Atelerix

Newcastle University spin-out Atelerix has developed transformative technology that helps researchers and businesses store and transport biological materials safely at ambient temperatures, removing the need for refrigeration.

This overcomes the barriers and limitations of the current need for cryo-shipping. The company uses a patented process of encapsulating the cells and tissues in a natural alginate hydrogel made from seaweed. The cells and tissues can be recovered when needed by the addition of a gentle, cell-friendly buffer.

The method is practical and adaptable, opening up the market for the supply of cells and assays in a ready-to-use format, allowing cell suppliers to scale up their businesses, increase the range of assays available to consumers and improve access to stem cell therapy. Benefits include predictability and reliability in drug discovery models and for cells used as therapies, the opportunity for customers to use cells and assays immediately on arrival and removing the need for cryopreservation, or the alternative need for cytotoxic or animal-derived supplements.

In May 2019 Atelerix announced they’d closed a second round of funding of £700,000 to accelerate development of its products to market. This was followed by a £500,000 funding round in February 2024, and most recently, in February 2025, the company secured an additional £750,000, further fuelling its mission to revolutionise bioscience logistics.

Atelerix is backed by Northern Accelerator, an innovative collaboration between Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland, Teesside and York Universities that has transformed research commercialisation in the North East, helping address regional imbalance and strengthening the region’s knowledge economy.

Northern Accelerator supports academics and business leaders to create promising spin-out businesses from their world-leading academic research: businesses which in turn create high quality jobs and raise significant investment in the North East and North Yorkshire.