A startup that uses soundwaves to move cells in petri dishes has won a year’s membership to SETsquared Bristol, alongside £10,000 in prize funds. 

Impulsonics makes growing cells in the lab cheaper, faster and more reliable, by automating processes still done by hand in all but the biggest labs. Its patented technology “gently moves cells” using sound waves, “reducing the cost by an order of magnitude” without breaking the cells’ sterile housing, according to CEO, Dr Luke Cox. 

Impulsonics won the top prize at the University of Bristol’s New Enterprise Competition (NEC), which each year awards £50,000 in funding and prizes to entrepreneurial students, staff and alumni. 

Luke Cox said: “We’ve talked to more than 150 people in the biotech industry to find out exactly what they need, and we’ve already had several expressions of interest in our technology. 

“To help develop our first product we’re currently raising in our first funding round – so get in touch if you want to be involved.” 

In the longer term, Impulsonics’ technology will build clusters of cells that mimic human organs, helping to reduce the cost of testing drugs in the pre-clinical stage. 

Remap Mental Fitness, a platform promoting mental wellbeing and physical health, also joins SETsquared Bristol with a free 6-month membership as their competition prize. Through educational materials, interactive workshops and personalised support, it empowers individuals to proactively prioritise mental wellness, fostering resilience and overall well-being. 

Kimberley Brook, Director at SETsquared Bristol, said: “We are always impressed by the quality of student enterprises who come through this competition, and this year has been no different. We are delighted to offer both Impulsonics and Remap a place on our incubation programme, to take their companies to the next level.” 

Previous awardees of the New Enterprise Competition include RouteZero, Milbotix, KETS Quantum Security, LettUs Grow and UltraLeap.