BioCell Analytica – Striving to make the world cleaner and healthier

BioCell Analytica, founded by Johan Lundqvist and Agneta Oskarsson, is a pioneer in the analysis of chemical pollutants. Their work, born from research at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), is already making a noticeable impact on our environment and health.

Biocell Analytica

A key to the future of environmental analysis

BioCell Analytica employs a revolutionary method to detect harmful health and environmental substances in water, soil, and other materials. Rather than analyzing individual chemicals, their technology measures the total toxicity of samples.

– What we do is, instead of just measuring individual chemicals, we analyze entire environmental samples and measure their overall toxicity. We can see the whole iceberg, not just the tip. This means we can detect unknown hazards and mixture effects that were previously invisible, says Johan Lundqvist.

This unique method is based on the use of cultured human and animal cells. With these, BioCell Analytica can detect the potential harmful effects of chemical mixtures, offering a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods while reducing the need for animal testing.

From research and innovation to commercialization

BioCell Analytica began as a project to develop new analytical methods in collaboration with drinking water producers. After several years of work, Johan and Agneta decided their innovation was ready for commercial application.

– Our idea for the company was born out of real-world problems. We worked closely with water producers during the research project to ensure we met actual needs. When we realized the methods were ready for use, it felt natural to start BioCell Analytica, explains Johan Lundqvist.

With the support of UIC, they took the leap to establish the company, which provided the extra push needed to enter the market.

– As researchers, we had no experience running a company. UIC gave us the tools we needed to organize our thoughts, create a business plan, and understand what it takes to succeed. It was truly transformative, says Johan.

From UIC Build to the Accelerator program

The UIC Build program was an essential first step, giving Johan and Agneta a crash course in entrepreneurship.

– We learned everything from sales to finance and marketing. The business plan we developed there has been a cornerstone of our growth, Johan shares.

BioCell Analytica then advanced to UIC’s accelerator program, where they received access to business coaches with diverse expertise.

– The program was fantastic because the support was tailored to our needs. We started with a coach who helped with sales, then one with expertise in the water industry, and finally a business strategist who guided us in scaling up the business, Johan explains.

UIC’s business coaches were instrumental in the company’s development, as was UIC’s extensive network. Networking provided multiple advantages, including opportunities to talk with other companies at the same stage and find investors.

– Being part of a startup ecosystem was incredibly valuable. Many of the challenges we faced were shared with other companies, regardless of the industry. We constantly gained new perspectives and ideas, says Johan.

Johan and Agneta

Heading toward international expansion

Today, BioCell Analytica has seven employees and a state-of-the-art analysis lab. The company collaborates with water and sewage companies, authorities, and other organizations to identify and solve pollution problems in water and the environment.

– We help water and sewage companies detect pollutants and test solutions. Our methods are used to identify problems and also to test various purification techniques. It feels fantastic to contribute to making the world cleaner and safer, Johan shares.

The future looks bright for the company. Beyond expanding within Sweden, BioCell Analytica has begun taking its methods beyond national borders, targeting the Nordic countries and the UK.

– This isn’t just a Swedish problem. Pollution in the environment is a global challenge, and we’re ready to take our solution international, says Johan.

Johan also highlights the personal significance of their work:

– What we do isn’t just technically innovative; it’s also meaningful. We’re solving real problems that impact people’s lives and the environment. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

BioCell Analytica stands as an excellent example of how research and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand to create a better world.

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