Amsterdam’s LUMICKS lands €20M to revolutionise cancer drug discovery

Funding to accelerate cancer immunotherapy research

LUMICKS, a leader in life sciences tools, has secured €20 million in venture debt from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to accelerate the development and launch of its advanced cell avidity (how tightly immune cells, like T-cells, attach to their target cells, such as cancer cells) technology, and streamline cancer immunotherapy research. The investment, supported by the European Commission’s InvestEU initiative, will enable LUMICKS to push the boundaries of drug discovery, particularly in the fight against cancer.

What makes LUMICKS so innovative?

Founded in 2014, LUMICKS has become a key player in the life sciences tools industry, employing 170 people globally. The company’s technologies are widely used by top research institutions, with its innovative Cell Avidity platform addressing a major challenge in immunotherapy: the lack of tools to directly measure interactions between immune cells, such as CAR-T cells (cells that are genetically engineered in a lab to fight cancer cells), and cancer cells. 

LUMICKS' Cell Avidity technology provides high-throughput measurements of interactions between immune and cancer cells, helping researchers optimise therapies more efficiently. This next-generation platform aims to replace traditional screening methods, speeding up the development of life-saving treatments. With recent funding, LUMICKS aims to bring this technology to market, improving the drug discovery process and increasing success rates in clinical trials.

Amsterdam setting the standard in medical research and innovation

Amsterdam is a prosperous hub for research and development, with over 4,000 Life Sciences and Health companies in the region. The €20 million InvestEU investment in LUMICKS aims to support life sciences innovation and create jobs across Europe.

Key players driving research and development in the region include NKI (The Netherlands Cancer Institute) based in Amsterdam. It is a leading cancer centre, ranked among the top 10 globally and recognised by the European Academy of Cancer Sciences as a "Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence in Translational Research."

Another key institution is the Amsterdam UMC - Cancer Center, known for its work in preventing, detecting, and treating cancer. The UMC recently launched its new research & diagnostics Center, ADORE. Aiding top scientists from Cancer Center Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience to collaborate and develop new treatments for cancer and brain diseases, a partnership that is unique in Europe.

Read more about the LSH landscape and innovation districts in Amsterdam