed above are by Vela Diagnostics. For more information, visit www.veladx.com.

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