SpectaCell's $6.5M Bet to Speed Up Immunotherapy

Jan de Vries · 2026-10-09

### SpectaCell Launches with $6.5M to Transform Cell Analysis SpectaCell, a new startup from Ghent, Belgium, just launched with $6.5 million in seed funding to change how we analyze cells for immunotherapy. The company spun out of imec, VIB, and Ghent University, and it's on a mission to make drug development faster and more precise. The funding round was led by imec.xpand, with support from PMV's Flanders Future Tech Fund, InnovationQuarter Capital, Qbic, and VIB. That's a strong vote of confidence for a company that's barely out of the gate. ### Why Cell Analysis Needs a Shake-Up Immunotherapies are rewriting the rules for treating cancer and immune diseases. But there's a catch: it's still incredibly hard to predict which treatments will work in patients and to manufacture them consistently. Current testing methods are slow and fragmented, often leaving critical gaps in understanding. As Tony Montoye, CEO and co-founder of SpectaCell, puts it: "Breakthrough medicines need breakthrough tools. Researchers need to know much earlier which candidates deserve further investment and why." He adds that SpectaCell is building a new standard in cell analysis with detailed insights, results within hours, and a simple workflow that connects research with manufacturing. ### How SpectaCell's Tech Works SpectaCell's platform combines chip-based imaging with advanced data analysis to track individual cells and their interactions at high resolution over time. Unlike many existing tests that rely on indirect signals or averages, this technology captures what's happening cell by cell. It doesn't need fluorescent labels that can mess with cell behavior, either. The company is developing a cartridge-based instrument that delivers insights in hours instead of days. It's designed for pharmaceutical and biotech companies, as well as specialist manufacturers worldwide. Here's what sets it apart: - Measures how treatments affect individual cells directly - Provides results in hours, not days - Works without fluorescent labels - Single platform from early research to manufacturing quality checks ### The Bigger Picture SpectaCell's tech could be a game-changer for cell therapies and T-cell engagers—treatments that help immune cells recognize and attack cancer. By giving developers a clearer view of what a treatment actually does, it could speed up decisions and get better medicines to patients sooner. Benoit Devogelaere, Partner at imec.xpand, says: "SpectaCell brings together disruptive semiconductor technology, an experienced team and a major commercial opportunity in drug development and manufacturing. We are convinced that SpectaCell can become essential to how new medicines are selected, developed and produced." With this fresh capital, SpectaCell plans to further develop and commercialize its platform with pharma partners. If all goes well, it could set a new industry standard and build a globally competitive life sciences business. For those in the US watching European startup news, this is one to keep an eye on. The company's approach could ripple across the Atlantic, influencing how immunotherapies are developed and manufactured here too. Founded in 2026 by Mathieu Rabaey, Veronique De Vroey, Jan Van de Velde, and Tony Montoye, SpectaCell is already making waves. And with $6.5 million behind it, the waves are only going to get bigger.