Cellis, a Polish biotech startup, emerged as the top winner at the 2024 Innovation Radar Prize for its transformative MDC platform, an advanced cell-based immunotherapy that reprograms the tumour microenvironment to overcome drug resistance in multiple aggressive cancers. This technology, recognised for its potential to reshape cancer treatment, is part of a new wave of high-impact innovations stemming from EU-funded research initiatives.
The Innovation Radar Prize, backed by the European Commission, is part of the Innovation Radar Bridge project—a series of events that connects Europe’s most promising innovators with influential investors and policymakers. Co-organised by Dealflow.eu and The Europas, this year’s event provided a unique platform for startups to showcase high-potential technologies to a panel of distinguished investors and stakeholders from across Europe and beyond. As part of the prize, this year’s winners will participate at the EU-Startups Summit 2025 in Malta.
Category standouts in health, sustainability, and nextgen tech
This year’s awards recognised pioneering achievements across diverse sectors, including Health, Sustainability, and NextGen Tech. Estonian startup Gelatex received the Health Award for its nanofiber technology, which is revolutionizing applications in wound care and drug discovery. Spanish startup AEinnova won in the Sustainability category for its innovative, battery-free IoT devices that harness industrial waste heat, reducing environmental impact. In the NextGen Tech category, quantum computing startup Qilimanjaro from Spain was celebrated for its Quantum Application Specific Solutions (QASICs), a practical quantum solution already delivering benefits to the industry.
A decade of European innovation and investment
Reflecting on the tenth anniversary of the Innovation Radar Prize, Thijs Povel, Managing Partner of Dealflow.eu, emphasised the event’s role in spotlighting Europe’s most promising technologies and its successful track record in connecting innovators with valuable resources and investors. According to Povel: “It’s inspiring to see how the tenth edition of the Innovation Radar Prize brought together such a dynamic mix of innovators and investors. The level of companies pitching was exceptional, reflecting the significant efforts of the European Commission in supporting and financing Europe’s most promising startups. The continued drive from these young companies is proof of Europe’s capability to lead globally in innovation.”
Povel highlighted how the event’s jury, which included several prominent investors from both Europe and the U.S., faced a challenging task in selecting winners from a diverse group of impressive innovations. He noted that the collaboration between investors and innovators is pivotal for fostering a thriving European tech landscape and furthering Europe’s contributions to global technological advancements.
A gathering of European innovators and investors
Held in Lisbon ahead of the Web Summit, the Innovation Radar Prize event drew over 200 participants, including entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. The event was supported by Eura AG, Dealroom.co, Startup Lisboa, the European Startup Nations Alliance (ESNA), EU-Startups, and Unicorn Factory Lisboa. This gathering reflects the importance of cross-border partnerships and networks that help European startups scale their innovations on a global stage.
As EU-supported startups like Cellis, Gelatex, AEinnova, and Qilimanjaro continue to advance solutions with worldwide impact, the Innovation Radar Prize underscores Europe’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge technology and strengthening its innovation ecosystem. Through initiatives like this, the European Commission supports a new generation of tech-driven solutions that are poised to make a significant social and economic impact.
Looking ahead: Innovation Pulse in Vienna
The final stop on this year’s Innovation Radar Bridge Tour will be in Vienna with Innovation Pulse: Shaping Europe’s Startup and Policy Future. This free event, set for November 29 at WeXelerate in Vienna, invites EU-funded startups, investors, policymakers, and researchers to explore the future of Europe’s startup ecosystem. With a focus on building networks, aligning research with investment, and advancing deep tech, Innovation Pulse provides an essential platform for those looking to influence and strengthen Europe’s tech landscape. Register here!
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2024/11/polish-startup-cellis-wins-the-2024-innovation-radar-prize-with-breakthrough-immunotherapy-innovation/
