Belgian Startup SpectaCell Raises $6.5M to Speed Up Cancer Immunotherapy Testing

Jan de Vries · 2026-10-09

### A New Player in Cell Analysis SpectaCell, a Ghent-based startup, just emerged from stealth with $6.5 million (€6 million) in seed funding. The company spun out of imec, VIB, and Ghent University and is building a next-generation cell analysis platform for immunotherapy development. The round was led by imec.xpand, with participation from PMV's Flanders Future Tech Fund, InnovationQuarter Capital, Qbic, and VIB. That's a strong syndicate for a young company, and it signals serious confidence in the technology. ### What SpectaCell Actually Does SpectaCell's platform combines chip-based imaging with data analysis to measure how treatments affect individual cells. Unlike many existing tests that rely on indirect signals or averages across a sample, SpectaCell tracks large numbers of individual cells and their interactions directly, at high resolution and over time. - No fluorescent labels needed, which can interfere with cell behavior. - Cartridge-based instrument designed to deliver results in hours, not days. - One platform for early research, process development, and manufacturing quality checks. The company is targeting pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide, with applications in cell therapies and T-cell engagers that help immune cells recognize and attack cancer cells. ### Why This Matters for Immunotherapy Immunotherapies are opening new ways to treat cancer and immune system diseases. But predicting which candidates will work in patients and producing them consistently remain major challenges. Developers need a clearer view of what a treatment actually does, earlier in the process. Slow, fragmented testing can leave critical gaps and delay decisions while patients wait. As Tony Montoye, CEO and co-founder of SpectaCell, put it: "Breakthrough medicines need breakthrough tools. Researchers need to know much earlier which candidates deserve further investment and why." ### The Road Ahead SpectaCell plans to use the capital to fund further development and commercialization of its platform with pharma partners. The company was founded in 2026 by Mathieu Rabaey, Veronique De Vroey, Jan Van de Velde, and Tony Montoye. Benoit Devogelaere, Partner at imec.xpand, said, "SpectaCell brings together disruptive semiconductor technology, an experienced team and a major commercial opportunity in drug development and manufacturing. With applications across cell therapies, T-cell engagers and other advanced treatments, we see the potential to set a new industry standard." If SpectaCell delivers on its promise, it could become an essential tool for how new medicines are selected, developed, and produced. And that means better treatments reaching patients sooner.