On August 21, Mayor Vilnis Ķirsis of Riga visited the ISSP UL. The highlight of his tour was the Nanotechnology Center, where the founders of the ISSP UL spin-off, Cellbox Labs, provided an engaging overview of the facilities. They showcased state-of-the-art cleanrooms that maintain a consistent climate and pristine air quality year-round while sharing insights into their complex research processes.
For Mayor Ķirsis, the ISSP UL holds personal significance. The institute evokes cherished memories of watching his mother work in a chemistry lab, surrounded by impressive laboratory equipment and the thrill of scientific discovery.
Currently, ISSP UL is home to Cellbox Labs, a promising spin-off founded by researchers Gatis Mozoļevskis and Roberts Rimša from the Micro and Nanodevices Laboratory, alongside Artūrs Ābols from the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center. They are at the forefront of biotechnological innovation, focusing on developing organs-on-a-chip—miniature models that closely replicate human organ walls. This groundbreaking technology has the potential to transform drug testing for pharmaceutical companies by enhancing efficiency, reducing reliance on animal testing, and speeding up clinical trial processes.
The prospects for Cellbox Labs, founded right in Riga, are tremendous. Currently, the team consists of ten dedicated professionals, but plans are underway to double this number in the upcoming year. However, the spin-off faces challenges in recruiting highly qualified specialists. With the ongoing development of Riga’s "Knowledge Mile," there is hope that the city will attract more students, enriching the talent pool for this and other innovative enterprises.
