Omivera receives UNIIQ investment to improve cancer drug development
A new Zuid-Holland startup is tackling a critical challenge in cancer drug development. Omivera, based in Leiden, receives a €350,000 investment from the proof-of-concept fund UNIIQ to further develop its technology and bring it to market.
Seeing how cancer drugs behave inside living cells
Cancer drugs often behave differently in laboratory models than in patients, making it difficult to predict which treatments will ultimately be effective. Omivera addresses this challenge by enabling researchers to observe, at an early stage, how cancer drugs act inside living cells.
At the core of Omivera’s innovation is CellEKT, a technology platform that reveals drug behaviour within living cells rather than simplified test systems. Developed at Leiden University, CellEKT builds on fundamental research supported by the Oncode Institute and has progressed towards application with support from the Oncode Accelerator, which focuses on translating academic breakthroughs into real-world use.
From academic research to real-world application
Omivera was founded in 2025 by Joel Rüegger, Anthe Janssen and Zoë Vogelaar and builds on years of academic research. Together with academic and industry partners, the team has already implemented CellEKT in cultured cells and is now extending the platform to biologically more complex systems. This expansion enables use across the full lead optimisation phase, up to clinical translation.
With the UNIIQ investment, Omivera will establish its own laboratory in Leiden, expand the team beyond the founding members and work towards first market adoption.
“With this initial funding, we can turn years of academic work into real-world impact, taking something we have built over a long time in the lab and finally bringing it closer to patients. That means a lot to me.”
— Joel Rüegger, co-founder of Omivera
Beyond capital, Omivera will benefit from UNIIQ’s network and expertise, supporting the team in further developing its technology, building partnerships and preparing for future growth.
Strengthening Zuid-Holland’s life sciences ecosystem
By helping research-driven startups take their first steps towards market adoption, UNIIQ contributes to the strength of Zuid-Holland’s life sciences ecosystem by supporting innovation at its earliest stage.
The €350,000 round is co-financed by UNIIQ and Libertatis Ergo Holding BV (LEH), the knowledge transfer office of Leiden University. UNIIQ invests €175,000 through the EFRO “Kansen voor West” programme, supporting early-stage innovation in the region.
About Omivera
Omivera is a spin-off from Leiden University, building on decades of research in chemical biology and chemical proteomics. Based at the Leiden Bio Science Park, Omivera operates within one of Europe’s leading life science clusters. Its proprietary CellEKT technology supports pharmaceutical and biotech partners in generating actionable insights earlier in the drug discovery process, bridging the gap between academic research and pharmaceutical development.
