Semarion raises $3.8M to scale cell assay technology

Semarion, a University of Cambridge spin-out from the Cavendish Laboratory, has raised $3.8 million in funding to support the expansion of its cell-based screening technology. The round was led by Parkwalk, with participation from The FSE Group, Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, Oxford Innovation Finance, Found Capital, Cambridge Capital Group, and Start Codon.

This round follows the company’s $2.89 million seed funding raised in 2022 and marks a further step in scaling its platform.

Semarion develops next-generation tools for cell-based drug discovery by combining materials engineering, microfabrication, and cell biology. Its proprietary SemaCyte platform enables adherent cells to be used as barcoded, assay-ready, and automation-compatible reagents, allowing researchers to multiplex cell models, increase throughput, and generate richer datasets within existing laboratory workflows.

By addressing key limitations in adherent cell assays, the technology is designed to improve efficiency and data generation in drug discovery processes.

The company is seeing increasing traction across the industry, with its technology already adopted by several global pharmaceutical organisations, including top 10 pharma companies, and pilot programmes progressing toward wider commercial deployment across the US and Europe.

In parallel, Semarion has established collaborations with life sciences tools providers, integrating its technology into imaging, analysis, and automated liquid handling workflows.

The new funding will support Semarion in scaling manufacturing of the SemaCyte platform while advancing its commercial expansion. It will also be used to strengthen field application support and facilitate broader adoption of the technology among pharmaceutical and life sciences partners, as the company responds to growing industry demand.