Revolutionising Organoid Research with High-Containment Robotics and Cutting-Edge Automated Labs

iiCON Platform 3 – Impact Case Study

Human organoid research is revolutionising infection R&D, providing groundbreaking methods to combat some of the world’s most formidable and deadly infections. At the forefront of this revolution, iiCON and consortium lead, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), are creating a state-of-the-art containment level 3 organoid facility. Led by Professor Janet Hemingway, a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, and engineers is propelling this ambitious project forward to enhance organoid platform capabilities.

Supported by £10 million in Innovation Zone funding and additional grants from the Wolfson Foundation and RED/UKRI, this cutting-edge facility will be equipped with advanced automation and AI tools. These technologies will empower researchers and commercial partners to efficiently generate organoids and safely study their interactions with pathogens and new drug actives, accelerating the development of innovative treatments.

This ground breaking facility will significantly bolster iiCON’s ability to commercialise its pioneering organoid R&D platform. By fostering industry innovation, streamlining research processes, and expanding collaborative efforts, this advanced laboratory will accelerate the creation of new treatments and products. It will make this highly specialised resource accessible to a broader range of companies, both nationally and internationally, ushering in a new era of medical advancements.