Cytek Biosciences fuels discoveries with cell analysis

Fighting disease through cell analysis

Flow cytometry is a powerful analytical tool used for identifying cellular characteristics on a cell-by-cell basis, up to tens of thousands of cells per second. To break it down: cells (cyto) are measured (metry) in a liquid (flow) such as blood. The results of a flow experiment are generally used by researchers to measure the effectiveness of a certain therapy (e.g. for cancer), diagnosing certain conditions such as lymphomas and HIV, or detecting residual diseases after organ transplants by allowing individual cells to be checked for mutations and other concerns. 

Growing rapidly in Amsterdam

Founded in Fremont, California, Cytek Biosciences launched its European operations in Amsterdam in 2019, headed by Lars J.T. Droog. Despite a bumpy start due to COVID-19, Droog says Cytek has seen strong growth. From its office at the Amsterdam Health and Technology Institute (AHTI), Cytek runs its support services for its European operations: customer service, finance, HR, IT, supply chain management as well as the training and repair centre. 

“We strive to be a full solutions provider, taking away any concern the client might have around the technology. This is why we now also offer reagents [indicators that change colour to confirm the presence or absence of another chemical], we have GDP certified storage facilities (quality storage especially for medicines) with temperature control, and we hold stock to quickly meet demand. We’re constantly developing, most recently through collaboration with environmentally friendly packaging solutions."

Connectivity and collaboration in Amsterdam

Being in the Amsterdam Area at the heart of Europe’s life science and health industry has paid off for Cytek. They've made use of the local talent pool, opportunities for collaboration, and fast access to the continent via Amsterdam’s ports. 

“Every European country has its pros and cons as well as specific rules. That’s why we looked for the most suitable place for supporting the variety of markets within Europe. The Netherlands turned out to be a great gateway for the rest of Europe, everything is now run through Amsterdam. We have a great partnership with the authorities, the business climate is great, and everything is organised in an easy, professional way. Collaborating is in our DNA, that’s also why working with all partners in the chain is going very well.

Due to the fact that we have instruments, parts and reagents in stock here, we are able to offer services like next day delivery and white glove delivery; we can deliver everything straight to the lab, install it and have it ready for use for our clients. Connectivity is key for a global organisation like ours, so being accessible to both our regional and our international connections is very important. In the search for our new location we were very charmed by AHTI – it’s a great space with like-minded people. In that sense, it allows us to seek out partnerships during the meetups that are arranged in the building. It’s always great to work with others and see where you can strengthen each other, and help each other grow.”