At Investival Showcase 2024, Medace’s Chief Business Officer Kurt Gielen presented how Medace enables startups and researchers to overcome critical barriers in developing biomedical innovations. With a flexible, collaborative model, Medace provides access to GMP-compliant and ISO-classified cleanrooms, training, and expertise—helping innovators bring their ideas to life efficiently and effectively.
A model for innovation
Startups and researchers face significant hurdles when advancing healthcare solutions:
- High costs of building and maintaining cleanroom facilities
- Gaps in regulatory, operational, and quality knowledge
- Limited flexibility in traditional CDMO models
Medace bridges this gap with a unique work-learning model that combines accessible infrastructure, expertise, and hands-on collaboration. “We came up with a model that merges the best of the CMO and DIY approach,” Kurt explained. “Our goal is to provide flexible, accessible facilities and end-to-end support, while ensuring companies gain the expertise they need to eventually stand on their own.”
“Innovation happens when you combine the strengths of researchers, startups, and clinicians – surrounded by the right expertise and resources.”
— Kurt Gielen, Chief Business Officer at Medace
Real results: client success stories
During the presentation, Kurt highlighted three inspiring client cases. One of these examples was RiboPro, a Dutch company specializing in the manufacturing of mRNA-based products. When RiboPro partnered with Medace, they had little knowledge of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards and faced significant barriers to scaling their operations. “We strive for mRNA producers to become experts in GMP clinical manufacturing of their product,” Kurt said. Instead of taking on the role of a traditional CDMO, Medace worked closely with RiboPro’s team, transferring knowledge, training staff, and providing ready-to-use cleanrooms. This approach allowed RiboPro to scale their production capabilities without the heavy financial burden of building their own facilities.
Another standout story was that of Mariano Innovations, a South African startup driven by Dr. Paulo, an arthroplasty surgeon with a vision to revolutionize joint simulations in Africa. Dr. Paulo faced significant challenges. “As we can all imagine, facilities and resources in Africa are much more limited than what we’re used to here in Europe or the US,” Kurt explained. The specific equipment Dr. Paulo needed—a highly specialized joint simulator—was not available anywhere in South Africa, in fact only two are accessible in the Benelux. The equipment supplier who knows the Medace concept well asked Medace to step in to help. “We worked together to set up the testing, combining his clinical expertise with our resources and knowledge,” Kurt said. Medace even facilitated a researcher in Maastricht to assist Dr. Paulo remotely, before he eventually came to the Netherlands to conduct tests himself. “This case shows how a flexible model, combined with collaboration across borders, can enable life-changing innovations—even in regions with limited resources,” Kurt shared. The work Medace supported is now paving the way for further advances in joint simulation and orthopedic care.
A vision for the future
Kurt concluded his presentation with a forward-looking vision for Medace. “Our goal isn’t just to grow the biggest facility in Maastricht. We want to bring these facilities closer to innovators across Europe—and beyond.” Medace is already exploring opportunities to establish similar hubs in regions like London, Switzerland, and southern Europe. The long-term goal is to create a global network of collaborative spaces where startups, researchers, and clinicians can access the resources they need to bring their innovations to life. “Innovation happens when you combine the strengths of researchers, startups, and clinicians—surrounded by the right expertise and resources,” Kurt concludes.
If you’re looking to overcome the barriers of clinical development and bring your healthcare innovation to market, discover how Medace can help. Let’s accelerate (bio)medical innovation—together.
